Unselfish Art

Ireland | Ruth Garvey-Williams

Stunning landscapes and a rich cultural heritage make the Inishowen peninsula in Co. Donegal, Ireland, a top-choice destination for artists.  But while this small area is proving lucrative for many Irish painters, a group of American artists came with a very different goal in mind.

“I wanted to give something back to the community and not be selfish with my art,” explained Courtney Cross from Atlanta, Georgia.

Painting murals to brighten up the walls of a deserted factory building and running workshops for schoolchildren and young people with special needs were among the projects the art students took on during their 12-day stay in Ireland.

The seven students with a staff member from Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia, USA, along with OM Artslink co-ordinator Geinene Carson were part of a community art project organised by OM Ireland.  Working from an open studio in the centre of town, the artists supported the on-going work of OM Ireland by building relationships with local people and serving the community in Buncrana.

Inspirational

Town mayor, Padraig Mac Lochlainn was delighted with the project.  “I am immensely proud of what you have done,” he told the group.  “I think it is hugely important for young people to give back to communities and to inspire other young people. 

“We have a big challenge in Ireland today where it is very hard for young people with all of the pressures of drugs and alcohol and all of the difficulties they face. It is inspirational to see young people coming into our community, giving freely of their time and doing the work that you’ve done.”

United and motivated by their love for God and their desire to serve the local community, the team worked hard to research and produce an incredible range of paintings, drawings, photographs, poems and other art work, as well as four large murals.  Some of the art work was sold to raise money for youth facilities in the town. 

Jenessa Carder from Texas said, “I saw how our prayers were answered throughout the week.  We got a ton of work done in a short amount of time.  Seeing God work was really amazing.”

Surprise visit

On one occasion the team was caught by surprise when a group of 15 children from a local primary school turned up at the studio unexpectedly.  Undeterred, they quickly organised opportunities for the youngsters to get involved in helping to paint the murals and creating chalk drawings on the pavements (sidewalk) outside.

Cartoonist Mark Montgomery was soon in demand drawing caricatures of each child.   “The kids enjoyed them.  They laughed.  I drew one kid at least four or five times and at one time he wanted me to draw a picture of him holding up the World Cup.”

Working with a group of young adults with special needs proved another highlight for many team members. 

“It was a delightful experience,” commented Lessie Bryce who is the chaplain at the art college and led the group.    “It was a special time of interacting with these young people, seeing the smiles on their faces and giving them an opportunity to do some art work.  They were so excited about all of that.”

Colourful

The youngsters decorated the pavement (sidewalk) outside the studio with colourful chalk drawings and created mosaics and collages representing the beach.  Their artwork was mounted and shown in the art exhibition at the end of the week.

At the end of the project, the murals were put on public display on the walls of a deserted factory building close to Buncrana’s shore front.  Depicting scenes from the area’s rich history, the paintings bring colour and life to a bare stretch of wall.

OM Ireland worker, Andrew Garvey-Williams organised the programme.  An artist himself, Andrew created one of the four murals, celebrating the connection* between Lough Swilly and the world-famous hymn ‘Amazing Grace’.  He was grateful for the chance to use his skills again and for the stimulation of working with other artists.

Building bridges

Andrew was also delighted with the way in which the team connected with local people.  “The students were enthusiastic and motivated to serve and bless people here in Buncrana,” he said. 

 “Many people here are sincerely religious but the town still faces a lot of problems, especially among the young people.   Art is just one way that we want to build bridges and be a blessing in this community.  Ultimately our desire is to demonstrate what it means to have a living relationship with Jesus and share what He has done in our lives.

“This is exactly what the team did.  They have left behind a lasting legacy – not just the murals, which are fantastic, but also their hard work, their positive attitude and the kindness and love they demonstrated throughout their visit which were a tremendous testimony to everyone they met.”

*OM Ireland leader Mike Mullins discovered a link between the Inishowen coastline and hymn writer, John Newton who came to faith in a storm on the Atlantic Ocean .  After the violent storm, John Newton and his ship, the Greyhound found haven in Lough Swilly, ‘saved’ by God’s grace.

 

Credit: Ruth Garvey-Williams
© 2006 OM International