Laois Culture Night 2011

Laois Culture Night 2011

Laois was a hive of activity for Culture Night 2011 on the 23rd September.  Events in the Arthouse  and Library in Stradbally included Workshops led by Karen Hendy and Laura Byrne, and a jewellery design display by Helena Malone.  Young and old were entertained by Jeca Brazil who hosted  a magical show.. A performance by young members of the Ros Carrig traditional music group took place, this was followed by a classical guitar performance by Laois School of Music led by tutor Maurice Daly.The evening concluded with a “Hidden Things” –  a poetry and painting collaboration with Jean O’Brien, poet and Ray Murphy.

At the Dunamaise Arts Centre the launch of an Exhibition by Joe Hogan basket weaver took place.  Also the Children’s Gallery hosted an exhibition titled “Crop Marks” celebrating 15 years in business by Penhouse Design.  A basket weaving demonstration by Martin Sinnott also took place.

In Helena Malone’s work studio on James Fintan Lalor Avenue people were invited to decorate the walls of the studio with their own favourite jewellery designs.  The Parish Centre hosted a Céilí le Chéile Evening led by Maureen Culleton.  In Portlaoise Library Jack Lynch provided an evening of Storytelling. In Áras an Chontae, poet Arthur Broomfield Reading gave a workshop on how to unlock the meanings within poetry.Ann Egan hosted a creative writing workshop in Ballylinan Library.

Heritage trail walks were held in Portlaoise and in Abbeyleix and there was a free guided tour of Emo Court 

In Mountmellick the Mountmellick Museum extended their opening hours and provided free tours.  In the Library Mountmellick artist Una McCormack painting live in the Art Gallery and Laois County Council Choir gave a concert. This was followed by a talk by best-selling author Monica McInerney.

The Arts Office who co-ordinated the day were delighted with the success and are already planning events for Culture Night 2012.