A piece of contemporary art sculpture in Mayo is the latest addition to the ongoing programme of public artwork in both Mayo and other parts of the country.
The design by visual artist Cathal McCarthy is being launched by Mayo County Council in Westport this weekend.
"All is Well" explores the theme of "Living on the Hill" with the residents of Tubber Hill housing development in Westport.
Cathal McCarthy has been working in collaboration with local poet Mary C. Reilly on the project. Together they have facilitated arts workshops with residents and friends and activities included creative writing for adults and young people, poetry reading, rapping, circus skills, painting and sculpture.
Cathal has created four specially designed panels that will be incorporated into the railings at the steps in the green area.
The panel design is a combination of poetry and patterns from nature. Each panel displays a line from a poem, including poetry written by residents at workshops and poetry by Mary C. Reilly and Paddy Guthrie.
Mayo County Council advertised for the public art commission and Cathal McCarthy's proposal was successful. After working on this project, he said: "It was a wonderful experience working with all the residents of Tubber Hill estate in collaboration with local poet Mary C. Reilly. This public art project is testament to what can be achieved when creative opportunities are made available for people to participate in."
The project was commissioned by Mayo County Council and funded through the Percent for Art Scheme by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Ann Marie McGing, Arts Officer with Mayo Council Council said: "Public Art plays an invaluable role in enlivening our shared public spaces, shaping and reflecting community identities and creating opportunities for social engagement. For artists it’s an opportunity to make and share work with a broader public."
There are other examples of Cathal McCarthy's work around Co Mayo which explore the boundaries between art, poetry, community, nature and scientific enquiry.
His permanent public art installation, "Word Tree" was commissioned in 2020 by Sancta Maria secondary school in Louisburgh.
The external sculpture which reads as a poem was fabricated into a tree like form of mirror polished stainless steel composed of 273 individual letters.
The Player sculpture is located on the N17 at Ballindine. The sculpture commemorates the life and work of Martin Donohue who established the Disabled Drivers Association at Ballindine and who was a well-known accordion player and music teacher.
