Castlecomer Demesne in Co Kilkenny is the setting for one of the most unusual artistic events of the year. Eight Irish and international sculptors are creating work from the natural materials of the demesne in the Exploring Woodland exhibition, which began on Monday and runs until September 25th.
The event offers the public the opportunity to see top sculptors at work, developing and completing their pieces.
The Irish-based artists selected to take part are Peter O'Carroll, Saturio Alonso, Pamela Hill, Breda Marron and Derek Whitticase. They are joined at the demesne by Naomi Seki from Japan, Colin Wright from England and Karl Ciesluk from Canada.
Exploring Woodland is part of a plan to restore and renew the demesne as a parkland with walks, picnic areas and a sculpture trail. Each artist is using the woodland's natural materials - logs, leaves, earth, twigs, grasses etc - to create pieces exhibiting a cross-section of contemporary art practice, from traditional carving and construction to site-specific and ephemeral work.
The public will have access to the work in progress on special open afternoons and on Saturday, September 25th, between 2.30 and 5 p.m.
They will have the opportunity to meet the artists and follow the development of their work over the three-week period.
But visiting such an open-air art gallery can be a mucky business. People are advised to wear walking shoes or boots. To visit all eight artists will take about an hour.
The demesne is at the edge of Castlecomer. It was part of Castlecomer House estate, covers more than 150 acres and includes man-made caves and panoramic views across the countryside.