That big green stripey cat so often mentioned by economic commentators has become a Celtic myth. So say some of the participants in an unusual exhibition next weekend in Galway's Black Box Theatre.
The "Celtic maze" is an enormous three-dimensional creation of paper, cardboard and paint made by more than 1,000 local schoolchildren under the watchful eye of Ken Parker.
Parker, a Belfast-based community artist, spends much of his time in primary schools. He featured in The Wall, a BBC film which traced the development of what is claimed to be the largest mural on the island from its inception to completion on a factory wall in Killyleagh, Co Down.
He was also the originator of the "Biggest Artwork in Ireland", which covered the entire floor space, 500 square metres, in the Black Box in 1997.
The work of more senior artists is also on display this week at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology's recently renovated Cluain Mhuire campus. Pre Mete is the title of the Diploma Show 99, put together by graduating institute art students. The exhibition reflects the range of media studied, from sculpture to paint, print, multimedia and textiles.
Pre Mete is open to the public at Monivea Road, Galway, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day this week. Visitors can view the Celtic Maze at the Black Box Theatre from Friday until Sunday, June 27th.