IMAGES of Limerick as seen through the eyes of its youngest citizens will be displayed in a unique exhibition, unveiled in the city last night.
The Limerick I Love exhibition features the work of 400 children from primary schools across the city and county.
The young photographers, aged from five to 12, were invited to take photos of whatever they love about their city. All of the images will be used to brighten up the windows of vacant buildings and retail outlets in the city.
All the entries were enlarged and framed and will be exhibited at the Bedford Row centre (the Old Central Cinema) until Saturday before they go on display around the city, including at the new Thomas Street Centre.
The novel idea was the brainchild of Limerick Co-ordination Office, which works to promote a positive image of Limerick.
“The children took inspiration from Thomond Park to the People’s Park and the river Shannon to their families, friends, pets and locality. We were astounded with the quality of the photographs and the imagination of the children,” said Laura Ryan, spokeswoman for the Limerick Co-ordination Office.
“All entrants are eligible to win prizes, including a computer for the winning school and lots of digital cameras. All participating children will also receive a certificate for taking part,” she added.
Dermot Long, of Relive the Memory, enlarged all of the images on display in the exhibition.
“Our business is about bringing photos to life, through a process of enlarging, enhancing and framing. An event such as this acts as an ideal reminder to people of just how special images can be,” he explained.
Speaking at the opening of the exhibition, John King, the assistant chief executive of Shannon Development, said Limerick had much to be proud of. “And who better to express that pride than its own young citizens. This event is a great way of fostering creativity and innovation and encouraging civic pride,” he said.
The mayor of Limerick, Cllr John Gilligan, said the images were “a lovely way for our schoolchildren to show civic pride in our great city,” he said.