"We live in a world which is over-explained, we go to art galleries to be astonished again." That's how the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) introduces its latest exhibition by 44 painting, print-making, sculpture and textile diploma students.
The exhibition, which was opened at the weekend by RTE radio broadcaster Kay Sheehy, is on show at the institute's Cluan Mhuire campus on Galway's Monivea Road. The campus was redesigned for GMIT and boasts one of the best student exhibition spaces in the State.
This year's display reflects a broader approach to visual concepts than heretofore, with the paint and print section marking a "resurgence in the use of the human figure", and sculpture and textile students exploring a variety of issues and drawing on a range of media.
A "virtual" exhibition which highlights the work of most of the students has been set up on a campus website, and the "actual" display is open to the public until next Saturday, from 10 p.m. to 5 p.m. The website address is: http://ns2.gmit.ie/cluma.first.htm
Calling all potential "Busby Berkeley" dancing girls, exotic birds, parachutists and assorted winged creatures. Macnas is appealing for your energy and enthusiasm, and your bodies, in its annual appeal for participants in the Galway Arts Festival parade.
Men and women over 16 years of age are invited to take part in this year's romp, called Listening Wind, which takes place on Sunday, July 23rd, at 6 p.m. Already, over 300 people involved in youth, community and school groups throughout Galway city and county are preparing for the event as part of the Macnas community outreach initiative.
Drummers and percussionists who wish to join up should meet Johnny Donnelly of the Sawdoctors at 6.30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21st, at the Macnas workshop in the Fisheries Field, beside the Salmon Weir Bridge opposite Galway Cathedral. This Thursday, also at 6.30 p.m., potential performers are invited to call down to the Macnas headquarters in the Fisheries Field. More details are available from Lynn McCarthy or Ruth McGann at (091) 568896.
The Galway Arts Festival "highlights" programme of events, running until July 30th, is already available at (091) 566577, and booking on-line is already open at www.galwayartsfestival.ie
Cultural links with the North are celebrated in this year's fourth annual Roundstone arts week in Co Galway, which opens on Friday, June 30th and extends to July 9th. The "official" bit will be performed the following evening, July 1st, by the Labour Party leader, Ruairi Quinn, with a performance by the Galway chamber choir, Cois Cladaigh, in the village hall. That night, Diarmuid O'Leary and the Bards will perform live outdoors, weather permitting, from 10 p.m.
An archaeological field trip to south-west Connemara, led by Michael Gibbons; talks and walks with Gordon D'Arcy and Eanna Ni Lamhna; a seminar on the writer, Kate O'Brien; a 10-kilometre fun run and walk; a street parade and hookers on water; a rare showing of The Mackintosh Man, which was made in Roundstone in 1976 with Paul Newman; and a play based on the life of Beezie Gallagher, friend of W.B. Yeats, are among the many events planned.
The music in venues such as Eldon's Hotel and the Village Hall includes two drumming workshops with John Bowker of Tribal Spirit Drumming - for under 11-year-olds, and over 11-year-olds ("adults" included!) on July 5th and 6th.
The programme is available at (095)35834, e-mail:marquis@eircom.net, and website is www.connemara.net/roundstone-open-arts