'Learning from Art'
-exhibition of young people's art is launched at National Gallery of Ireland, Tuesday 21st September 2004

Press Release, September 2004

On Tuesday, 21st September, the National Gallery of Ireland will launch Learning from Art, an exhibition of 39 works inspired by the collection by young people from primary and post-primary schools from all 32 counties. Supported by Esso Ireland and the Department of Education and Science, the exhibition marks the contribution of young people to the National Gallery's sesquicentenary celebrations.

The aim of the project, which dates back to 1999, was to encourage young people to be curious and creative by using the national collection as a source of inspiration, to learn something about art and art history while exploring their own creative process. "I found it enjoyable to give an old master painting a modern, quirky touch and interpret it in my own way, " says Claire McMenamin, age 17, Loreto Convent, Donegal, whose work was inspired by Thomas Hickey's painting of 'An Indian Lady'.

Thanking the sponsors, Esso Ireland and the Department of Education and Science, Raymond Keaveney, Director of the Gallery, says: "this special project demonstrates the Gallery's continuing involvement in art education, particularly with respect to those of school-going age, for whom the collection is a unique and fantastic resource."

Timo Halonen, Chairman of Esso Ireland says: "we are delighted to be involved with the National Gallery of Ireland in sponsoring Learning from Art in association with the Department of Education and Science and hope everyone will get a chance to visit this very exciting exhibition."

Learning from Art will be on display in the National Gallery of Ireland until 10th October 2004 (admission free) after which it will go on tour to 8 venues around the country (see attached touring programme). The exhibition is accompanied by a colour-illustrated catalogue with essays by artists, writers, poets and educators; together with an activity sheet to further encourage the process of learning and creativity.

This project is sponsored by Esso Ireland and the Department of Education and Science in partnership with the National Gallery of Ireland.

For further information contact:
Valerie Keogh / Bill Maxwell
Press & Communications Office
National Gallery of Ireland
Telephone 01-661 5133
Email press@ngi.ie

or

Ruairi Keogh
Slattery Communications
Telephone 01- 661 4055
Email rkeogh@slatterycommunications.ie