Clare Museum Hopes To ‘Draw’ A Crowd

‘Anyone can learn to draw’ is the message being issued by Clare Museum ahead of a series of workshops being held on Saturday, 24 May next.

Adults around the county are being urged to register for ‘Drawing Day’, during which two well-known Clare artists will provide drawing tips and techniques for beginners.

"Whilst most people might shy away from drawing, the success of this event in the past proves that there is a genuine interest in the medium", explained Ms. Edel Greene of Clare Museum.

She continued, "Many adults would break into a cold sweat if asked to draw a picture in front of a group of people. They would deny any artistic talent, make excuses, and do whatever it took to avoid being on the spot with a pencil in their hand. However, the truth is that everybody can learn to draw if they are tutored properly."

Initiated by the National Gallery of Ireland in 2005, Drawing Day is a nationwide event that provides an opportunity for everyone to try their hand at drawing.

Experienced local artists Lorraine Wall and Hilary Gilmore will host the Clare Museum workshops.

Ms. Greene said that booking was essential for anyone wishing to participate in the workshops.

"Each workshop will be 90 minutes in duration and will cater for a maximum of ten individuals. Participants are asked to bring along their own drawing materials such as pencils (HB, 3B and 6B) and/or conte crayons", added Ms. Greene.

For further or to book a place please contact 087-9165916 or email egreene@clarecoco.ie.

Other participating galleries in 2008 include: Butler Gallery, Kilkenny; Glucksman Gallery, Cork; National Museum; National Museum - Country Life; The LAB; Highlanes Gallery, Drogheda; Waterford Museum of Treasures; Dublin City Gallery the Hugh Lane; Dunamaise Arts Centre; Crawford Gallery, Cork; IMMA; Donegal County Museum; Galway City Museum; National Print Museum; Hunt Museum; Wexford Arts Centre; Graphic Studio Dublin; Muckross Traditional Farms; Limerick City Gallery; Ballymena Museum; County Museum, Dundalk; Draíocht.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- To arrange an interview please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy PR on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- Clare Museum is located in a restored former convent built by the Sisters of Mercy congregation in 1861. The museum exhibition "The Riches of Clare: its people, place and treasures" occupies two galleries and incorporates the traditional method of displaying original artefacts from the county with modern interpretive tools such as colourful display panels, audio visual and computer interactive presentations, models, some replicas and commissioned art pieces. The collection comprises a large display of archaeological material of local provenance on loan from the National Museum of Ireland, the De Valera Museum collection transferred from the Clare County Library, and locally collected artefacts never seen before in public

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (mobile)
00353-656839692 (fax)