Launch of impressive public artwork at new Mayo leisure complex
Mayo County Council Arts Service has today launched the public art commission amphitheatre for introverts (and others) by writer artist Alice Lyons, at the new Castlebar Pool and Leisure Complex.
Aoife O’Toole, acting public arts coordinator, introduced the speakers: writer-artist Alice Lyons, Mayo County Council architect, Robbie Maguire, and Councillor Michael Kilcoyne.
Alice read the poem from which a couple of lines are on the limestone of the artwork itself. The musician John Hoban played a beautiful song he wrote at the end of the event.
Councillor Kilcoyne, cathaoirleach, Castlebar Municipal District, officially launched the artwork.
He stated: “Alice Lyons has created a wonderful artwork which is a wonderful addition to the Leisure Complex and indeed the public artworks in Castlebar. It is both a peaceful resting place and a performance space.”
Alice is a writer and visual artist. This is one of a number of public art commissions she has completed.
The amphitheatre’s terraces are made of Kilkenny limestone and the lines from one of Alice’s poems is sandblasted into the limestone.
It is designed as a public space for quiet, lakeside contemplation, as a compliment to the high-energy physical activity that will take place inside the new pool complex.
People can enjoy the surrounding views of the lake and Croagh Patrick on a clear day. It is also anticipated to be used as a space for performances, gigs and readings by the local community.
The project was commissioned by Mayo County Council and funded through the Percent for Art Scheme by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
Alice worked with Punch Engineers, Galway/Limerick; Padraic McTigue Contractors, Castlebar & Granstone, Crossmolina, to create this public art commission.
Alice also worked with Mayo County Council staff; former Public Art Coordinator, Gaynor Seville and Castlebar Swimming pool complex architect Robbie Maguire.
This high-quality contemporary artwork is the latest addition to the ongoing programme of public artwork in the county.
* Pictured at the launch were AnnMarie McGing (Arts Officer Mayo County Council), Marie Crowley (Senior Executive Officer, Castlebar Municpal District), Robbie Maguire (Executive Architect, Mayo County Council), Cllr. Michael Kilcoyne (Cathaoirleach of Castlebar MD), Alice Lyons (Writer and Artist) and Aoife O'Toole (A/Public Art Co-ordinator, Mayo County Council).
Pic: Michael Mc Laughlin