Mayo artist creating inclusive studio so everyone can enjoy art
MAYO artist Maureen O'Neill has launched a campaign to create an inclusive work space so everyone can enjoy art.
Maureen is based at the Greenway Lane Art Studio in Newport and has launched a fundraising drive to create a space for teaching acrylic pour workshops for people with disabilities. This will be the first of its kind in Ireland.
To date, just over €8,000 has been pledged (the target is €15,000) and you if you'd like to donate, you can do so here: https://fundit.ie/project/access-at-the-greenway-lane-art-studio?fbclid=IwAR0TYWpptLh3TgAGIlFyuE7Ra_fK5aiMzN_qNnpdv-NdtTeShrCJNR6V57Y
The studio is based in a cottage that has been renovated for classes and workshops for all ages - a sanctuary to encourage creativity, curiosity and community.
Maureen plans to design an art experience that doesn't limit participants in any way and in order to accommodate everyone, she wants to expand by building a space that is completely disability friendly.
She explains on her fundit.ie fundraising page: “We love to see everyone together in our space learning something new, experimenting, meeting new people and leaving with smiles on their faces.
“Our acrylic pour workshops are very popular across the country. It's an incredible, mesmerising process, and gorgeous results. Acrylic pour art is the coolest new art form in town, with advantageous therapeutic results. And the wonderful thing is anyone can do it.
“Loved by artists and beginners alike, it's suitable for all ages regardless of experience. Every participant will enjoy personalised guidance, with comprehensive experience and interaction in a comfortable studio setting.”
She continued: “At the Greenway Lane Art Studio, we love sharing the delight of art-making with people. As such, we want to design an art experience that doesn't limit participants in any way.
“This type of art is great for relaxation and art therapy which makes it the ideal choice. To accommodate anyone with a disability, epilepsy or otherwise and the increased demand for this we have decided to crowdfund. Disability arts is probably one of the most underrated activities undertaken by people with disabilities. We want to change that.”
The expansion plans will mean the studio is completely disability friendly.
“We are a small studio who are fiercely committed to championing accessibility in the art community,” she says.
Maureen has worked as an artist for the past 20 years. She has epilepsy, which, she says, 'gives me an insight into the needs and wants of individuals not only with epilepsy but also people with other drawbacks'.
“I have had the privilege of working with Western Care in my studio for painting classes and I loved every minute. There were some people who could not participate as my studio is not wheelchair accessible. I am always awfully disappointed when I cannot accommodate everyone, especially when I know they are missing out.
“It would be wonderful to offer classes and workshops to everyone regardless of their disability.”
In appealing for support, she continued: “I would be incredibly grateful for your help with this project. By donating, you can help us create real and lasting change for artists and art participants in Mayo and the wider community.
“Your support helps us show that the community is behind us in creating a truly special space and our success with crowdfunding will help us secure additional patronage and support.”