Official launch of permanent artwork for Ballycroy Visitor Centre

The official launch of Under Darkening Skies, a public art commission by the visual artist Susan Mannion at the Ballycroy Visitor Centre in Wild Nephin National Park, has been launched.

Announced today by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the artwork was commissioned by the Office of Public Works (OPW) under the Percent for Art Scheme, in collaboration with the NPWS and Mayo County Council Arts Service, to mark the 10th anniversary of the visitor centre.

The artwork was officially launched by Sean Lysaght on June 21 – an auspicious day in the astronomical calendar, being the Summer solstice, the longest day of the year. It's a day fitting to acknowledge the special connection that Mayo has to the skies above and Wild Nephin’s reputation as a heavenly place (Nephin or Néifinn when translated means sanctuary or heavenly place).

The Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, has welcomed the installation of the artwork, saying: “I want to acknowledge this fantastic collaborative project between my staff in the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Arts Service in Mayo County Council and OPW’s Art Management Office.

“This inspiring artwork by Susan Mannion will give pause for thought on the importance and beauty of our all-encompassing natural world. The designation of the Dark Sky Park on the western seaboard of Ireland introduces the next chapter in the evolution of Wild Nephin National Park and the unique opportunities it will bring to the local community and to the wider region.”

Denis Strong, NPWS divisional manager, added: “The National Parks and Wildlife Service welcome the installation of this stunning art piece Under Darkening Skies by Susan Mannion. It represents the wonder and beauty of our natural world and the importance of environmental education in its protection. This art will add to the immersive experience at the visitor centre and encourage visitors to look up and enjoy our ever-changing skies.”

The two-stage open competition which saw Susan Mannion’s proposal selected was coordinated by Mayo County Council’s Arts Service in partnership with the OPW. Susan is a visual artist based in Boyle specialising in copper enamel work, a technique that has been used since the 13th century BC.

Aoife O’Toole, acting public art coordinator, Mayo County Council, commented: “During the selection process the panel were greatly impressed with the artist’s approach to the commission and her proposed artwork inspired by the dark skies and the landscape. Mayo County Council are delighted to have worked with the OPW and NPWS on this commission.”

The artist said she was 'spellbound by the majesty and beauty of the night sky' on first viewing the Milky Way while holidaying in Mayo in 2013. Subsequent visits to the National Park followed, with Mayo’s naturally dark skies continuing to inspire her. She recounted a feeling of 'emotional and protective connection'.

“I loved having the opportunity to create a wall-mounted sculpture combining imagery of the night time skies of this unique site, created in the jewel like qualities and amazing colour range of enamel. I designed a sculpture that would not interfere with, obscure or damage this unique and distinctive setting,” said Ms. Mannion.

The artwork was created from enamelled steel and is comprised of seven panels that when combined measures seven metres in width and four metres in height. The steel panels were coated in base coats of black and then white enamel and fired to create a blank canvas onto which colour enamel powder was sifted. Twelve different colours of enamel were applied and then the panels were fired at 810 degrees in huge kilns.

Under Darkening Skies can be seen on the exterior wall on the Ballycroy Visitor Centre, which is open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. from mid-March to early November. Wild Nephin National Park was accredited Gold Tier dark sky place status by the International Dark Sky Association in 2016, with the Mayo Dark Sky Park being Ireland’s first. Find out more at www.wildnephinnationalpark.ie and www.mayodarkskypark.ie.