Roscommon Arts Centre continues its series of collaborations with other galleries and collections throughout 2012. Roscommon County is home to the Boyle Civic Collection, a nationally recognised collection of work contemporary Irish artists. Now in its 22nd year, this collection has grown to over 265 pieces with the major part of the collection on permanent display in King House, Boyle. For this exhibition, a broad selection of work and sculpture has been selected, to showcase a cross section of this beautiful and inspiring collection. The exhibition will feature work by well known artists including John Shinnors, William Crozier, Tony O’Malley and Barrie Cooke.


Friday 4th – Thursday 31st May
Opening Reception: Friday 4th May 5.30pm – 7pm

Making Hand-Made Books with Andrew Kelly for over 50s

Learn the art of how to create handmade books of all shapes and sizes to take home and keep. Artist Andrew Kelly has a masters in book-making and will be on hand to teach absolute beginners this wonderful technique. All materials will be supplied - although you should bring along an apron! Spaces limited, so early booking advisable via the box office.
Wednesday May 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th  | 2pm - 5pm




Traditional Singing Classes with Pauline Hanly for over 50s

Calling all warblers for a free informal group singing class with All-Ireland champion Pauline Hanly. Reared in a family steeped in traditional music and song Pauline has toured internationally with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann whilst also giving workshops and concerts at major festivals. In these weekly workshops Pauline hopes to explore songs such as The Groves of Kilteevan, Sliabh Bán and The West's Awake along with Percy French compositions such as Are You Right There Michael and Phil the Fluter's Ball as well as taking suggestions from the group.
Thursday 10th, 17th, 24th & 30th May, 7th June | 11am – 12pm




Tin Whistle Classes with John Wynne for over 50s

It’s time to pick up your tin whistle, flex your fingers and sign up for John Wynne’s free class. Whether you want to refresh your skills, try your hand at the whistle for the first time or indeed develop your repertoire, our regular tutor John is just the man to help you out. A talented musician in his own right, John Wynne’s name is synonymous with traditional music in Roscommon and he’s only too delighted to help others out and pass on his advice and expertise.
Thursday 10th, 17th & 30th May, 7th June | 4pm – 5pm
(no class 24th)

Declan Kelly, Morgan Crowley and David Martin, promise you a night to remember!  The evening will be packed with magical feel-good songs from Sinatra, Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson, Simon & Garfunkel and Leonard Cohen, to Pavarotti and Elvis plus a rousing Irish selection.  Joined by a guest violinist, the guys with their amazing voices and friendly down-to-earth approach promise a magical show which is sure to be a real treat for a summer evening.

Award winning comedian, actor, writer and star of Father Ted (C4), My Hero (BBC 1), Val Falvey (RTE) and Leagues Apart (RTE), Ardal O’Hanlon brings his unique brand of stand up comedy back to Ireland. He has toured to sell out audiences internationally and continues to be one of the most sought-after comedians and we for one CANNOT wait to see him back onstage and in flying form!

“Visually lush and dramatically poignant”
– Variety Magazine


While on a shopping excursion to Milan, Emily Delahunty (Dame Maggie Smith) barely survives a terrorist train bombing. Though she recovers quite quickly three others still bear profound physical and emotional wounds, and in the spirit of democracy and compassion Mrs. Delahunty invites her fellow survivors to recuperate at her lavish Italian estate. This ‘family’ gets along famously - at least until the arrival of American entomologist Tom who strongly disapproves of Mrs. Delahunty's carefree lifestyle. A wonderful mid-afternoon screening for all ages to celebrate the Bealtaine Festival. 
USA/UK/Italy ● 2003 ● 103 min ● cert: CLUB

John Wynne specialises in the celebrated North Connaught flute style and plays and teaches regularly at festivals and workshops both in Ireland and abroad. John’s classes for ages 7+, are specifically designed to be small enough to ensure that each individual gets attention. All newcomers in both tin whistle and flute are welcome.

Pauline Hanly has over thirty years experience of working with children and young people and is an All-Ireland champion traditional singer and sean nós singer. She has also taught many All-Ireland champions and possesses a profound love of the Irish tradition, music and folklore.

Through these classes pupils gain confidence to sing and speak in public, in this unique and imaginative way of introducing children to their cultural heritage and traditions. They are given the opportunity to hear and learn songs which tell stories from their own local area and further afield. They also hear the stories of the people who first composed and say them.


Term Dates for both Tutors:
Tuesday 29th May - Tuesday 26th June

Different levels and abilities catered for. Please contact Roscommon Arts Centre for more details +353 (0)90 6625824.

 written and performed by Little John Nee

Sparkplug Callaghan, is a ‘showman, songster and storymaker’. One day Sparkplug buys a goat against his better judgement (he doesn’t like goats) and despite himself he grows fierce fond of her. When a random act of kindness requires him to go to London with a bag of potatoes, he has no option but to bring his goat with him and Sparkplug anticipates that everyone will make fun of him ‘a country bumpkin surrounded by very cool people’.

A Bag of Queens is a new show from Little John Nee that focuses on human relationships, how we perceive ourselves and feelings of being different in a new community giving children an appreciation into the power of random acts of kindness. Aimed at primary school children, the show includes live music and song with participation and features a set that is like a “pop-up” museum. A perfect end-of-year school treat.

Ten films from around the world for little people to feast their eyes and ears on. Filled with music, dance, spinach dragons and questions about everything from fairies to Santa Claus, each film lasts from between 3 – 10 minutes and is a real treat for younger audiences.

Ages 3+. Duration: 50 minutes.

Continuing the collaborative theme of the Visual Art programme at the arts centre, curator Emer McGarry of The Model Sligo has selected work by Roscommon-based artists, four of which will show over the summer months. Showcasing the high calibre of the county’s artists these exhibitions aim to shine a spotlight on existing and emerging talent, as well as providing a platform for local practising artists.

 

David J Pierse | Thursday 7th – Friday 29th June

Marcin Pliszka | Friday 6th – Friday 20th July 

Lucy Brennan Shiel and Claudia Keegan | Friday 27th July – Friday 10th August

Stephen Bond | Friday 17th – Friday 31st August

Set in rural Ireland in 1964, 68 year-old Madge Mulloy has spent more than forty years struggling to survive on a small farm with her only daughter Maura. Abandoned after only five months of marriage by her husband Tom, this rip-roaring comedy focuses on what happens when Tom returns home with explanations for his disappearance. What unfolds is a combination of high drama, amazing Irish wit and a storyline that keeps the audience guessing right to the final minute. Featuring Midwest Radio presenter Gerry Glennon, It’s the Real McCoy also stars the play’s writer and director Tommy Marren.

Hotbuckle Productions

“Memorable, beautiful, stunning, moving, hilarious, heartbreaking – magnificent!” – John MacKenna, playwright

Hotbuckle explode onto the stage with this new, innovative adaptation of one of Charles Dickens’ greatest novels. With all the comedy, mystery, violent melodrama, suspense and poignancy of the original, it tells of Pip’s journey from boyhood to manhood as he seeks to discover who he is and find his place in an inhospitable world. Great Expectations is a story of love and loss, of guilt and shame, of fear and courage and has some of the most vivid and memorable characters in all of English literature. With the bicentenary of Dickens’ birth in 2012, this electrifying, exhilarating and moving production is a must-see.