Ideas Gallery & Exhibitions

Going Slow Exhibition, By Jim Russell

Going Slow is a photography exhibition by artist Jim Russell exploring the beauty and diversity of the natural world around us – if only we took the time to slow down and see it!  This series of photographs are the direct result of a year when Jim allowed himself the time to slow down and see the small things to be found in hedgerows, canal banks or waste ground around his hometown of Newry.  The exhibition certainly encourages everyone to do the same and explore the mini jungles on our own doorsteps and surely provides a wealth of inspiration for other arts projects!

Jim Russell is a regular contributor to Creative Paths projects and a highly experienced community artist with a collaborative approach who enjoys incorporating modeling, digital photography, music and story telling to his work.  Prints from the exhibition are available for only £20.  To find out more contact Jim on 028 3026 5990 or 07521 306 372.

Get Ideas & Inspiration from the new mosaics exhibition in the Ideas Gallery.  This exciting body of work has been created by students who recently completed the BMC Art & Crafts Training Course Level 2.  Participants began their projects by making samples and experimenting with a range of materials suitable for mosaic, including papers, plastics, foam, ceramic and glass.

They looked at the history of mosaics and modern day applications.  The finished pieces are a creative take on traditional mosaics that incorporate everyday and found objects to create beautiful and fun 3D effects.

Prepare to be in awe of the giant, almost fire breathing, Red Dragon and other creations by artist Katie Blue exhibited upstairs in the extended Ideas Gallery at Play Resource.

In Katie’s world anything can be transformed into Art: hundreds of everyday objects find a new lease of life.  Take a closer look at the dragon and you will see it is made up of thousands of discarded children’s toys!

The modern flotsam and jetsam of society is salvaged and reinvented by Katie.  The Dragon, originally commissioned by the Island Arts Centre for their Children’s Arts Festival, grew and grew with the contribution of several other artists who volunteered their time including Ben Allen, Frank Quinn, Bobbi Rai Purdy and Susan Scott. Along with Katie several of them are regular contributing artists to the Creative Paths Arts Programme.

For more information about Katie’s work as a community artist and artworks for sale visit www.katieblue.com.