Young artists at work in Trim.

Youthreach students extend their artistic talents in Trim

Students from Youthreach in Trim have been demonstrating their artistic talents in a joint community project over the past number of weeks.

The initiative involves students working with Trim Tidy Towns and Meath County Council to upgrade a laneway in the town at Mornington with unique street art.

The two bodies funded the project and approached the art students in early May to come up with a design for the area in keeping with Trim’s local heritage and culture.

“Trim Youthreach is delighted to be involved in this project as it allows students to showcase their artistic skills and talents while also affording them the opportunity to engage with the local community and gain valuable work experience on a community project,” says art teacher, Michael Duffy, who facilitated the project on behalf of the centre.

"The project also allows students to build their skills in the area of teamworking, communication, project planning and implementation which proves highly applicable to the modern workplace and/or further education."

The students decided to work on the ambitious design as part of their annual summer programme.

Phase one saw students work in partnership with the local community group to come up with the designs for the walls.

Phase two involved drafting up stencils for the Celtic designs and this work was carried in the centre with the class working diligently to create unique Celtic-inspired stencils which drew inspiration from the Book of Kells.

"As well as these historic elements, we also wanted to incorporate something contemporary, and this is where the hot air balloon design was conceived," said Mr Duffy.

"With so many more walls to be painted in Mornington Lane, we hope to continue the project next year and that the lane will become an extension of the Art class/project work in Trim Youthreach in cooperation with Trim Tidy Towns."

The final phase involved painting the murals on the walls and was by far the most enjoyable for students who were blessed with the beautiful weather of recent weeks. Participating students are delighted with the results.