An exhibition was held in Clifden Station House Hotel recently to celebrate the conclusion of ‘Creative Carers’, an arts project for current and former family carers that took place in the North-West and South Connemara region.

Eighty-three carers and former carers took part in the programme which consisted of 11 six-week courses, delivered by local artists.

This programme was funded by Galway County Council and Creative Ireland, via a joint application made by FORUM Connemara and Michelle Harrison, Coordinator of Carers Department, HSE West.

The main aim was to focus on creative arts in the community by delivering these courses as a therapeutic intervention,

It also allowed them to learn a new skill or develop an existing one in a supportive environment.

Courses offered included Oil Painting with Áine Doherty in Oughterard Courthouse, Photography with Alex McLoughlin in Connemara Lake Hotel, Stained Glass Painting with Tina Jack in Clifden Arts Office, Acrylic painting with Linda Kennedy in Recess, Felting with Bernie Dignam in Letterfrack, Woodturning with Máirtín Davy Ó Coisdealbha in Cashel Hall, Acrylic painting with Denise Hogan in Cornamona, Acrylic Painting with Bernie Joyce in Rosmuc and also in Carna. Some artists delivered more than one course.

Participants showcased their artworks at the exhibition in the Station House, at an event which was attended by the funders.