*From left to right James Lafferty, Red Cross Clare/ Anne Reynolds, Director of Service with Clare County Council, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) Mayor of Ennis MD, Siobhán Mulcahy, Arts Officer Clare, Helene Hugel, CEO Helium Arts/ Cadhla Brock, Community Outreach and Communications Officer Helium Arts.
A FREE art exhibition inspired and created by young people living with lifelong health conditions is currently on display in Súil Gallery in Ennis and will run until June 7.
The exhibition entitled ‘JOURNEYS– Everything Begins Somewhere An Art Exhibition by Young Creators ’ is facilitated by ‘Helium Arts’ an Irish charity which aims to bring creativity and joy to children and young people between the ages of 6 to 16 who are living with lifelong health conditions. The Ennis exhibition officially opened on May 24 with a ‘family celebration’ event.
Speaking about the exhibition launch Cadhla Brock, Community Outreach and Communications Officer Helium Arts said, “It was really exciting because I had actually had been there on the first day of the camp at Easter so I got to see all of these little ideas kind of come up and then for it actually be displayed in the gallery then it was amazing because the kids coming in then at such a young age to be able to see their art on the walls in such an amazing space was incredible. There was such excitement we had our doodle table in the middle of the room they all were creating”.
The project is funded by Creative Ireland through the Creative Youth Nurture Fund 2023-2025 and Creative Ireland’s Creative Health and Wellbeing programme in conjunction with Tipperary County Council, Clare County Council and Limerick City and County Council.
‘Helium Arts’ offers free art workshops, which take place in hospital waiting rooms, community settings, and online for those with conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, spina bifida, heart conditions, juvenile arthritis, rare conditions, and more.
These workshops are led by professional artists, supported by friendly volunteers, and include an on-site medic at every session to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone involved.
The exhibition, currently on display in Ennis, is one of two showcases which celebrates the talent, creativity and strength of the young people who take part in ‘Helium Arts’ workshops. The exhibition also highlights the charity’s growing work in the area of inclusion health, which supports children at risk of social exclusion. The second showcase will take place in the IMMA Studios/Stables. Both showcases are free of charge and will also feature fun, free activities for all ages with the sub-theme of ‘For A Better Tomorrow’.
Cadhla told The Clare Echo, “Part of the gallery is to do with shadow and light and our showcase event is about journeys and the journeys that the children take so the shadow and the light within their own journey.
As part of Clare County Councils Cruinniú n nÓg schedule of activities, ‘Helium Arts’ will also be running a free taster workshop on June 7 from 10:30am – 12pm exclusively for children (ages 8–12) living with lifelong physical health conditions, with professional artists and on-site medical support. Registration is required in advance by emailing hello@helium.ie with ‘7th June Workshop’ in the subject line. There will also be an Open Studio drop-in event happening from 2-4pm. All are welcome to experience this art taster, with no booking required and free entry.
Helium Arts will continue their work supporting young people with life-long health through a series of summer camps taking place across the country. The Clare camp will be held in Ennis C.B.S on July 22-24
