A SECOND annual mural art jam has been held by Gort Tidy Towns.
Commencing on the August Bank Holiday weekend, the mural art jam transformed the once neglected Kelly’s (or Courtney’s) Lane into a colourful and inspiring public art space.
Local artists came together to paint a series of murals on the garden walls of residents and businesses, injecting new life into this often-overlooked corner of the town. Gort Tidy Towns is a community-based organisation dedicated to enhancing the environment and overall quality of life in Gort.
Through initiatives such as the Mural Art Jam, the group aims to create a more vibrant and attractive town for residents and visitors alike.
Sign painter Paul McGuigan said, “It was a pleasure to be invited and to be able to paint something in the Irish language, I’ve really taken a liking to this town, so I chose the word ‘anseo’ or ‘here’ to paint”.
McGuigan was one of the participating artists along with Kept, Otto Stoneman, Bren McMahon, Claudia McMahon, Fernanda DeSouza, Nicole Miller Santana, Lorenna Rodrigues, Jim Ricks, and Brian Twomey. A diverse range of styles and themes were showcased, from traditional Irish music, dry stone walls, Georgian Architecture, and W.B Yeats to more abstract, modern, and whimsical designs. The dozen plus murals not only beautify the area but are also thought provoking and serve as a reflection of the town’s rich heritage, diversity, and vibrant culture.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, a spokesperson for Gort Tidy Towns outlined, “The Mural Art Jam was a true community effort, bringing together artists, residents, and businesses to create a shared space that makes our town that little bit nicer to be in”.
Property owners were also praised by Gort Tidy Towns for generously permitting their walls to be repainted by Tidy Towns and then the artists, as well as the numerous volunteers who contributed to cleaning and priming the walls, removing litter in the area and the overall project’s success.
