Our Bealtaine Festival celebrations continue this morning! In 2024, visual artist Anne Harrington Rees worked with Arts for Health participants at Dunmanway Day Care Centre and storyteller Maria Gillen to create their own story with illustrations. Today they launch their video and celebrate the work and creativity that went into making it.
The group based their project on the River Bandon. Throughout the making process, the Monday group in Dunmanway shared their knowledge and stories of the local river. The spoke about her tributaries, flora and fauna, and traditions. Guest storyteller Maria, using a series of questions and contributions from participants, helped the group to build a character and storyline. Over a few weeks, with Anne’s guidance, the group developed the story and illustrated the plot using different media.
Together participants and Anne read poems about the River Bandon, chatted about placenames and their connections to the woods, and shared stories about streams that connect to the river. Anne brought in leaves from trees that grow around the river and in the area – Willow, Oak, Ash, Sycamore, Alder, Ivy and some Ferns too. Most participants gave drawing these a go, tracing around the leaves then filling in the veins. Later they drew birds and dragonflies that call the river home, using BirdWatch Ireland magazines for reference.
In March, the final story was recorded. Anne and Maria brought the recording together with the illustrations. The video launch will take place this morning at Dunmanway Day Care Centre, just in time for Bealtaine! Well done to all involved!
Images by Anne Harrington Rees.