Kingscourt students’ art project success
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A delighted Emma Carter Art Teacher in Coláiste Dún an Rí pictured with the TY Students entry into The RTE “This is Art” Competition which won them 2nd Place overall in their category. Alex Coleman.Image 2 of 3
Coláiste Dún an Rí Students who were involved in designing posters and caps for the Split The Barrell Weekly Draw in Kingscourt with 50 percent going to the Winner and 50 percent going to that week’s Chosen Charity. The design students are pictured with Johnny Walsh, initiator of the draw. Alex Coleman.Image 3 of 3
Coláiste Dún an Rí TY Students came Second Place Overall in their Group Category in The RTE This is Art Competition pictured with their project and Art Teacher Emma Carter. Alex Coleman.Transition Year students at Coláiste Dún an Rí in Kingscourt celebrated a major national achievement after securing second place in the group category of RTÉ’s prestigious “This is Art!” competition.
Competing against schools from across Ireland, the local students impressed judges with their striking sculpture, 'Demersal'- a visually powerful piece created entirely from recycled materials that explores the fragile ecosystem beneath the ocean’s surface.
“This accomplishment is not only a testament to the students’ artistic ability, but also to their creativity, collaboration and dedication,” said Art Teacher Emma Carter. “Their work reflects a maturity of vision that is remarkable.”
'Demersal' brings marine life to life using discarded plastics, rope, netting, buckets, wellies, cardboard, wood and other found materials. Sourced from homes, school and local farms, the students transformed the waste materials to form a vivid underwater scene, drawing attention to the impact of pollution on sea habitats.
'The piece mirrors the textures and forms of sea creatures, highlighting how human waste often ends up in their habitat,' reads their artist statement. 'The rough, reused materials symbolise pollution and neglect, while their transformation into art suggests the possibility of change.
'Our motto this year is ‘Embrace Change’. Demersal reminds us that our everyday actions have lasting impacts on marine ecosystems, and that protecting the ocean is essential not only for sea life, but for the health of the entire planet’.
Ms. Carter highlighted the learning journey behind the project.
“Over several months, I had the privilege of watching these students develop their ideas from initial sketches into a deeply thoughtful and visually striking piece,” she told the Celt. “They drew on skills from across the curriculum, including engineering and woodwork, to bring their vision to life.”
Ms Carter, a fine art graduate from NCAD, emphasised the significance of the competition.
“What makes this achievement particularly meaningful is the level of competition. Schools from all corners of the country submitted exceptional work,” added Ms Carter. “To be recognised at this level is a significant honour, and one our students have earned through persistence and passion.”
Alongside their national success, the school students have also been making a meaningful impact locally by designing posters and caps for the 'Split the Barrel' weekly draw in Kingscourt. The initiative sees 50% of the proceeds earned awarded to a winner, and the other 50% donated to a different chosen charity each week.