The college promotes an awareness of contemporary art on a national and international level. This makes it different to other summer art schools in that while it is intrinsically connected to what concepts the surrounding landscape can bring to your work the tutors also make one aware of what is going on in the international art world. Classes are structured to combine detailed instruction in the studio or darkroom, with opportunities to work onsite in the Burren landscape. The session is less structured and is interdisciplinary, allowing participants to develop their own ideas with the critical assistance of resident and visiting faculty. Students may choose two studio courses.
Work is carried out in the landscape as well as in the studio.
Have a look at our Student Art Gallery for a sample of work produced by some of our study abroad students. I admire the intensity of the programme, it is an odd combination of being relaxed and also demanding, but it works. This programme offers students the opportunity to explore two Celtic cultures that are quite different but which are united in their characteristics. Some of these characteristics are mysterious standing stones, haunting Celtic music, intriguing colours, rich Celtic histories, legends, music and dancing. Whether working realistically, abstractly, or conceptually, artists can find new approaches to contemporary concepts in these striking surroundings and overlapping layers of history and tradition.