The artist Chiara Trench Art designed for Carlow Fringe Arts Festival 2021 a map for the art trail.
In June Bank Holiday I went for an art walk with this map to view the murals and sculptures in Carlow Town.
My art walk with Carlow Fringe Arts Festival trail map:
Ben Jelliman Mural
First one is Ben Jelliman Mural – “Turning Hate Into Love”?
Ben Jelliman, who is part of the Fringe Arts Festival team, transformed a symbol of hate into art in Carlow Town. This small new mural is located on the Paupish Bridge next to Carlow Bus Station.
Liberty Tree
Second one is well known Liberty Tree located on Potato Market in the centre of Carlow Town.
The Liberty Tree is a commemorative sculpture which was commissioned by Carlow Local Aurthorities to mark the Bicentenary of the 1798 Rebellion. The sculpture is the work of Dublin born and internationally renowned sculptor John Behan who had worked as an engineer in Carlow Sugar factory at an earlier point of his career.
The sculpture honours the more than 640 rebels who were massacred 25th May in 1798 in the Battle of Carlow and who are buried in the Croppy Grave in Graiguecullen. It is made of bronze and set on a circular base with fountain. The sculpture features a number of macabre skeletons arranged around the tree shaped outline.
Castle Sculpture
Third one is Castle Sculpture.
This sculpture is located just opposite the Carlow Castle that`s why we called it Castle Sculpture. It has an impressive circle from which you can see the Castle. Unfortunately we don’t know who is an author, who and when made it and what this sculpture intend to represente but the investigation is on the way.
Medusa Tree
Forth one is Medusa Tree.
Just in front of the building of VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art & The George Bernard Shaw Theatre stands a huge metal sculpture of Medusa Tree. This sculpture was designed by Terry Pawson – a well-known British architect with extensive experience in designing buildings for art and in the cultural sector. Medusa Tree was instaled in 2009 and created the perfect accompaniment to this new architectural landmark for Carlow town.
Sculpture at Unum
Fifth one is Sculpture at Unum.
In the centre of Shamrock Square there is an another sculpture called Sculpture at Unum. It`s a man holding a large metal arch. Unfortunately we don’t know who is an author, who and when made it and what this sculpture intend to represente but the investigation is on the way.
Old Stones Mural
Sixth one is Old Stones Mural.
On the west side of College Street, just in front of entrance to St. Patrick’s Carlow College there is a building Seanclocha Cheatharlach, on which is a mural called Old Stones Mural.
THE OLD STONES OF CARLOW
Remember when the air was sweet
From the Tavern to the Weir
With the smell of sugar beet
Each September of the year.
Sowed the seed – Siol Sa Chre
Ploughed the furrow – Raon Treabhtha
On our land – In Ar OTalamh
Was golden grain – Arbhair Oir
Through the years the stoney street of Carlow
Stand against the wind and rain
From the Slaney River to the Barrow
These old Carlow Stones will remain
Yellow are the primroses
Green the leaf on the tree
Red were the hearts of our heroes
Who gave their lives for liberty.
Gala Hutton Mural
Seventh one is Gala Hutton Mural on Bridewell Lane, just next to Carlow Town Post Office.
It`s called Muriel on a wire and it is an artpiece inspired by cinema, entertaiment and fun. Artist who made it is Gala Hutton assisted by Purethinking Community Group. Mural was made for Carlow Arts Festival 2014.
This is my favourite mural in Carlow Town, always make me smile when I passing next it.
Made in Carlow Gallery
Eighth one on the Carlow Fringe Festival art trail map is Made in Carlow Gallery.
Located at 139 Tullow Street, Carlow Town. It is open daily 10am – 6pm. ‘Made in Carlow‘ showcasing unique and original local arts & crafts. It is art gallery, arts and crafts shop and gifts shop. Full of stunning and fabulous local artwork and craft pieces.
On map below I marked all murals and sculptures from Walk with Carlow Fringe Festival art trail map.
On the Carlow Fringe Festival art trail map is also marked art display in the shops and cafes windows during the Carlow Fringe Arts Festival 2021.
And I also heard that maybe will be another new mural in Carlow Town at the end of Festival (it is a secret right now where it will made).
