Giving your studio over to 25 rowdy children may be most artists' idea of creative suicide but for Owen Crawford it was an opportunity not to be missed. He is currently artist-in-residence at The Ark, Temple Bar's cultural centre for children, and over his nine-week stay at the centre, he will create a large-scale sculpture in wood entitled "Daedalus and Icarus".
His endeavour is part of the Ark's current programme - The Science and Sculpture of Flight - which will take place from July 5th13th. As part of the tour, Crawford will have children helping him with his work-in-progress. Originally from Co Down, Crawford has been heavily involved with community art for a number of years. On Monday evening, guests gathered in his temporary studio. Artist Orla Kaminska, whose silver Pegasus is on display in the Long Room, was there, having worked with Ark on their "Winter Weekend". In the midst of all the chat, Minister Mary O'Rourke arrived with a number of representatives from Aer Lingus, who sponsored the event. Mrs O'Rourke noted the irony that a Presbyterian Meeting House had been transformed into a place where children have such fun. She also spoke of her personal intrigue with the "wonder and mystery of vast spaces" which flight has enabled us to experience.
Guests included Patricia Quinn of the Arts Council, Dan Loughrey from Aer Lingus as well as the group chief executive Garry Cullen, and chairman Bernie Cahill. The Ark's director, Martin Drury, hosted the event with film producer Arthur Lappin.