Munster Express Online

Arts Week at Stella Maris was officially born last Thursday evening as the school celebrated their biggest open night yet. More than two hundred people turned out to support the Arts Week 2010 Exhibition and Auction in aid of the Waterford Hospice. Acclaimed director Ben Hennessy officially opened the occasion at the Majestic Hotel in Tramore.

The members of the Arts Committee were in their element, having worked all year to ensure the success of the exhibition. Study was set aside as the members from 2nd to 6th year spent the past number of weeks collecting art works from the students of the school, painting display boards and hanging up the various creations. The vast range of paintings, sketches, batiks and lino prints were presented for the community to view at their leisure, while mingling with friends and family. Generous donations were made at the entrance and at the photography stand where students’ photos of the local area were on sale as printed postcards.

The auction kicked off to a brilliant start as ten of the best art works took to the podium, with a further seven being added after astonishing interest. Auctioneer Ward Griffin, with Griffin auctioneers, generously offered his services for the night and chaired an exciting bidding war between local businesses. The highlight of the night came when, after an intense battle, Transition Year student Sophie Lawlor’s painting, entitled ‘Night Vision’, was sold to Cahills, Tramore for a colossal €180. Izlola Biczok’s depiction of Van Gogh so enraptured the Esquire that it was sold before the auction for a magnificent €200.

There is no doubt that the night was a great success. Donations are still pouring in and so far it is estimated that over €3,500 has been raised for a very worthy cause. Stella Maris would like to extend a very warm thank you to all of those who supported the event, as well as to Ms Teresa Wright and Sr Mairead who gave the Arts Committee a helping hand in organising the occasion.

It must also be said that the night was tinted with a little sadness. Ms Julie Hickey, who so faithfully stood by the Arts Committee over the past two years, will shortly be leaving us. She brought colour and energy to her work, and will be sorely missed. Several parents commented on her dedication; she encouraged and inspired those who were more talented than motivated and offered a helping hand to all who needed her. She put everything she had into her job – her enthusiasm, her vigour and her zeal. There are not words to describe the difference she has made to the school and the mark that she will leave – whether she realises it or not.

“Ms Hickey was an inspiration to us all,” said Anna Mc Sweeney, 2nd year and member of the Arts Committee. “She was eternally on the go, thinking up new ideas. She always looked for the best in everyone, and worked so hard for us. We will all miss her terribly.”

Thank you, Ms Hickey, for everything you have done for us as students and as friends, and for the school as a whole. We hope that your next school will appreciate you as much as we do. Go n-eiri an bothar leat.

On a brighter note, Stella Maris is delighted to welcome back Ms Sinead Driver, who will be taking up once again her post as art teacher. We look forward to her return and the unique style she will have to bring to Stella Maris.

The message from this year’s Arts Week was one of happiness and hope. For now, the recession is dead in Tramore and there seems to be no end to the community’s generosity. And if there is one thing you can count on, it’s that Stella Maris is committed all the way.

Tags: around:tramore:general:other