As part of the Sligo Education Centre Creative Cluster initiative for the 2022/2023 School year we were delighted to welcome Tom Meskell as Artist in Residence to our school for 2 days before Easter. Tom is an artist and sculptor based in Mayo and his work has been showcased all over Ireland. He specializes in Lantern Scuplture and was recently involved with the Longford Lights project.

Under Tom’s guidance the children made Selkies, using lantern sculpture techniques. A Selkie is a mythical creature that resembles a seal in the water but assumes human form on land. It was amazing to see this pile of wire and paper be turned in to life-size seal forms. They also made smaller hand-held lanterns. The sculptures were decorated appropriately and “came to life” under the children’s careful hands. They currently reside at the back of the class room waiting patiently for their moment to shine!

Our thanks to Tom for his time, patience and expertise. The pupils really enjoyed the time spent with him. We plan to join with the other schools in our Art Cluster Group to light our lanterns and showcase our work on Enniscrone Beach very soon.