Generations get arty with environment in mind

Three generations of Mullingar residents gathered in Mullingar Arts Centre to take part in an art workshop.Which forms the first phase of an environmental awareness project sponsored by Westmeath Environmental Group (WEG).The project, which is being facilitated by Mullingar-based arts and drama teacher Olive Whelan in collaboration with WEG, focuses on spreading anti-litter and anti-graffiti awareness among the generations, through the medium of the arts.Olive said that while the first phase involves the creation of arts and crafts such as decorative bags and posters, the second phase will hopefully see the recording of a radio commercial, and the presentation of a drama piece.'There"s an open invitation for anyone to take part,' Olive told the Westmeath Examiner. 'Anyone of any age can get involved. For instance, we had people taking part here this week ranging from 4 to 74 years of age.'She paid tribute to Westmeath Environmental Group chairperson Veronica Lynam and secretary, Richard Murphy for the vision they demonstrated in devising the project.'The children have worked with a lot of different textures and materials this week, and we"re hoping to find a place for them to exhibit their creations in Mullingar during the May bank holiday,' Olive added.Richard Murphy, WEG secretary, said that the group had worked closely with Westmeath County Council"s Environment Section to organise the workshops, receiving grant aid in the process.'The idea was to develop some new ads for anti-litter and anti-graffiti awareness, with campaigns like "Race Against Waste" beginning to lose their effectiveness,' Richard said.'We decided that it might be best to get ideas from primary school children, and when you"re talking art and drama, Olive Whelan is the best person for it, and thankfully she came on board.'Richard said that he was impressed with what has been done at the workshops so far, describing the intergenerational aspect as one of the best features.He added that there are plans afoot to hold a national conference on anti-litter and anti-graffiti awareness in Mullingar, in collaboration with groups and bodies such as the ICA, Tidy Towns and Westmeath County Council.