Art exhibition for babies, and pre-schoolers opens in Dún Laoghaire

Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council recently launched ‘Room to Explore’, an interactive art exhibition designed specifically for young children aged 0-5 years and their caregivers.

Curated by artist Anne Cradden, the exhibition, which opened on Saturday May 18, features artworks by early years artists Helen Barry, Anne Bradley, Jane Hayes, and Órla Kelly.

The artists’ works appeal to all senses and seek to playfully encourage babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers to interact with – or simply observe – a range of different textures, shapes, colours, and sounds.

The exhibition aims to create an intimate and playful environment for young children to get creative through thoughtful, stimulating and joyful artistic encounters.

All materials have been carefully considered by the artists and the artworks are designed to engage young visitors’ cognitive skills and encourage creative interaction.

A series of five artworks in the exhibition, collectively entitled ‘Two More Sleeps’, was co-created by artist Helen Barry and a group of children from Shanganagh Park House, a community centre and childcare setting in Shankill, Dublin 18, over a period of six months.

“Working with the children, I was struck by their many brilliant ideas, by their enthusiasm for the creative process, and by their great sense of ownership of the resulting works,” said Helen Barry.

“Artistic creation and engagement with art has so many benefits for children – from equipping them with new ways of expressing themselves, to increasing focus, to building confidence in their skills and capabilities.”

The exhibition is accompanied by an extensive events programme, run by dlr Arts Office, which features guided tours, talks and workshops by artists and educators.

These include multisensory creative arts events and workshops for children, as well as a series of talks and workshops for adults that explore the creative potential of children and the value of artistic experiences at a young age.

Speaking at the launch, CEO of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Frank Curran said: “Children are always welcome at dlr LexIcon, however, with ‘Room to Explore’, we are pleased to offer our youngest visitors and their caregivers an interactive art exhibition and exciting events programme that was created especially for them.

“We hope they will enjoy experiencing the joy and wonder of creative discovery.”

Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Councillor Denis O’Callaghan added: “Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is delighted to host this engaging exhibition, which offers young children a wonderful opportunity to explore their creativity through all their senses.

“The exhibition is designed to be visited and revisited by children and their caregivers, so we hope that visitors will return to dlr LexIcon many times.”

‘Room to Explore’ at the Municipal Gallery, dlr LexIcon in Dún Laoghaire runs until Sunday, 11th August 2024 (closed 1st-3rd June and 3rd-5th August).

Admission is free of charge.

Further information about the exhibition and the accompanying programme of talks, workshops and events is available at dlrcoco.ie/arts.

The exhibition is supported by Creative Ireland and dlr CYPSC (Children & Young People’s Services Committee).

A series of five artworks entitled ‘Two More Sleeps’, created by artist Helen Barry and the children and staff of Shanganagh Park House, were funded by Creative Ireland as a commission for Cruinniú na nÓg 2024, which will take place around Ireland on 15th June. Cruinniú na nÓg is a national day of free  creative activities for children and young people.