An artistic adventure in a comforable and relaxed atmosphere

Sherkin Island has long been associated with the arts and hosts a BA (hons) in Visual Art degree course in association with Dublin Institute of Technology, Sherkin Island Development Society and West Cork Art Centre.

 

Workshop facilitators Cora Collins and Majella O'Neill Collins

 

Majella O'Neill Collins, a resident of Sherkin Island and a facilitator on the degree course is also a very successful working artist. Cora Collins is a resident of Castleconnell, Co. Limerick and works as a mural artist and colour consultant for Dulux Paints.

Cora and Majella met in Limerick School of Art and Design some 25 years ago and have now decided to run these workshops together. The numbers are restricted to no more than 10 people for a more intimate atmosphere and to encourage the sharing of ideas and experiences as the group makes art together.

"While we will work in group situations there will be plenty of time for individual exploration. The focus of this adventure is to be comfortable and relaxed and we will do whatever we can to make this happen for you".

Participants should be moderately fit and able to withstand the unpredictability of Irish weather, have an interest in creative art, the beauty of an amazing island landscape and a sense of fun. While some experience is preferred (it is not essential), this workshop will also be suitable for more experienced artists.

Timetable: The timetable for the workshop(see right)offers plenty of variety - drawing, painting, exploration of different techniques and materials, artists' talks and a field trip to Heir Island, a neighbouring island.

Meals and accommodation: Lunch and dinner will be provided each day with accommodation and breakfast for 4 nights in the Islander's Rest.

Tuition and materials: All tuition and materials are provided although if you wish to bring your own you are most welcome. We encourage you to bring rain gear and walking shoes, although we do have indoor facilities should the weather be very bad. As you will be resident on the island for your stay you will have plenty of time for relaxing, pleasant walks and swimming (there are several safe, sandy beaches and coves on the island).

 

Price: The all-inclusive price of €750 will cover tuition, accommodation, all meals, ferries; taxi to and from the accommodation and materials.

 

For more information or to book, call Cora Collins on
087 8319929
or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    

2010 workshop dates:
(each five days)

  • Week [1] June 28 to July  2
  • Week [2] July    5 to July  9
  • Week [3] July 12 to July 16
  • Week [4] July 19 to July 23
  • Week [5] July 26 to July 30

 

Timetable:

Day 1

Ferry to Sherkin Island. Welcome chat, with afternoon tea. Participants will receive a sketchbook, drawing materials, map of Sherkin and encouraged to out and explore the Island, photograph and sketch. Dinner at the Hotel that night.

 

Day 2

Black and White Day: After Breakfast studio time and tuition about mark making. Lunch at the pub, followed by field trip to the beach. Dinner at Hotel followed by movie at Film Club.

 

Day 3

Colour Day: After breakfast studio time and tuition in using colour using acrylic paint. Lunch followed by outdoor painting. Dinner at the Pub.

 

Day 4

Boat Trip to Heir Island for "Land Art Day" [Making art with materials that nature gives us]. Picnic lunch on Heir Island [weather permitting] sketching, recording and photographing work. Dinner in Sailing School Restaurant and return ferry to Sherkin. Music in the pub later.

 

Day 5

Late Breakfast at the Hotel, followed by chat and studio time to finish artworks. Participants are welcome to stay on Sherkin until later ferry, or leave after 12:00.

 

 

 

 

 

Comments (5)Add comments
Mary Quinn wrote on July 20, 2010
 
Title: ...
Dear Cora, I rang you a number of daysago enquiring about your course.
Unfortunately I cannot attend this particular week.
Kind regards
Mary Quinn
0868188283
Jean Gardiner. wrote on May 22, 2011
 
Title: ...
As I Am writing this review of my time spent on the summer visual art workshop on Sherkin Island I am still in 'ART HEAVEN' From the onset both Cora and Majella made me feel welcome and worthy......nothing is too much trouble for those two, Their organizational skills are second to none! I have attended numerous art courses in the past and being organized is usually the exception rather than the rule..... which can make for a frustrating time!! but not here! The group consisted of a mixed bunch with various age ability and attitude but we gelled very quickly over dinner and soon we were all 'hanging out' together. The accommodation and food was excellent!!! it was a great idea to vary the location of where we ate over the week. Tuition on the course is excellent with both Cora and Majella at the top of their artistic careers. We were encouraged all the way. No question no matter how trivial it seemed was left unanswered. They provided constructive criticism in a most genuine and caring way. We were encouraged to be 'wildly expressive' and uninhibited with our creativity ......which did cause quite a mess....but what fun....... this course has made me realize that I'd forgotten to' JUST HAVE FUN'.......and I did!!!!! We were given access to an abundent array of top quality materials.....tools of the trade so to speak...nothing was spared. Also I have never drank so much tea in my life! I have been involved in 'ART' in some shape or form all of my life.....it is the one activity that makes me most happy. I have worked in galleries and studied art in various genres. This course has encouraged me to 'brush' up on my portfolio and I have applied to take part in the B.A in visual arts run by D.I.T on the Island over four years.....if my application is successful I will be a very happy bunny......fingers crossed..... To conclude I have been educated inspired....encouraged.......I’ve laughed and achieved so much during my week on Sherkin it has made my world a better place... Long may the Sherkin feeling last Roll on next year!!!!! Jean gardiner.

Heather Stritch wrote on May 22, 2011
 
Title: ...
Dear Cora and Majella, Personally I found the Sherkin art course the funniest and most enjoyable holiday I have ever had, even better than Australia and New York City! After the junior cert I’ll admit there was a bit of hatred for art after the rigid standard required for the final projects of the year, but after going through your art course, my passion for art has been renewed and I honestly felt giddy most days when working on pieces. The atmosphere was so relaxed and it was so incredibly refreshing not to have a constant pressure to do well in art and in your words, "Paint a pretty picture." Having your own private "studio" and an unlimited supply of art materials was like having a major birthday present and the weather was simply the cherry on the top! The two of you have got to be the most supportive and encouraging people I have ever met, and honestly I was nervous about coming, seeing as most people would end up patronizing someone of my age, so it really meant a lot to me the way the two of you helped me on the course and it gave me a lot more confidence in myself, and for that I truly appreciate the amount of hard work the two of you put into this. Thanks again for making the week a fantastic success, and for being great tutors, and great people, Heather [age 16]

Siobhan Duggan wrote on May 22, 2011
 
Title: ...
The course run by Majella and Cora went far beyond my expectation. I went to art college and specialized in Graphic Design. I now run my own design company and in my spare time I love to paint but I needed a course like this to free up....it did just that. It was great not to worry about the outcome for a change and the freedom to paint whatever I wanted. I can certainly use what I've learned and incorporate it in my own painting and now I know how to keep a sketchbook. Tuition was excellent and what a great atmosphere, I can't think of anywhere else more beautiful to do a course like this......I recommend it highly Siobhan Duggan Graphic Design

Pauline wrote on May 22, 2011
 
Title: ...
Thanks for a great week, one to remember when I trudge out with an umbrella and wellies to do some sketches or land-art on Bantry shores. And a big thanks for getting me back to Bantry. If I manage to get a portfolio together and get an application in before the deadline for the BA course, I'm going to aim high and go for it. The most that can happen is that I'm turned down but that's not the end of the world, my sketchbook, pencils, etc. will still be part of me. This was a week of inspiration in that I not only used materials to produce work in ways I had not done before; had the tuition of two great women giving me courage to not only take the critique from the group but to critique my work as well; the fact that being on Sherkin Island made the stay and impetus to work easier, it's a lovely setting for this. On reflection and because of this workshop, I am definitely taking courage in my hands and applying for the BA degree course in Sherkin Island . Thanks again for the lovely time on Sherkin, it certainly is a magical place. Pauline [aged 79]

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