Call it art, call it folklore, but it’s a momentary fulfilment of what it is to be human — Henry Glassie
Is a cock of hay a work of art? Is a loy more than a tool to turn the sod? Is a dresser more than the sum of its contents?
Yes, is the clear response in a unique exhibition at the Dock, where a cock of hay, a loy, and a vividly reimagined dresser are central to a vision that claims everyday objects as pieces of art and celebrates the power and wonder of folk art and culture.
The Green Loy exhibition is a small but significant celebration of folk art and culture, grounded in the life and traditions of Leitrim and the north-west and paying tribute to the renowned American folklorist Henry Glassie.
The exhibition has been curated by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods, with ceramic artist Katy West, and dancer and community artist Edwina Guckian. Musician and composer Dave Sheridan has composed a new tune ‘The Green Loy’ especially for the exhibition and associated events; and the striking poster design is by musician and graphic artist Jesse Smith who has strong associations with The Dock and Leitrim.
In addition to loy, haycock, and dresser, the exhibition will also include a tin fiddle, Leitrim chairs, cow and donkey masks, local patchwork and crochet work, and a specially commissioned wall painting by artist Miriam de Búrca.
The beautiful Pat Collins documentary Field Work on the work and vision of renowned American folklorist Henry Glassie will be screened on Saturday 18 July at The Dock. Glassie lived and worked in Fermanagh through most of the 1970s and has written a series of remarkable books inspired by the people and traditions of Ballymenone. He has visited Leitrim on a number of occasions and is a passionate advocate for the proper acknowledgement of people’s work and the quiet artistry of so many individual lives.
Also on Saturday 18 July, there will be a Bring and Tell day as part of the exhibition where people will be invited to bring an object or item that they consider to be an example of folk art to show and discuss in the gallery space.
The Green Loy concert will take place on Saturday 25 July and will feature storytelling, music, song, dance, and spoken word; guests will include singer and storyteller Alan Woods from Mohill and the Irish Traditional Music Archive, storyteller Eithne Ní Ghallchobair from Donegal, singer Fionnuala Maxwell, uilleann piper and composer John Tuohy, and local dancers.
There will also be music, dance, and poetry at local marts — Art at the Mart — in association with the Green Loy exhibition.
Admission
The open reception with special performances will take place on Saturday 20 June, 2pm to 4pm. No booking required. Admission is free.
The exhibition will run Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. No booking required. Admission is free.
Tickets for Field Work (free) and The Green Loy concert (€25/€20) will be released following the opening reception and available through The Dock — advance booking is advised.
For press images, interviews or further information, please contact thedockartscentre@gmail.com.