Open Circle’s Visual Art Programme for women is a deep dive into a variety of art forms. We explore drawing, painting, sculpture, print as well as material manipulation techniques through paper and textiles to name a few. Projects change annually as Open Circle works with professional artists enabling participants to explore high quality learning experiences where these techniques are explored in response to the facilitating artist’s studio practice. This encourages a deeper engagement with ideas, with making and the local visual arts community for all involved.
As Open Circle is about Community as much as Art, a membership to the Visual Art Programme offers women the opportunity to join with a group of Kilkenny based women to explore the arts collectively. This is a non-competitive supportive space were women with all experience levels work alongside each other.
Successful participants join a group of women from Kilkenny and commit to meeting for 2 hours a week over the course of 18 months. 12 months (excluding holidays) in collaboration with local artists and the final 6 months allows participants access to the workspace and facilities to continue working with their group independently.
See what previous members thought…
“I enjoy meeting people and I loved the atmosphere of the classes as they were always so warm and welcoming. I find I have a lot more in common in a women’s group as we share our life experiences. It was a very comfortable group. It was a good size, 12 is the maximum number of people so you interact with everyone. I definitely built some new relationships and reacquainted with some old friends too”.
“I am now more open about trying new things as I have built up my confidence and know that if at first you don’t succeed, then try something else!”