The Santa Express is on it's way!

 

Extra morning sessions may be added subject to demand.
Contact us to arrange a group visit between 9th and 13th December.

 YIPPEE!!!!! 

EXTRA SESSION ADDED TO ....

ARDAGH SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY YEAR 3 

11am to 1pm, Monday 28th October

 because......................................................................

3pm to 5pm on Saturday 26th and  Monday 28th BOOKED OUT!!!!

Still some room on 3pm to 5pm session Sunday 27th but hurry it is filling up fast!!! 

And remember to enter the competition to win a FREE FAMILY TICKET!!!

   

 

Just go on to our Facebook Page and follow the instructions on the PINNED POST on the top of the page : https://www.facebook.com/creativeardagh

€5 per adult includes tea/coffee and brack and you get to take part in making great memories,

€8 per child includes art workshop, potion workshop and a beast quest through the woods, garden and centre and treats, €24 for family, 2adults, 2 children or 1 adult, 3 children. 

All ages welcome. We have toddlers to teens, mams, dads, grandparents. 

All kids, big and little come for fun to Creative Ardagh!

Creative Ardagh in the Autumn sun

Photos from Michael Croghan of Ardagh Heritage and Creativity Centre, the Garden and the Wishing Tree! https://www.facebook.com/michaelcroghanphotography

Thank you Michael!!

ARDAGH SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY YEAR 3 

3pm to 5pm on Saturday 26th, Sunday 27th or Monday 28th.

 

Be in  with a chance to win a Family Ticket to one of our Family Event Days at Halloween. 

Just go on to our Facebook Page and follow the instructions on the PINNED POST on the top of the page : https://www.facebook.com/creativeardagh

€5 per adult includes tea/coffee and brack and you get to take part in making great memories,

€8 per child includes art workshop, potion workshop and a beast quest through the woods, garden and centre and treats, €24 for family, 2adults, 2 children or 1 adult, 3 children. 

All ages welcome. We have toddlers to teens, mams, dads, grandparents. 

All kids, big and little come for fun to Creative Ardagh!

What's new in Creative Ardagh?

Primary School Tours - this was the best TOUR EVER!!!!                                   

That is a quote from the children who attended Ardagh Heritage and Creativity Centre on school tours during the months of May and Jue 2013. Children of all primary school ages had fun and explored their creative side with us in Creative Ardagh during 2012/2013.  Creative Ardagh is ideal for educational tours at any time of the year with great indoor and outdoor facilities. We can adapt the visit to suit the class level and the area in the curriculum you are most interested in exploring including SESE (science, history and geography), SPHE, English or Irish, Drama and all strands of the Visual Arts and we provide lesson plans!!

Programmes can be tailored to the groups' needs with topic options including (but not limited to) myths and legends; feasts and festivals; early Christian Ireland; life in the 18th and 19th centuries; designing a village; games from the past; continuity and change; literature, arts, crafts and culture; caring for my locality; plants and animals; making and using maps etc. We base our creative classes on the vast heritage and history of our area using all kinds of media such as drawing, painting, clay, printing etc.

€5 per person per hour for groups of less than 10,€4 per person per hour for groups greater than 10.

We also provide the additional services and facilities:

1) Qualified Art teacher (MLitt in Education)

2) Local and centrally located - Just off N4 Longford/Edgeworthstown

3) All Art/Crafts class materials

4) Free tea/coffee if requested

5) Indoor lunchroom facility

6) Wheelchair friendly

7) Free access to heritage exhibition

8) Access to neighbourhood garden and woods

9) Soup and sandwiches if ordered in advance at reasonable rates

Secondary Schools - We have many annual return visits

We offer a diverse range of programmes for secondary school group visits building on years of teaching experience in Art, English and History. Drawing from primary sources is central to the Art, Craft and Design syllabus at Junior and Leaving Cert level. Ardagh Heritage and Creativity Centre houses a unique collection of objects which can be used as inspiration for a range of craft and design work. We can also design programmes based on the local area for other subjects including History, Geography, Science, Home Economics, Technology, Construction etc. Interactive, cross-curricular visits can be organised for TY and LCA groups, and traditional Leaving Cert art history, appreciation or craft workshops are also a possibility.

We have had visits from Science/Domestic Science/ Religion classes to name a few. Contact us for more details to discuss your specific requirements.

€5 per person per hour for groups of less than 10, €4 per person per hour for groups greater than 10.

Pre-school/Creche/Playgroup Tours

Creative Ardagh is ideal for this age group as we encourage exploration in various media such as painting/printing/clay/drawing/play/dress-up to name a few. You can have a fairy hunt/dinosaur hunt/treasure hunt in the woods or if the weather is not suiting the building is large and magical and encourages children to use their imagination.

€5 per person per hour for groups of less than 10, €4 per person per hour for groups greater than 10.

Group classes and Drop-in art

At Creative Ardagh we offer a chance to pursue your own creative journey in a relaxed environment surrounded by local history and natural heritage. Providing inspiration and guidance, without prescriptive step-by-step instructions, we will offer courses in a range of arts and craft media from drawing, painting and printing to felting, weaving and embroidery and lots in between. We are open for drop-in art and crafts for adults or children every Thursday from 11am  to 2pm or available to cater for groups of all ages when pre-booked. Call Annette on (086) 3027602 or email creativeardagh@gmail.com to arrange your group class.

Prices

Drop-in Thursdays per person : €5 per hour without tuition, €7.50 per hour with tuition. All materials and tea/coffee are provided.

Groups per person: €5 per hour for groups less than 10, €4 per hour for groups over 10. Tuition, all materials and tea/coffee are provided..

If there is a specific craft you are interested in learning or improving please email and let us know and we will do our best to provide a course in the future subject to demand.

Portfolio Course

Portfolio Course runs on every second Tuesday evenings 7.00 to 9.30pm from 10th September, €20 per class. The Ardagh Heritage and Creativity Centre collection and the village itself provide a wealth of inspirational material suitable for weekly or short intensive portfolio courses in a wide range of media. With the expert guidance of an experienced art teacher, who has mentored many students on their way to third level courses, portfolios can be completed for general art and design courses or developed for the specific requirements of the NCAD brief or other specialised areas such as animation. Students will be encouraged to develop their own interests, coming up with creative ways of self-expression, while also preparing for the realities of life as an art student. The course will cover all aspects of portfolio preparation from creating sketchbooks to finished pieces (please note that for the NCAD brief the emphasis is on developing worksheets rather than highly polished finished work). Limited places to ensure individual attention, book by email to creativeardagh@gmail.com or ring Annette on (086) 3027602 to fiind out more.

Toddler Creativity

Our very successful Toddler Creativity Morning continues on Thursdays from 11am to 12pm, €5 per child with a free coffee/tea for the accompanying adult.

Sensory arts experiences for the very young play a vital role in early development. We provide a safe space for parents and children to interact and learn through art. The gardens and woods surrounding the centre offer a stimulating environment for exploration at all times of the year and some interesting toddler art has grown out of this!!.

Upcoming Family Events

Halloween - The very popular Ardagh School of Witchcraft and Wizardry returns with Year 3  on Saturday October 26th, Sunday 27th and Bank Holiday Monday 28th from 3pm to 5pm. Book now to secure a place on one of these days. Come and dodge the beasts in the forbidden forest, take part in an art workshop, attend potions class and lots more spooky fun. New potions, more unusual creatures and special arts classes guaranteed. This event booked out quickly last year, so early booking is advised. We may put on early sessions. Adults €5 each includes tea/coffee, Children €8 each includes workshop and treats, Family €24 ( 2 adults, 2 children or 1 adult, 3 children)

Christmas - Keep an eye on the website for Christmas plans.

Creative Ardagh provide the best value, hassle-free and fun-filled Christmas Event every Christmas.

In year 1 we met the Grinch who stole Christmas, he chased Santa for his presents but when we sang around the tree he found his heart again and helped us in our Art Workshop. A magical experience was had by all who attended and each child had a visit with Santa with no queuing!! Why queue when you can draw and cut and paste and make and do!!.

In year 2 we went to Storyland and explored the building finding characters and places from all our favourite stories. We made more Christmas Crafts and ended up visiting Santa through the wardrobe of Narnia. We continued with our no queuing policy and everyone had a relaxing happy time.

Year 3 theme has not been decided as yet but we guarantee it will be as fun-filled, hassle-free, queuing free and craft-making filled as the years before so book early. Keep an eye on the website for details.

Parties

We have had a busy summer of birthday parties, from superheros to knights and dragons and fairy princesses, the centre was buzzing with happy children.  Call or email us to arrange your own arty-party for birthdays or other special events.Two hour party package with your choice of theme (e.g. fairy; princess; pirate; superhero; alien; dinosaur, etc.)€12.50 per child (birthday child free) includes art or animation workshop, games and pizza

We have noticed that the mothers and fathers enjoy the arts and crafts as well - maybe an adult party would be something you would consider ?

Autumn Language Classes

Spanish Grind Club

Spanish Grind Club for the Leaving Cert Cycle is starting classes on Friday 4th Oct, 6.30 to 8pm.

€70 for 6 weeks with an extra €5 towards materials payable on the 4th.

If paid weekly it is €15 per week with a once off €5 for materials on the first week.

Oral, aural and written papers are covered. This was a very successful club last year and the students benefited greatly in their confidence in the language and also in their grades.

If enough Junior Cycle students are interested a club will be set up for them too.

German for Children

Are you interested in german for children classes ? We have a tutor ready if the numbers are sufficient.

Chinese

Are you interested in Chinese on a Wednesday evening? We have a tutor ready if the numbers are sufficient.

Autumn Craft Classes

Jewellery Making

Are you interested in Jewelery making? We have a tutor ready if the numbers are sufficient. Each student will leave with their own personally made piece.

New Portfolio Course starting next Tuesday

Portfolio Course runs on Tuesday evenings 7.00 to 9.30pm from 10th September, €20 per week. New students welcome while space permits. Preparing a portfolio for entrance into art college can be a daunting task. The Ardagh Heritage and Creativity Centre collection and the village itself provide a wealth of inspirational material suitable for weekly or short intensive portfolio courses in a wide range of media. With the expert guidance of an experienced art teacher, portfolios can be completed for general art and design courses or developed for the specific requirements of the NCAD brief or other specialised areas such as animation. Students will be encouraged to develop their own interests, coming up with creative ways of self-expression, while also preparing for the realities of life as an art student. The course will cover all aspects of portfolio preparation from creating sketchbooks to finished pieces (please note that for the NCAD brief the emphasis is on developing worksheets rather than highly polished finished work). Limited places to ensure individual attention, book now to avoid disappointment.  Please contact creativeardagh@gmail.com or Annette on (086) 3027602 to find out more.

Lughnasa Celebrations

Our 2nd annual Lughnasa Celebrations are taking place on 27th and 28th July this year. Since ancient times people travelled up Brí Léith (Ardagh Mountain) to collect bilberries for the Lughnasa feast, bilberries from Brí Léith even made their way to the High King's feast at Tara each year. With the help of local eco gardener Brendan Farrell we reintroduced the tradition last July and hope to build on the success this year.
The Lughnasa celebrations will start with a summer camp for those aged 12+ from Monday 22nd to Friday 26th July from 10.30 am to 4.00 pm each day (€100 per person). During this week the participants will use their creative writing and drama skills to write and direct a play which they will perform on Saturday 27th at 7.00pm.
They will also be busy creating art installations around the grounds of Ardagh Heritage and Creativity Centre and the Neighbourhood Park which will be on view for all revellers at the family friendly Fairy Ball in the woods after the performance. Picnics and fancy dress are welcome, and feel free to bring along any instuments, drums, shakers etc. you have to entertain the fairies. Tickets to the performance and magical fairy ball cost €5 per person, under 2s are free.
On Sunday morning, 28th July we will meet at 11.00am at Keenan Park GAA pitch for the Bilberry Walk. Afterwards we are honoured to have Mrs Annie Byrne reading some of her beautiful pieces on Brí Léith in the Midir & Etain cafe, followed by a mythology inspired art workshop in Creative Ardagh (€5 per person).
Call (086) 3027602 or email creativeardagh@gmail.com for more details or bookings.

Portfolio Course this July

Due to requests we're putting on an intensive portfolio course for anyone applying to art college for six days this July. It will run on Mondays 1st and 8th, Tuesdays 2nd and 9th and Fridays 5th and 12th July from 10.30am to 4.00pm and costs €240. The course will cover all aspects of portfolio preparation from creating sketchbooks to finished pieces (please note that for the NCAD brief the emphasis is on developing worksheets rather than highly polished finished work). Limited places to ensure individual attention, book now to avoid disappointment on 086 3027602 or email creativeardagh@gmail.com

See Upcoming Events for some of what's happening this Summer.

Initial details about our Summer events have just been added to the upcoming events tab. Here's some pictures from the recent Mad March Hares and April Fools event. See our Facebook page www.facebook.com/creativeardagh for more:

May the Fourth be with you - Star Wars Party

Learn more about this project

Light sabre straws

Receiving instructions from Obi Wan

Finding crystals

Teamwork - building a spaceship

Creating light sabres

Learn more about this project

Jedi training in the woods

Refuelling with pizza

 

New portfolio course starting next Tuesday

Easter Drawing Course

We are holding a special Drawing Day during the Easter holidays on Thursday 4th April especially for Junior and Leaving Cert exam students. Practice drawing in a range of media before the upcoming practical exams, and develop your still-life and life-drawing skills under the guidance of a qualified art teacher with many year's experience preparing students for exams. The course runs from 10.30am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.30pm with the option to attend for the full day (€25 per person) or half day (€15 per person) (morning or afternoon). All materials and tea/coffee will be provided, bring your own lunch. Contact 086 3027602 or creativeardagh@gmail.com for more details or to book your place.

Creative Ardagh on television last July

Party time

Easter fun and frolicks

New Year in Creative Ardagh - Open night next Thursday

Happy New Year everyone, we have lots of exciting courses and events planned for the next twelve months, watch this space for more details coming soon. Here's what's happening from next week:

Thursdays
We will reopen for 2013 on Thursday 17th January at 10.30am with our usual drop-in day. All ages from toddlers to adults are welcome to come and use the art room and materials for an hour or two each Thursday. You decide what you would like to do, from drawing and painting to clay, embroidery or crochet, and we will facilitate you. €5 per hour or €8 for two hours (Tuition €2.50 extra per hour).

Saturdays
Saturday morning Art, Craft & Creativity classes for children return from 11am to 12pm. The theme for this term will be 'Take a Closer Look' which will be explored through a range of media from drawing with charcoal and pastels to constructing with clay, textiles and found materials and lots more in between. €7 per week, booking advised. New students welcome at any time (space permitting).

Open Night
We are holding an Open Night on Thursday 17th January from 7.00 to 9.00pm. Come along and see what courses and events are on offer for you this year. We have something to suit all ages and abilities. Contact us for further details.

Group bookings
We are available for group classes in a range of media, mornings or evenings e.g. still-life painting, quilting, lino-printing, creative writing, embroidery etc. Contact us for more information or to book your group for a once-off class or short course. Meeting space also available on request.

Parties
Call or email us to arrange your own arty-party for birthdays or other special events. All ages from toddlers to adults catered for. Two hour party package with your choice of theme: €12.50 per person (birthday child free) includes art or animation workshop, games and pizza.