By Ger Cody
Photos jbsphotoskilkenny
Caomhnú Kilkenny, a residential facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities, opened in 2002. It was a purpose-built, single-story unit located within the Kilcreene Hospital complex on the western outskirts of Kilkenny city. And, this week, The Kilkenny Observer made its way to the centre for the opening of a wonderful art exhibition full of colour, excitement, expression and talent. The art above all is expressive, and as you make your way through the large, bright link corridor between the three residential areas you realise what a great exhibition space it is.
Cathy Malchiodi is an American mental health counsellor who deals in art therapy. Her work in the arts began as a student at the Museum School of Fine Arts in Boston, where she studied multicultural arts, painting and performing arts. Speaking on art therapy, Malchiodi had this to say “Expressive arts therapy and the purposeful application of art, music, dance/movement, dramatic enactment, creative writing, and imaginative play, is a non-verbal way of self-expression of feelings and perceptions. More importantly, they are action-oriented and tap implicit, embodied experiences of trauma that can defy expression through verbal therapy or logic.”
Second exhibition
This is the second exhibition to be held at Caomhnú. Last year there was a lovely show of the paintings and textile works of resident Ellen Curley and a large wall hanging by resident Brenda Brennan. This year as well as many portrait pieces by Ellen, there is also work by the residents of Alacantra House, Kilkenny and a vast amount of paintings by Phil Cass, a resident of Kincora Hostel, Kilkenny.
Speaking at the opening, Cathy Dineen praised the work of the artists, whom she said, showed great patience, determination and skill with the work they produced. “You are just truly amazing and you should be very proud of the work you have turned out,” said Cathy. Artist Ellen Curley, thanked Cathy and all the staff at Caomhnú for facilitating the work. There was a great sense of happiness at the launch with staff and residents delighted with the exhibition.
The work on show marks a lifetime of work by Cass and Curley. Both of whom have large back catalogues of work that shows outsider art at its finest. The exhibition is a wonderful example of how art therapy can offer people the opportunity to express themselves, develop new passions and achieve new skills. The day was complemented by finger food and tea and coffee served by the very friendly staff.
