Thursday, January 27, 2011

Tom Portman "At One"



 Tom Portman
Saturday 5th February   
in the gallery at 8.30 admission  €5

Multi-instrumentalist, performer, composer and songwriter Tom Portman is based in the west of Ireland.  Playing acoustic & electric guitar, Dobro & lap steel, Tom presents a wide repertoire.  His compositions draw on many global styles yet have a distinct flavour of their own.
January 2011 will see the launch of Tom’s 2nd solo album, ‘At One’.  This self produced collection features instrumental compositions, songs and arrangements of traditional Irish tunes for finger-style guitar and Dobro.
“Tracks sound great; very interesting chord lines and use of space.”
Guitarist, Dennis Cahil
‘Fascinating…he absolutely captivated me.’ John Richards, Galway Bay FM

In addition to live and studio session work, Portman teaches music in Galway through the GTI and ‘Maoin Ceol’ School of Music. He regularly performs around Ireland from small venues to festivals such as the Electric Picnic and the DLR Festival of world cultures.  Internationally, Tom has toured in Poland where he played the Suwalki Blues festival.  Portman has also played venues in the UK, North Italy and the South of France.
Tom’s other involvements are with:
 
  •  The Indian fusion group ‘The Bahh Band’ www.myspace.com/bahhband. In November they released their debut album ‘Worlds Colliding’.  It features the bands compositions, arrangements of Indian Raga’s and a cover of Jeff Wayne’s ‘War of the Worlds’.
  • ‘Charis’, Kinvara’s well known rock outfit.   See www.charisireland.com.
  • Tom is currently working on the 2nd solo album from Inis Bofin singer, Peader King.   www.myspace.com/peadarking
In previous years he has collaborated on Bluegrass/Americana projects with Gone to Grass, Kiss my Bluegrass and Vince Cross. See www.myspace.com/vincentcrossx.

Friday, January 7, 2011

LINK

A Scoil Mhuire Ennistymon, Alumni Art Exhibition

Official Opening by Siobhán Mulcahy, Clare Arts Officer
on Fri 14th Jan 2011 at 7pm






The educational aspect of the show will feature talks and workshops by some exhibiting artists and by the architect  responsible for the renovation the Courthouse Gallery.





These talks are aimed at Leaving Certificate students in Art, Craft and Design. The architect's talk will also be relevant for Construction Studies students. Of course these are public talks and all are welcome to attend. One workshop will be run by two 2nd year Art college students, who will talk on portfolio preparation and their own artistic practice.



There will be detailed educational notes and worksheets available to take away, compiled by Mary Fahy, the art teacher responsible for the show. These handouts are specifically designed for the Art History section of the course. 




Details of the Talks
for Scoil Mhuire's LINK art exhibition:

  • Mon 17th Jan 2011 at 6.30pm:  Marie Connole, -will present a slide show on her artistic processes
  •  Sat 22nd Jan 2011 at 2.00pm: Branwen Kavanagh (2nd Yr sculpture student at NCAD) and Myriam Riand (2nd Yr graphic design student at LSAD) will give a presentation on their  current work and portfolio entry requirements. - relevant to any budding art students who wish to prepare portfolios and apply to art college
  • Mon 24th Jan 2011 at 6.30pm:  John O’Reilly architect –will give a presentation on the Renovation of the Courthouse – relevant to Art History and Construction Studies students at Senior Cycle, and all those interested in local history