The Green Loy — Celebrating Folk Art
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?
The Green Loy is a new exhibition at The Dock that brings these questions into focus through a celebration of local folk art and culture. A cock of hay, a loy, and a vividly reimagined dresser form part of a vision that elevates everyday objects into the realm of art.
The Green Loy is grounded in the life and traditions of Leitrim and the north-west, paying tribute to the renowned American folklorist, Henry Glassie. The exhibition is curated by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods, ceramic artist Katy West, and dancer and community artist Edwina Guckian.
The exhibition will also include a tin fiddle, Leitrim chairs, cow and donkey masks, patchwork and crochet work, all by local makers, and a site-specific wall painting by visual artist Miriam de Búrca.
Musician and composer Dave Sheridan has composed a new tune, ‘The Green Loy’, especially for the exhibition and its associated events. A striking poster design was created by musician and graphic artist Jesse Smith, who has strong associations with both Leitrim and The Dock.
The Pat Collins documentary Field Work, exploring the work and vision of Henry Glassie, will be screened at The Dock on Saturday 18 July. Glassie lived and worked in Fermanagh in the 1970s and wrote a series of remarkable books inspired by the people and traditions of Ballymenone. A frequent visitor to Leitrim, he is a passionate advocate for the proper acknowledgement of people’s work and the quiet artistry of individual lives.
Also on Saturday 18 July, a Bring and Tell day, as part of the exhibition, will invite visitors to bring an object or item that they consider to be an example of folk art to show and discuss in the gallery space.
A concert to celebrate The Green Loy will take place on Saturday 25 July, featuring 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, celebrated Leitrim singer Fionnuala Maxwell, Kilkenny-Leitrim uilleann piper and composer John Tuohy, and local dancers.
Music, dance, and poetry will also feature at local marts through Art at the Mart — presented in association with The Green Loy exhibition.
The opening 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.