The Ulster-Scots Agency recently funded a cross-border partnership involving second level schools from both sides of the border to study and produce a Copper Craft Exhibition that brings into focus the Irish connection with Scotsman Robert Burns.
The project involved a total of 17 art students from the two schools, namely Newbridge Integrated School in Loughbrickland, Co. Down and St Vincent's Secondary School, Dundalk. Co. Louth.For six weeks, the students attended the Saturday classes to explore the work of Burns and were taught the art of copper beating and sculpture by recognised craftsmen, Shane and Roddy McCollum of Ravencrafts at Ravensdale, Dundalk.Brothers Shane and Roddy led the project, suitably based at Stephentown Pond in Knockbridge which is the home place of Agnes Burns/Galt, who was a sister of Scotland’s National Bard.
As 2009 is the 250th anniversary of the celebration of the birth of Robert Burns, this project was developed to signify the importance and relevance of Robert Burns for all, both his works and his influence on other poets and writers worldwide.This cross border project was funded by the Ulster-Scots Agency aimed at helping the art students create and maintain an awareness of how young people from both the North and South of the border can work together to improve their understanding of the Ulster-Scots culture.Jim Millar, Director of Education and Language of the Ulster-Scots Agency said “the whole project is a credit to the schools, the staff and much more importantly to the young people themselves.The Ulster-Scots Agency is delighted to have been able to offer some support to see the project through to completion.I offer my congratulations to everyone who has been involved in the copper working project.”
The completed work has been exhibited in Parliament Buildings Stormont, Newbridge Integrated and St Vincent’s Secondary School, Dundalk.
