Sculpture culture in Bushmills

The unveiling of the 'Alphabet Angel', the first community generated Ulster-Scots sculpture, created considerable interest in Bushmills, Co Antrim on November 19.
The rain failed to dampen the spirits of residents of the Dundarave estate and other Ulster-Scots enthusiasts who welcomed this tangible sign of a community at ease with its culture.
It was a proud moment for the Dundarave residents who believe that this sculpture is only the start of better things to come for the estate.
It was particularly poignant for artist Ross Wilson, who created the sculpture, and Ulster-Scots poet James Fenton, who had a section of his poetry forever inscribed in the pathway leading up to it.
But it was also a special time for the young people, where local children who had been involved in a linked art project to produce ceramic heads, were lauded for their efforts.
For two local primary schoolchildren, it was a time for congratulations as joint winners of an oral Ulster-Scots poetry competition, which was organised as a spin-off from the sculpture project.
Hannah Spence, five, from Staid Billy Primary School, and Gerald Kane, 11, from Bushmills Primary School, impressed the judges, native speakers James Fenton and Liam Logan greatly.

Community programme

Following hot on the heels of Bushmills 'Alphabet Angel', the Community Arts Forum in Belfast will be running an Ulster-Scots arts programme next year.
The programme, financially supported by the Ulster-Scots Agency, hopes to involve three groups, South Belfast Cultural Society, Mid-Armagh Community Network and Enagh Community Rural Development Association.
Maureen Harkins confirms:  "The idea is for the community to develop a piece of art, in whatever form, to convey their Ulster-Scots culture and what it means to them.
"We aim to commission an artist for each project to work directly with the group to help produce it, for instance South Belfast Cultural Society has expressed interest in doing a mosaic."
It is hoped that the art projects will be ready for the summer or early autumn next year.