Operation Illustration to transform Cork Primary School
Top artists will

completely redecorate Gaelscoil Mhainistir Na Corann in just two days!
Today (Friday 9 February 2018) Laureate na Óg, PJ Lynch will be joined by a team of Ireland’s top children’s illustrators to kick off a weekend of mural making on the walls of Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann in Midleton, County Cork.
This adventure in mural making is part of PJ Lynch’s Laureate na nÓg Big Picture Project.
The artists will transform the interior walls of the school over the weekend and by the time the school reopens on Monday 12 February, it will be a veritable art gallery – featuring beautiful artworks in a variety of styles and vibrant colours.
The artworks will be inspired by the school’s 503 pupils who will today (Friday 9 February) take part in a series of technicolour Monster Doodles with the artists, during which each and every child will draw a picture on giant rolls of paper laid out in the school hall.
On Saturday and Sunday (10/11 February) the team of artists will be hard at work in the school, painting, sketching, doodling and stencilling the school’s walls.
On Monday (12 February) the school will re-open and the staff and pupils will see for the first time the complete transformation of their school.
The artists joining PJ Lynch for this Big Picture Project are Niamh Sharkey, Chris Judge, Lauren O’Neill, Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick and Michael Emberley.
Speaking ahead of the Midleton Big Picture Project, Laureate na nÓg PJ Lynch said:
“What a joy it is for me as Laureate to bring all these great illustrators together in one place, and for one weekend only. Full credit to Niamh, Chris, Lauren, Marie-Louise and Michael for embracing the challenge of transforming the school in just a weekend. The pupils and staff at Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann are full of passion and great ideas, so I know it’s going to be a brilliant, colourful weekend, and we will leave them with a permanent art collection that they can enjoy every day of their school lives.”
Principal of Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann Mairéad Ui Fhloinn said:
“We are privileged to have some wonderful artists visiting our school, working with the children and leaving us with our very own art collection which will act as an inspiration to both teachers and pupils long into the future. We would like to thank all who were involved in bringing the Big Picture Project to Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann and cannot wait to see the finished works which will reflect the wonderful spirit which permeates our school community.
For information contact: Aingeala Flannery, Project Manager, Laureate na nÓg, 087 638 2090 info@childrenslaureate.ie.

Pic; Larry Cummins