A new public artwork inspired by archaeology, folklore, place, memory and story telling has been unveiled in Turlough Park.
'The Touchstones' is a public art commission by visual artist James Winnett. It consists of a series of ten intricately carved stones that can be found across sites in Turlough, Breaffy, Islandeady and Raheens Woods.
The carvings draw on the folklore, social memory and ecological story of the places in which they stand.
Councillor Al McDonnell, Cathaoirleach, Castlebar Municipal District, performed the official launch on 1 November at the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park.
Following the launch, there was an artist’s tour guided by James Winnett of the ten stone carving at Turlough, Breaffy, Islandeady and Raheens Woods. James told the story behind the stones and how it is linked to local characters in folklore and history. A publication containing these stories will be available in due course.
Following an open competition, the artist James Winnett was selected for this commission. James is an artist and stone carver who has worked in public art for 15 years and has produced over 50 large stone public artworks across the UK and Ireland.
This project is part of Mayo County Council’s Public Art Programme, funded under the Per Cent for Art Scheme by Transport Infrastructure Ireland as part of the N5 Westport to Turlough Road Project and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This funding enables the local authority to commission high quality and ambitious contemporary art for the public to experience and enjoy in everyday settings.