MIC Visual Arts exhibitions showcase final year students’ creative talents

MIC Visual Arts exhibitions showcase final year students’ creative talents. Erin McMullan, Templemore, Co Tipperary, fourth year Bachelor of Education student, pictured at the End-of-Year Visual Arts Exhibition at Mary Immaculate College (MIC) Limerick, showcasing their artwork. Pic. Brian Arthur

A series of visual art exhibitions, alongside live musical performances, put MIC Bachelor of Education students’ creativity on display through the Visual Arts elective

A series of visual art exhibitions, alongside live musical performances, marked the culmination of the academic year for Mary Immaculate College (MIC) Bachelor of Education (B Ed) students undertaking the Visual Arts elective.

The event showcased the work of fourth-year students, highlighting their creativity, collaboration and developing pedagogical practice.

Students undertaking the Visual Arts elective presented three exhibitions exploring different approaches to art education and creative practice. Rooted in Data, led by Anne-Marie Morrin, examined the intersection of Art, Design and STEAM, while Art Therapy: The Potential Space, led by Dr Sheila Richardson, explored art as a reflective and therapeutic practice.

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Hidden Stories / Visual Narratives led by Dr Julie Brazil, reimagined works from the Hunt Museum collection through printmaking and curatorial approaches, with selected pieces also exhibited at the museum. Artworks by students have been selected for exhibition at the Hunt Museum, offering a significant professional opportunity.

Across all exhibitions, students demonstrated a strong engagement with contemporary art practices, combining traditional and modern techniques across a range of media, including print, sculpture, mixed media and digital processes. Themes of identity, environment, storytelling and education were explored through both individual and collaborative work.

Musical performances were delivered by third-year Music Education specialism students who worked on self-selected pieces and performed with a strong sense of ensemble. These performances were directed by Professor Gwen Moore, Professor of Music Education at MIC.

Students were supported throughout their work by MIC lecturers in Visual Arts—Anne-Marie Morrin, Dr Eamonn Mitchell, Dr Tanya Power—as well as Visual Arts Technician, Niall Quinn.

Anne-Marie Morrin, Lecturer in Visual Arts Education at MIC, said:
“This year’s exhibitions reflect a thoughtful and committed engagement with both artistic practice and education. What stands out is the way students have connected their own ideas and experiences with broader approaches to teaching and learning, producing work that is both reflective and forward-looking. Their willingness to take creative risks and engage deeply with process is very evident throughout the exhibitions.”

Professor Emer Ring, Dean of Education at MIC, added, “These exhibitions highlight the important role of visual arts in supporting creativity, critical thinking and wellbeing in education. The work presented demonstrates not only artistic ability but also a strong awareness of how creative practice can enhance teaching and learning in meaningful ways. Our students leave with the skills and confidence to bring these approaches into their future classrooms.”