From all over South Dublin County, children under 7 were invited to apply to the Junior Open. This exhibition celebrates the creativity and freedom that every young child has. The exhibition aims to show that children possess a natural instinct to use colour, paint and have an ability to create a quality of line that few adults could. It will also observe what influence the structure of playgroup and early years at primary school has, at this early stage in a child’s artistic development.The work exhibited in the Junior Open was selected, curated and marketed by young children from Divine Mercy Balgaddy Junior and National School, Lucan. Working with facilitator Andy Parsons the children took part in a series of workshop sessions to introduce them to a creative environment and help them understand and apply critical skills.

This project included young people in the decision-making and planning of every aspect, including choices on how the exhibition is hung, exploring height which suits a small viewer, the launch and the interpretation activities for the exhibition.

With thanks to Divine Mercy Balgaddy Junior National School, Andy Parsons and all the children who took part and provided amazing, insightful and expressive art.

Flying Tiger have generously donated prizes for the Junior Open, which will be awarded at the Opening Reception.