Art.

This unique sculpture is by Ardboe artist Diane McCormick and is now on permanent display in the Craic Theatre. It celebrates the rich industrial heritage of Coalisland and East Tyrone and highlights the manufacturing past of the area when textiles, glass, brick, coal and pottery was exported from here across the world, leaving by canal and railway.
The brilliant artpiece covers several walls in the theatre foyer and also includes work by local people who were able to make their own clay creations at home using special craft kits that were available for free during the latest lockdown.
Diane was very impressed with the contributions made by the members of the public:
“It was amazing to see the imagination and creativity of the 40 people who took part and their work is such an important feature of the final sculpture.  When lockdown started, I honestly didn’t think I’d be able to finish the project but it was fantastic to see how enthusiastic everyone was to get involved at home. I’m also very pleased that the Craic Theatre have offered their space for the permanent display of the sculpture, not least because their building is the location of the old Coalisland Weaving Factory and has such strong links to the industrial past of the town.  This project has been a great experience and I hope people will enjoy seeing the sculpture every time they visit the theatre.”

Click below to watch Diane McCormick introduce her sculpure “InterAct” and describe the community contributions to the creation of the artpiece.