European Geoparks Week,
21st May - 4th June 2011

European Geoparks Week is an annual event that occurs throughout the
European Geoparks Network. The aim is to raise awareness of the European
Geoparks Network (EGN) by celebrating both Europe’s common geological
history and the role that each individual Geopark plays within this. At the
local level, this is an opportunity to explore the geology, landscape, wildlife,
archaeology and build heritage of the Copper Coast.

Phone 051 292828
email: info@coppercoastgeopark.com
or paula@coppercoastgeopark.com

EUROPEAN GEOPARK WEEKS 21st May-4th June 2011

This year’s European Geopark Week opened with
a spectacular exhibition of Art and Photography
from 5 th.Year students of Stella Maris Secondary School,
Tramore, Co. Waterford.
All works inspired by the
Geology and Landscape of the Copper Coast.

This “Geology Through Art” project was seeking to
fully integrate two subject areas, which are typically
perceived in education as being intrinsically
different and separate.

The project began with a Geology and Sketching
fieldtrip in September 2010. The students spent the day
along the coast from Kilfarassy to Bonmahon
soaking up the geology, archaeology and heritage
of the area whilst sketching and taking photographs.
The fieldtrip was led by our Geologist Tina Keating
and the artistic portion of the day was coordinated
by art teacher Miss Sinead Driver

The aim of this project was to take a science subject
and build an art exhibition around it thus creating
a link between the two subjects which would appear
to differ so widely from each other but in fact
share some commonalities.

They are both extremely visual and imaginative subjects
and the pupils of Stella Maris,
by taking part in this project endeavoured
to create and encourage a more imaginative,
explorative and enthusiastic response to science education.

The Copper Coast really captured the imagination
of the students who produced wonderful works of art
in mixed media,
and then stretched the imagination even further
to adapt a famous work of fiction by Lewis Carroll
where “Alice in Tankardstown”, instead of falling
down a rabbit hole fell down a mine shaft.
This very successful and truly magical exhibition
ran for two weeks and the centre was
transformed into a wonderland by our
12 foot tall Alice and her fictional friends.

The events held over the next two weeks aimed
to show visitors and locals what the Geopark is all about.
In addition to our internationally renowned
exceptional geology, spectacular coastline
and natural beauty, the geopark is also focused
on fun and creativity, with a range of activities
to suit all

For those wishing to explore their creative side
we offered workshops in Jewellery Making,
learning some centuries-old skills still used
in the contemporary art of handcrafting jewellery
from Copper and Sterling Silver sheet and wire;
and an evening of Basket Weaving demonstrated by
Cathy Hayden, where we learned
how to make Baby Rattles from willow and stones,
exactly how these were made in historic times
but not recommended for use as rattles today.