Community Projects

Community Projects:

My Visual Plan for these participatory projects

‍Community Art Practice: Artist Evelyn Sorohan

My community projects bring together diverse, intercultural, and intergenerational groups to explore meaningful issues, primarily focusing on environmental and social concerns. These projects offer participants the opportunity to collaborate creatively, using art as a medium to reflect on both local and global challenges.

A key aspect of my work is the use of sustainable, locally sourced materials, often repurposing waste such as leftover paint and plastics. Interestingly, plastic waste frequently emerges as a central topic in discussions about environmental issues. Many participants are surprised to learn that plastic is derived from fossil fuel byproducts. As they engage in a safe and collaborative studio environment, they remain open to learning about the broader impacts of fossil fuels on our climate.

Plastics serve as a starting point for deeper exploration. I guide participants through interactive experiments involving elements like ice and wind, encouraging them to reflect on the effects of climate change. Discussions often incorporate Professor Ed Hawkins’ Warming Stripes, sparking debates on global warming. Additionally, insights from my third solo exhibition, Plastic Imprints, have greatly influenced my approach.

In 2024, my focus shifted toward biodiversity loss and its consequences for the climate. This exploration led to my fourth solo exhibition, Change of Climate. With successful funding, I initiated new community projects, collaborating with four different communities to address biodiversity through eco-art practices. These projects ranged from creatively planting wildflowers and designing gardens to facilitating river walks, where participants observed local wildlife and later recreated their findings using waste materials.

One of the most memorable projects was an intergenerational collaboration between members of Ennis Men’s Shed and 600 pupils from Ennis National School. This inspiring initiative culminated in the exhibition Plastic Nature, showcasing the power of community-driven environmental art.

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Community Groups I collaborated with include:

• International Erasmus Teachers group with the Clare Education Centre Erasmus programme
• Quin Heritage Group
• Kilmaley Meithael
• Irish Teachers from Clare (Teacher CPD Clare Education Centre)
• Ennis Voices for Autism (I've established a creative programme for neurodiverse children and teens in Clare)
• I've completed projects in 18 schools in Clare to date.
• Ennis Mens Shed
• Local Womens Group
• Ennis Environmental Group
• International Protection Applicants : Mc Gowna Group

Gallery of Images

My Participatory Community Environmental Practice Defined

"My participatory community projects are defined as creative eco-learning and making that goes beyond “mere consultations” with participants, and aim to activate critical thinking and decision-making, transforming participants into active citizens". Evelyn Sorohan

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