A reflection on the The River Alive event

The Avonmore Catchment Collective consisting of Poet Jane Clarke, Photographer Finn Richards, Architects Phoebe Brady + Sarah Doheny of Cineál: Research + Design, and Ecologist Faith Wilson, in collaboration with East Wicklow Rivers Trust and An Oige (who hosted us at the Glenmalure Hostel) enjoyed a beautiful day on the Avonbeg River in the Glenmalure Valley on the 21st July 2025.

Here's a reflection on the event:

'Thank you everyone for an enriching afternoon. The event offered a remarkably wide range of ways to engage with the river and its surroundings - maps, walking, listening to the river and the trees as well as to each other, drawing, writing, painting, watching, observing, recording and learning throughout. I was struck by the peacefulness in the "secret garden" at the An Oige hostel as people slowed and sat and looked, listened and chatted and then in a very relaxed, unhurried way moved to make their mark on the canvas. Though people were a little intimidated at the thought of "drawing" or "writing", there was a gentleness that allowed everyone to respond and reflect in their own way. The time passed very quickly. I have a sense that at the end of the event people felt they had participated in something different and special'.

This event was funded by the Wicklow County Arts Office, Wicklow County Council and the Arts Council.