A Journey Through Wild Stories
This year’s Tread Softly Festival was a magical experience, and we were delighted to be part of it with our ‘Wild Stories’ workshops. Held across three beautiful spots in Sligo—Beltra County Market, Aughris, and Streedagh Beach—these workshops allowed children to dive into their imaginations and create something truly special. We were thrilled to guide them through this creative adventure, led by the ever-inspiring Andy Parsons and Sarah O’Keefe.
Beltra County Market
At our first workshop in Beltra County Market, we saw young minds at work, each child bringing their own unique twist to the Wild Stories theme. Whether it was through drawings, paintings, or storytelling, the kids really let their imaginations run wild. Andy and Sarah were there every step of the way, encouraging the children to think differently and explore new ideas.
Aughris
The creative energy continued in Aughris, where the children experimented with different materials like ink and gouache. It was incredible to see how they used these tools to bring their stories to life, with each piece offering a glimpse into their unique perspectives. The variety of art that came out of this workshop was simply amazing, reflecting the diverse ways the children interpreted the Wild Stories theme.
Beach Day at Streedagh: A Perfect Ending
Our final workshop at Streedagh Beach couldn’t have been more perfect. The sun was shining, the waves were rolling in, and the children, with sandy toes, were eager to explore. They gathered pebbles, shells, and seaweed, turning them into stories of their own. One child even found a sea anemone, sparking imaginative drawings of starbursts and sea creatures. The natural beauty of the beach inspired the children to see how one small discovery can turn into something magical.
We also had some wonderful conversations that day. A child from Spain shared how they use fountain pens in school, which led to a chat about how different tools can help us think more deeply about our work. Inspired by this, the children created beautiful charcoal drawings, using ink and gouache to add shadow and depth to their pieces.
Sarah reflected on the day, “We were so lucky to have such beautiful weather and sunshine for our last sessions. The outdoor beach experience added a lovely organic element to the workshops, indeed they were ‘Wild Stories!’
