Event to celebrate 10,000 stars in Laois
The One Million Stars Ireland project connects communities across Ireland in solidarity against domestic abuse and all forms of violence.
LOCAL Star Weavers and the staff of Laois Volunteer Centre will be celebrating the creation of 10,000 stars in an Art Installation in Portlaoise Library on Thursday 22 May.
Project lead of the One Million Stars community arts programme Siobhan McQuillan praised the work of Laois Volunteer Centre staff and volunteers who started the Star Weaving programme in June 2024.
She said: “One Million Stars Ireland is delighted to collaborate with Laois Volunteer Centre and mark the opening of this beautiful exhibition of hand woven stars at Portlaoise Library.
“Thank you to the manager of Laois Volunteer Centre Caitriona Ryan and her team for their commitment and support for our project over the past two years. What they have achieved is truly remarkable. Well done on reaching 10,000 stars. This brings our national total to 510,000 stars.”
Ms McQuillan said: “Each star acts as a visual petition against gender-based violence. Thank you to the volunteers who weave at home and those who weave in schools, organisations, associations, businesses, community groups, domestic abuse and other services across the county of Laois for engaging with our project and helping us to shine a light on all forms of gender-based violence.” Ms Ryan said: “A big thank you too to all of our volunteers who took part in the programme. It would not have been possible without them.”
A Star Weaving volunteer Mary Treacy said “I really enjoyed Star Weaving. I met lots of new people and I learned a lot about the organisations in Laois who provide invaluable services to members of our community especially Laois Domestic Abuse Service. I can’t wait to see the art installation and meet the other participants again.”
The Star Weaving art installation will be in Portlaoise Library on Thursday 22 May from 12 noon.
The exhibition is part of a series of events organised by Laois Volunteer Centre to celebrate National Volunteering Week May that continues to Sunday 25 May.
For more information about Star Weaving or Volunteering contact Caitriona on info@volunteerlaois.ie
