Trace the Past: Kilkea Castle Graveyard

BIO

As an artist and a printmaker, I draw deeply on words, symbols, and stories from Ireland’s past. I’m passionate about fostering arts participation, self-expression, and connection through hands-on, immersive workshops and art experiences in and around my studio in Kildare.

I’m also deeply engaged in supporting community arts projects through my curation of creative visitor experiences and a variety of heritage, culture, and corporate initiatives across Ireland. In July 2022 I rebranded and opened my socially engaged practice as Blueway Art Studio.

Kildare’s Blueway Art Studio is a hub for art workshops and art projects that harness the energy of creativity, traditional skills, and Ireland’s compelling stories for the benefit and enjoyment of individuals, communities, and wider audiences.
Angelina is a member of Limerick Printmakers, she has professional membership of Visual Arts Ireland, Peannairí (the Association of Irish Calligraphers) and Business to Arts. She is interested in exploring how enterprise and creative tourism can work together to improve local economies, encouraging respect for artists incomes.

AWARDS AND MENTIONS

2022 – YPCE Bursary Award, Arts Council

2022 – Kildare Cruinniú na nÓg – Antarctica in Athy

2022 – Kildare Decade of Commemorations Award

2022 – Blast residency in Castledermot Primary School

2022 – TAP Residencies in Scoil Bríde, Nurney & Ballysax Primary school

2021 – Arts Participation Agility Award, Arts Council

2021 – Kildare Culture Night, in collaboration with Ballitore Quaker Museum

2021 – Creative Ireland Award, collaboration with Kildare Libraries Network

2021 – Kildare Education Residency Bursary with Kilkea School

2021 – Bank of Ireland Begin Together Fund supported by Business to Arts.

In 2020 Angelina was awarded the Bank of Ireland Begin Together Fund, in partnership with the Shackleton Museum, to create experiences based on Ernest Shackleton’s printmaking practice in Antarctica and women in his family history.
With support from Conradh na Gaeilge, she built a mobile screen printing machine in 2018, which has travelled to farmers markets and festivals, offering creative experiences of the Irish Language and heritage. She now delivers workshops and pop-up experiences in characterful locations throughout Ireland, collaborating with libraries, museums, festivals, tourism entities, and community groups to bring stories and language to life.
Angelina was accredited as Design Leader as Gaeilge by Ireland’s Business All Stars Programme and was a finalist in the Irish language category of the Business All Star awards 2018.

GROUP

Independent artist

NETWORKS

Trace the Past: Kilkea Castle Graveyard

Trace the Past, in partnership with Kildare Libraries Network was funded by Creative Ireland. Heritage artist Angelina Foster traces the stories in graveyards in County Kildare through the art of gravestone rubbing.
This short film presents the old medieval church and graveyard of Kilkea Castle in Co Kildare. A site associated with the Fitzgeralds of Kildare, the old medieval ruin and graveyard still contain symbols of power, carved in stone of Ireland’s most powerful family.
As an artist and printmaker, Angelina Foster is inspired by words, stories, and symbols from Ireland’s past. Her hands-on immersive workshops, which feature ancient crafts including printing, paper-making, book-binding, and grave-rubbing, give you the chance to explore your own creativity and be inspired by traditional stories and techniques. Each artistic experience led by Angelina, offered at characterful locations throughout Ireland’s Ancient East, is an intriguing opportunity to engage creatively with the heritage, culture, and language of Ireland. Learn new skills with ancient roots as you find out more about our rich history and pick up a few Irish words along the way!

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