Art Trolley

Fun-filled arts activities inspired by the wonderful artworks in our galleries!

Art Trolley gives children a chance to engage with our upcoming exhibition at Rua Red, These Beautiful Men by Brian Maguire (see exhibition details below) through a 3-week creative project inspired by the artwork. These workshops will be led by artist facilitator, Mia Shattock, who will carefully guide participants through the exhibition, create space to discuss what is seen, and work together to respond through bespoke activities that are designed with the child in mind. Each little artist will create an artistic response - from painting, drawing and sculpture.

Over the course this 3-week project children will explore storytelling through painting and sculpting portraits of each other - each week learning something new. The exhibition focuses on portraits of people living in the international protection and accommodation services. As such, topics of identity, racism, and inequality are likely to arise within the workshops. These conversations will be navigated in an age appropriate, intentional, and respectful manner, as facilitated by Mia.

All children aged 7-12 are welcome to sign up and give Art Trolley a try.

Workshop dates: Saturdays March 14th, 21st and 28th from 1-2.30PM

For further questions send us an email info@ruared.ie or pop it for a chat with our welcome team at reception.

These Beautiful Men:

Since October 2025, Brian Maguire has worked in close collaboration with men residing in International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) in South Dublin County. Three times a week Maguire visits the centre, where Rua Red runs an art studio led by artist Michael Mangan. Maguire meets with the men, listens to the stories of their journeys while drawing their portraits.

Life at that the IPAS is marked by transience and uncertainty. Residents are relocated to accommodation at other locations at very short notice, and typically within three weeks of arrival. This ever-present condition of impermanence informs Maguire’s drawings, which are rapid responses made in charcoal. They underscore the urgency and fragility of the encounters on which the work is based.

Within a context in which individuals are often reduced to statistics, Maguire’s portraits consider what it means to be seen, acknowledged and brought into representation. The sitter is given agency, and dignity.

Photo by Silvina Sisterna.