Fusion at Cavan Institute

Cavan Institute was thronged with guests last Wednesday night at the opening of 'Fusion' the 2023 Art and Design Showcase. The exhibition showcased work from students from the Design and Creative Media Departments.

In the main exhibition space Art Craft and Design students displayed paintings, prints, ceramics and drawings; while Carpentry students showed off their woodwork skills with their hall tables, wall cabinets and jewellery boxes. Fashion Design and Styling students displayed their portfolios with themes of recycling and sustainability, their 'bejewelled nature' themed range of accessories and hand painted lengths of silk. Second year Design students exhibited a diverse range of work from digital photography to sculpture and furniture pieces.

Wandering deeper into the exhibition space, guests were admiring architectural presentation boards, handmade and 3D printed architectural models and rendered animations by Architectural Technology and Design students. Nestled throughout the exhibition space, was the work of 3D Design and Graphics students. A selection of photography and 3D printed prototypes were displayed alongside finished products such as coat rails, stools, and lamps.

Ann Marie Lacey, director of Cavan Institute, who opened the exhibition, said that the students’ projects "reflected Cavan Institute’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of designers who will shape the future of society in ways not yet imagined. They demonstrate that design is not only about aesthetics or functionality, but also about empathy, sustainability, and social responsibility.”

Dylan Breen, Art Craft and Design student who spoke on behalf of his classmates in the Design Department said: “The group consensus in relation to this year, in comparison to the Leaving Cert, is the overwhelming array of tight knit support from tutors and peers working together towards a shared goal, the vast range of materials and equipment offered on site, and the opportunities up for grabs wherever you look.”

He also referred to “the amazing opportunity to embark on fully funded Erasmus trips throughout the year to Seville in southern Spain and Estonia in Eastern Europe".

There was also a great buzz in the Institute’s Creative Media Mac Lab where guests could admire website designs, music videos, short films and 2D and 3D animations. Also on display were examples of students’ graphic illustration skills.

According to Amber Dunne, a student who spoke on behalf of the Creative Media students, the Animation course that she completed was “a very exciting course that gives you a lot of freedom to explore and learn new techniques, and the tutors make the assignments fun and interesting".

In her closing comments Ms Lacey reflected that while the exhibition is an opportunity to showcase students' talent and work, it is also about "celebrating the power of design to create a more connected and compassionate world. Let us continue to strive for excellence, to embrace diversity and inclusivity, and to use design as a force for positive change.”