Ciara Connolly

Artist, Teacher, Research

During the Professional Masters Education program, we are introduced to various 2D and 3D art, craft, and design disciplines that are relevant to the current post-primary art curriculum. The Visual Art for the Classroom modules are practice-based and involve project briefs that are informed by practical masterclass inputs. These modules are designed to relate directly to the essential methodologies required for the post-primary art classroom environment. Below is a sample of Visual Aids for the classroom.

Visual Arts for the Classroom

Art Practice

As an artist dedicated to exploring the complexities of the human experience, I integrate various mediums into my practice, including drawing, painting, digital art, photography, and installation. With a strong teaching background and a keen interest in socially engaged art, my works have been featured in multiple galleries and group exhibitions. Each creation tells a unique story, reflecting the emotional layers and intricacy of my observations. Through constant experimentation, I seek to challenge perceptions and evoke a profound emotional response, offering viewers an opportunity for reflection and connection. Art is a narrative in visual form, a means to communicate and engage deeply with an audience.

Teaching Practice

I'm an art educator who values holistic development. My classroom cultivates empathy, compassion, and inclusivity through tailored teaching to diverse learning styles. I incorporate social issues in my curriculum to promote real-world problem-solving. I work with peers to innovate and deliver transformative education. I emphasize adaptability, creativity, respect, experimentation, and visual culture. Art, design, and visual studies should be accessible to all students.

Research

Research enables artists and teachers to contextualise their visual responses and interpretations of the world. In addition, theorising your practice in the classroom allows educators to become more aware and critical of their methodologies. Throughout the PME programme, academic writing was held in high regard, and research investigations were completed in sociology, history and philosophy, psychology, curriculum, and assessment and the change Lab experience. I recently completed a research project in the subject area of Discovery Learning. Below you can see a sample of this research.