To celebrate the opening of High Winds Move Slowly, The Model is hosting a number of curious and intriguing events that will be sure to inject a little creative colour to your weekend. From contemporary art, dance to classical folk, The Model is a one-stop shop for all your cultural and entertainment needs. To present what’s on offer, we have crafted a list:

5pm – Opening reception of High Winds Move Slowly

High Winds Move Slowly is a two-person exhibition featuring Dutch artists Arno Kramer and Henk Visch. This show, which is curated and toured by the Museum De Buitenplaats in the Netherlands, marks the first time that these two artists have been brought together in one exhibition. As well as showcasing the exhibition, a site-specific drawing that has been commissioned for the exhibition in The Model atrium.

To celebrate the opening of this dynamic exhibition, The Model will host an artist talk between Arno Kramer, Henk Visch and curator, Patty Wageman. This will be followed by contemporary dancer Iris Reyes, who will respond through movement and dance to the larger than life sculptures and large scale drawing in the gallery space. Reyes is a recipient of the “Best Dancer” award with the VSCD Zilveren Dansprijs. Since September 2006 Iris Reyes has been working as Ballet Mistress and Rehearsal Director for Introdans in Arnhem, where she assisted the esteemed choreographer Hans van Manen. A gifted dancer, Reyes will inspire and amaze with her powerful performance.

6pm – Drinks reception

At 6pm complimentary wine will be served in The Model Atrium. While enjoying a drink in the elegant surroundings of The Model Atrium, why not stick around to see the legendary New York based musical duo The Murphy Beds at 8pm? The café will also be opened, offering a selection of craft beers, teas and coffees. But before then, there is more to see. Our other excellent exhibitions are also open for the public to enjoy.

Artist Select, a unique exhibition in response to The Niland Collection is also open in the Foyer Gallery, featuring the work of artist Kiera O’ Toole. This is a new series that sees one of The Model studio artists (Kiera O’Toole) respond to the work of Arno Kramer, whose work is held in The Niland Collection. The resulting exhibition is a sensitive visual inquiry.

And for Yeats’ lovers, a colourful exhibition of the work of Jack B. Yeats is exhibiting in the beautifully lit Niland Gallery. Lives; Jack B. Yeats enables audiences to trace the development of key characters in Jack Butler Yeats’ work, through an exploration of his illustrations, pencil sketches, watercolours and the iconic oil paintings of his later mature period. A new & exciting feature of Lives is the recent acquisition of an original Jack B. Yeats’ sketchbook. Owing to the generosity of Claire and Kevin Connolly, The Model has acquired the artists’ visual journal. For Yeats, a sketchbook presented an opportunity to not only sketch the possibility of a new piece but also to capture life as he experienced it. For fans of Yeats, these sketchbooks provide a snapshot into the private dream world of one of Ireland’s most elusive artists.

8pm – Performance by The Murphy Beds in the theatre.

Polish your Brogue’s and get your flat caps ready for The Murphy Beds, a stunning musical duo that’s sure to get your feet tapping and your heart racing! By interweaving the exquisite talents of two world-class musicians, The Murphy Beds is an innovative and dynamic duo that will have you dancing in the aisles. The Murphy Beds (Jefferson Hamer and Eamon O’Leary) will perform traditional and original folk songs with close harmonies and deft instrumental arrangements on bouzouki, guitar, and mandolin. They have performed and collaborated with artists across the folk spectrum including Beth Orton, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy, Anais Mitchell, and Sam Amidon. The Murphy Beds have travelled the world, bringing their personal brand of folk music from New York to Belgium and Germany and now, to Sligo! The Murphy Beds will play one night only at The Model, so be sure to see them before they depart!

We hope you can join us on this cultural evening full of dance, performance, and visual art.