New ‘bean’ sculpture is unveiled at New-Bridge by Everest conquerer

A beautifully creative and structural ‘bean’ sculpture was unveiled this week at New-Bridge Integrated College by architect Dawson Stelfox, the first Irish person to climb Mount Everest.
Dawson Stelfox MBE, who in 1993 became the first person from Ireland to reach the summit of Mount Everest, unveiled "The Bean" at New-Bridge Integrated College, included with the pupils are Principal Anne Anderson, Heather McFarlane SELB AAO for Art & Design with Multi Media, Head of Art Eimear McKeown, Jason Diamond FE McWilliam Gallery, Glass Sculptress Sarah McEvoy, Elaine McEnarney NI Museums Council, Art Teacher Laura Guiney and Art Technician Joe Mullan © Edward Byrne Photography INBL27-227EBDawson Stelfox MBE, who in 1993 became the first person from Ireland to reach the summit of Mount Everest, unveiled "The Bean" at New-Bridge Integrated College, included with the pupils are Principal Anne Anderson, Heather McFarlane SELB AAO for Art & Design with Multi Media, Head of Art Eimear McKeown, Jason Diamond FE McWilliam Gallery, Glass Sculptress Sarah McEvoy, Elaine McEnarney NI Museums Council, Art Teacher Laura Guiney and Art Technician Joe Mullan © Edward Byrne Photography INBL27-227EB
Dawson Stelfox MBE, who in 1993 became the first person from Ireland to reach the summit of Mount Everest, unveiled "The Bean" at New-Bridge Integrated College, included with the pupils are Principal Anne Anderson, Heather McFarlane SELB AAO for Art & Design with Multi Media, Head of Art Eimear McKeown, Jason Diamond FE McWilliam Gallery, Glass Sculptress Sarah McEvoy, Elaine McEnarney NI Museums Council, Art Teacher Laura Guiney and Art Technician Joe Mullan © Edward Byrne Photography INBL27-227EB

The idea for the Year 11 project was initiated at a meeting with glass sculptress, Sarah McEvoy, who was conducting an internship at the FE McWilliam Gallery in Banbridge.

Sarah agreed to come in on a weekly basis and give her time and expertise to work with Year 11 students on a glass sculpture. 

The theme of the sculpture emerged as a symbol to celebrate integration and growth together with a sense of community  inspired by the work of  FE McWilliam.

Mrs E McKeown, Head of Art at New-Bridge Integrated College, along with her colleagues in the art department - Ms D Jenkins and Miss L Guiney - and the pupils themselves were at the unveiling of the sculpture.  

Ms Heather McFarland, SELB Art Advisor and representatives from the FE McWilliam Gallery

Mr Stelfox was extremely impressed and delighted to be asked to unveil the impressive ‘Bean’ sculpture in the garden overlooked by the Art Room. 

The school hope that the sculpture will inspire many more creative work by students at the College .