Staff – Signal Arts Centre

Signal Staff

Claire Flood is Signal’s epicentre. She is the supervisor of the CE (community employment) project, administrator of everything else & knowledge base of all that happens. If there is anything you need to know she’s the person to ask. Claire has been with Signal since 2002.

Often mistaken for a young Pierce Brosnan, Conor chose a different path to the Navan native by attaining a Degree in Art History in UCD and completing his M.A. in Arts Management & Cultural Policy in Queens University, Belfast.
Conor’s hobbies include long distance marathons, rock climbing and abseiling. Recently he narrowly missed setting a new Irish record in the NYC marathon by 3/100ths of a second. Equipped with extreme levels of enthusiasm and energy, Conor is determined to bring these qualities to his work in Signal Arts.

Jonathan comes from a photography background (Graduated with a BA in Photography 2013 From DIT) and has in recent years moved into web development (Graduated H.Dip in Web Technologies from NCI in 2017). He is currently knee deep in a redesign of the website or making Instagram or Facebook posts, or maintaining the current website. Interested in all sports, but especially soccer and hurling. Gaillimh Abú.

I am delighted to have become part of the team at Signals Arts Centre. I have loved photography since I was a child. I have fond memories of playing with the old ‘Box Brownies’ in my grandmother’s house. Photography has been a great part of my whole life. Social documentary and everyday life images are what I love capturing mostly. I trained in analogue, but I truly embrace digital and the artistic freedom that comes with it. I am presently collaborating with PoetCarmen Cullen creating a visual backdrop to her poetry on YouTube. I am also becoming more involved in jewellery making and design. You can find me at…Instagram @deirdremaherridgway – @dmr_jewellery_design

Keith has always been interested in Art and Design and he studied design at the B.A.E.C. It was there that he discovered ceramics. Wood had always been Keith’s favourite material to work with but when he discovered clay it soon took over his love of wood. “Clay became my chosen material because of its versatility. It enables me to explore form and proportion quickly and easily.” It was with great encouragement from his teachers at the B.A.E.C. that he applied and successfully got a place on the prestigious D.C.C.O.I. ceramics skill and design course in Thomastown.

Alva Smith is a new member of our administration staff. Living in Shankill Co.Dublin, Alva has vast experience in the Secretarial and Bookeeping world. In her spare time she likes to take her energetic Cockapoo ‘Lola’ for walks. At present she is attending Signal’s Weaving and Tapestry class being held by our own Anna O’Rourke. Her other hobbies include Yoga, reading, and going on holidays, and keeping up with the soaps.

After a long career in the printing sector, Geraldine worked as an administrator for the Carers Association. She spent two years on an extensive computing course in B.A.E.C. Geraldine has also studied Payroll and Bookkeeping in DDLETB.
Her interests include travelling, ceramics, reading and crosswords.

Drew Freeland is an Irish artist based in Dublin and Wicklow and works with the visual image. He has recently graduated from Dun Laoghaire IADT with a bachelor honours in Photography.
His work involves portraits and landscapes and street photography exploring the urban space. While working mainly with the still image he creates books and works with the moving image. He has exhibited his work at group shows around Dublin and looks forward being apart of the Signal Arts team.

David has come from a background in Digital Design and has obtained a degree in the field. He studied in Stillorgan College for two years and one year online. He has also studied multimedia ranging from photography to video work and a few things in between. David is looking to further his knowledge of Web Design and Design in general. He is interested in art, music and creativity.

Lorna Lennon is an artist and writer living in Bray. She is especially interested in Visual arts and teaches Drawing and Watercolour Painting. She has a Higher National Diploma in Fine Arts as well as qualifications in Marketing and Public Relations. Her interests include playing the bodhran, tin whistle, and crafts.

Dan is a Multimedia visual artist, musician and sculptor. In the field of music he is an accomplished guitarist/composer and has performed at theatres, festivals and corporate events throughout Ireland for well over a decade. In the area of the visual arts Dan has a diverse set of interests and skills including graphic design, pencil work, print making, painting and geometry. Dan also spent a number of years working as a marble fireplace maker where he discovered and nurtured his passion for sculpture, this has been his main area of focus in recent years.

Donal comes from a business background importing children’s playground equipment.

He is interested in music and writing, and Donal will be studying computing and IT.

Textile artist, Felt Maker and Quilter. Ruth had previously worked in Signal

between 2018 and 2019 before taking up a teaching position in Kuwait. Now

she’s back with a bang and is looking forward to initially working with Dom

creating video profiles of various local artists and of course incorporating her

“tactile textile talents” into the warp & weft of everyday life in Signal.

Santa has a degree in graphic design and has studied classical art education.

She has a great passion for drawing and sketching is interested in cultural

history and all art related topics. Originally from Latvia but is in love with Ireland,

where she lives from 2007. She enjoys hiking and live outdoor sketching. Loves

to give her knowledge to others.

Don Rorkehas being involved in filmmaking since 2010, as a Producer, Director and Editor.

He has worked on a huge body of work that encompasses a wide range of genres and styles, including Documentary, Short Films, Feature Films, Promotional. Cooperate Videos and Music Videos, where a number of the films have won awards. In 2015 he completed a Higher National Diploma in Moving Image with a distinction. Currently, he is still working on project both large and small, and working on a number of ideas for his next feature

documentary.

Margaret Walsh comes from a music industry background. Her ambition is to

raise the profile of Signal Arts Centre to an even higher level. Margaret’s

interests include Interior Design, Art History and 20th century Literature.

Signal Staff

Claire Flood

Conor Rafferty

Jonathan Higgins

Deirdre Ridgway

Keith Clucas

Alva Smith

Geraldine Smith

Drew Freeland

David Crowe

Lorna Lennon

Dan Laffan

Donal Smyth

Ruth Murphy

Santa Silina

Don Rorke

Margaret Walsh