COMMUNITY NOTES: KILTIMAGH - WESTERN PEOPLE (APRIL 14 EDITION)
Work is ongoing on a colourful mural on Main Street by Klim Bohatyrov and his father, Yuri Bohatyrov, with completion expected in the coming days.
Klim Bohatyrov, aged 20, originally from Ukraine, is a former student of St Louis Community School. He is currently attending Mayo College of Further Education, Westport, where he is studying Level 6 Art. He has previously completed a number of murals on the Kiltimagh school grounds.
Speaking about the project, Michael Roache of the Kiltimagh Tidy Towns Committee outlined how the initiative developed. He said the wall had been unused and permission was sought locally to carry out the work. Initial plans involved students from the school, but this was not possible due to timing. The project then progressed following discussions with a teacher and the artist.
“The design of the mural was chosen by the artist,” Michael told the Western People. “The emphasis was on allowing creative independence. The intention was to provide a visual feature in the town that would be accessible to younger members of the community.”
Michael said that a previous project at the same location involved local youth participation. He explained that the materials for the mural were provided by the committee from donations received, and confirmed that the artists did not seek payment for their work, with support to be provided through the Tidy Towns Committee.
Michael also outlined his involvement with the committee, linking it to family connections with the area and a long-standing interest in community development. He said he has been involved locally for a number of years.
