(PHOENIX, Ariz., March 2, 2004) - He worked with the cast, film and special effects crew on the sets of all three movies in the Lord of the Rings trilogy; The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and Return of the King; and was personally invited by His Highness Sheik Nayahan to the United Arab Emirates to design an international peace mural, which has been seen by millions of people from across the world.

He is Roman Reyes, Phoenix College Department Chair of Art, Photography, and Music and his next adventure is to lead a team of students to Ireland from June 2-15 for a unique study abroad opportunity entitled: The Art and Beauty of Ireland. So before you gear up to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with green clovers and jolly leprechauns, consider this opportunity of 14 days exploring the lush Emerald Isle - from Dublin to Tullamore -experiencing the Irish culture first hand.

The unique and affordable study abroad program focuses on the artistic beauty of Ireland and celebrates the best of the Irish culture, music and art. The program will kick-off in Dublin, the cultural centre of Ireland. Three days will allow time for trips to Trinity College, the National Gallery, Christchurch Cathedral and more. After Dublin, the program relocates to the center of the Irish midlands, Tullamore, County Offaly, home of Charleville Castle.

Charleville Castle will be the base of educational operations where students are given full and complete access to a working castle where they will find countless possibilities for creative flow as they paint, draw, photograph, or video the lush primordial forest and 2,000 surrounding acres. Additionally, musical students will find a world of creative possibilities as they work with local musicians.

"Everywhere you turn there is natural beauty and history, which inspires the artist to create," said Reyes. "I am developing a computer model of a two-story mural which will illustrate Charleville Castle’s story and the story of the Irish fight for independence. I will paint this mural, with help from students in the gallery, which will be a part of the conference centre over the next few years."

Attendees will also have the opportunity to:

--Visit Trinity College and view the Book of Kells;
--Partake in an Irish heritage evening in Dublin;
--Receive guest lectures and access to Cultural & Historical experts;
--Explore side excursions to historic and cultural sites including Clonmacnoise, bog lands and more);
--Receive project critiques and reviews;
--Participate in classroom activities, receive expert instruction; and,
--Celebrate with a Gala Farewell dinner full of Irish music, art and dance performances at Charleville Castle.

After completion of the 2-week program, participants will receive credit for one of the following:

ART 199 – Digital Storytelling (three credits);
ART 290 – Studio Art (three credits);
ART 295 – Art Workshop/Seminar: Drawing (one credit);
ARH 101 – Art History: Prehistoric through Gothic Art (three credits); and,
MUP 163 – Jazz Ensemble (one credit).

For more information, please call 602-285-7277. Additional information and registration forms are now online at www.phoenixcollege.edu/ireland/.

Photos are courtesy of Phoenix College Art Department web site.

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