By Conor Sharkey
THERE was something in the air around the Alley Theatre last Friday, as a major new piece of public art went on display.
Entitled 'Where Dreams Go', the latest piece is an eight foot bronze statue of a pig, a nod to Strabane's once thriving agricultural industry.
The brainchild of Cookstown artist Martin Heron, the sculpture was inspired by the 18th century pork and butter market which was held weekly on the theatre site.
The body of the pig is inscribed with a design based on early Celtic scroll and spiral patterns not unlike those found on standing stones, burial mounds and artefacts throughout Ireland.
Outlining the thinking behind his creation, Mr Heron explained: "As an artist it is my job to invite the audience to engage with my work and think about its relevance to them. This sculpture, although obviously a direct reference to the site's history, draws on both the real and the mythical.
" It shows a noble and contemplative pig, gazing towards a sky full of possibilities."
Funded by the Department for Social Development, the pig is the latest structure to recall Strabane's proud traditions and history.
The unveiling of the statue signals the completion of the Courtyard Environmental Improvement Scheme, a £316,000 project which has seen new paving, lighting and seating installed around the Alley Theatre.
Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie said: "My Department has been closely involved in both the development and delivery of this scheme including the commissioning of the public art piece. I have no doubt that this piece will be a real contribution to the town and will make people stop, look again, talk about it and smile. This is exactly what good public art should do.
"The transformation of this area will take a further step forward with the completion in early May of the £260k streetscape enhancement scheme at Canal Street."
Council Chairman, Gerard Foley added: "The courtyard scheme will add to the vitality of the town centre and open up access from Dock Street.I am pleased that this new civic space will give further impetus to the town through both its social and regeneration impact."
