Sisters and artists, Tina and Yvonne Claffey were commissioned through the Department of Education and Skills Per Cent for Art scheme for the new extension to Crinkle National School outside Birr in Co.Offaly.

Tina Claffey's five photographic pieces were made with the children of the school.

"The place name Crinkle in old Irish is Críonchoill, which means old forest. I based my work on trees from the surrounding area, using the images as metaphors for positive affirmations for the school children. One's happiness depends on the quality of one's thoughts. Whatever we think about ourselves, the body responds. Whatever we believe about in ourselves – it usually manifests. The use of affirmations gives children a chance to delve into the beauty of their inner qualities and so enhances their confidence and self-esteem. Children respond so well to positive comments and thrive in positive atmospheres." Tina Claffey.

Tina asked each child and class to work on one of the following affirmations; I am unique and talented. I am loved. I am calm and focused. I am healthy and strong. I listen to my heart. She scanned chosen samples of the children's handwriting incorporating their affirmations into a photographic image she had taken in the nearby forest. Five artworks were made, four of which are A1 photos framed behind acrylic, and the fifth is a large photographic LED light panel, measuring 5ft x 3ft. The images, with their distinct positive affirmations, are placed in key focal areas of the school, which every student will see, and unconsciously read every day. The artwork intends to have a positive influence on the children's school day.

Yvonne held ceramic workshops with each class, demonstrating working with clay from moulding it, stamping it, through to adding to it and sculpting it. Students and staff in Crinkle NS created their own individual tile, for which the theme was Críonchoill/The Forest, which were then mounted together to construct a composite artwork for one of the corridors. Yvonne's own ceramic panel Sli an Eolais (Pathway of Learning), is an image of a pathway going through the woods and represents the lifelong journey of learning.

The artists are both mothers of children in the school. They worked in the school with the children and the staff over several months.