As part of the TRADE Residency programme run by Roscommon and Leitrim Arts Departments Black Hole Studio will be hosting a free portrait session by the portrait and video artist David Michalek some day during next week, October 17-21, 2011 (exact day and time to be confirmed). David Michalek has worked on Calvin Klein campaigns and for Vogue and Vanity Fair magazines and will photograph anyone who is willing to add their face to the campaign intended to raise awareness of Fracking (Hydraulic Fracturing).

Fracking is the process of extracting gases from deep within shale rock. In places where fracking has already taken place there has been a rise in cancer rates, death to livestock and water contamination. In Pennsylvania methane has risen to 17 times the normal levels near fracking sites. Exploration licenses for fracking have been issued in Leitrim, Fermanagh, Roscommon & Sligo. Pat Rabbitte, the Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural resources has asked the EPA to conduct a study over concerns raised by residents in these areas.

To find out more, keep an eye on this web-site where the exact date and time of the photo session will take place. Please come along to have your portrait taken for free and where members of ENGAGE, a collective set up by the TRADE Residency artists,  will have further information. All family members  are welcome as we would like to have all ages represented in the campaign photos. Alternatively, you can contact Black Hole Studio to show your interest who will then inform you directly when the shoot is taking place.