Boyle Arts Festival are delighted to announce that former President of Ireland, Mary McAleese will open the eagerly anticipated 2016 Visual Art Exhibition, in King House, Boyle, on Thursday July 21st at 8pm. Professor McAleese will also officially open the 2016 Boyle Arts Festival and this will be celebrated by an outdoor musical performance by the group Jawbone, and the magical inflatables of the Castlerea Carnival Group.
By Brendan McGee
This year’s main exhibition is entitled ‘North by Northwest’ and it will focus on works by acclaimed artists and rising stars from this region and the general North West of the island. They will present work in a range of media including painting, drawing, sculpture, textile, ceramics, photography and video. This exhibition, which has been curated by Paul Mckenna, aims to engage, enthuse and inspire.
Practicing artists from the region include Maurice Harron, Vida Pain, Patrick Bradley, Frances Crowe, Clive Bright, Vera Gaffney, Simon McWilliams and Samantha Ellis Fox. The Main Visual Art exhibition is open between 11am and 6pm every day and during events in King House, from Thurs. July 21st until Sunday July 31st.
Over the past 27 years, the Boyle Civic Collection has expanded to almost 300 pieces of art – the commission earned on art sales goes towards the purchase of a number of works from the Main Exhibition each year. The collection has been further enhanced by generous donations by artists, trusts and private individuals. The collection is exhibited in King House during the year and in recent times, works are shown in various premises in Boyle where they can be viewed and appreciated by the public.
The Local Artists Expo in the Parochial School provides a forum for artists who would otherwise find few opportunities to display their work. The art is always of an exceptionally high standard and the exhibition provides an important showcase of talent. Many of the artists from this exhibition, such as Vera Gaffney, Naomi Draper, Vivian Murray, Annette Gaffney, and Tina Brooks have excelled to higher levels in their own private exhibitions, or have been invited to exhibit in the main King House exhibition. Entrants are judged for three prizes and the overall winner receives the Sue Hill trophy and the most promising U25 artist receives the Éilís Kilgallen award. Open 10am to 6pm daily.
The renowned Boyle Camera Club, with over 50 members, will showcase a rich and diverse range of their photographic images in the town library at King House, during library hours from July 21st to 31st.
Also on opening night, local artist Naomi Draper will be opening her studio in the Harrington Studios at King House. It will also be open between 10am and 6pm on July 22nd and 23rd.
‘Mixed Visions’ by the Mixed Hues Artist Group will present a collection of mixed art pieces, focusing on different landscapes and different perspectives but all encompassing a shared vision. This exhibition will take place in the Family Life Centre every day from 11am to 6pm, until July 30th. The exhibition will open on July 21st at 6:30pm.
Also, keep an eye out for ‘pop-up galleries’ and small exhibitions in various shop windows in the town, during the course of the Festival.
Please note that entrance to all exhibitions is free.
For more information, see our programme or call in to The Festival office, next door to Marian’s on Bridge St. The office is open every day (excluding Sundays) from now until July 30th. For more information go to www.boylearts.com Tel. 071 9663085. Email [email protected] or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+
Boyle Arts Festival acknowledges the support of the Arts Council, Local businesses, Roscommon County Council and Foras Eireann.
