Virginia launches ‘Collective’ Art Exhibition at Nenagh Library

A wonderful crowd gathered at Nenagh Library for the official opening of ‘Collective’ art exhibition on Tuesday of last week.

Virginia O’Dowd did the honours and officially launched the exhibition.

This was a special occasion as it is the first ever North Tipperary Artists Collective group art exhibition.  It was very well attended with artists from all over North Tipp, their families, friends and members of the public enjoying the night. Members of Tipperary County Council also attended.

There was a great atmosphere, lots of chat and laughter with food and drink in abundance, looked after by Shirley Moloughney. Her home-made lemonade went down a treat!

warm welcome

Maura Kennedy, secretary to the group, welcomed everybody and gave a short history of the origins of the collective, with credit given to Nenagh Arts Centre for hosting the group for an Artists’ Coffee Morning on the first Friday of every month, excluding July and August this summer.

Only together since 2023, it is a large group with artists from every walk of life and at every stage, from beginner to emerging to established artists taking part.

It was set up as a support group with members sharing experiences, giving advice and apprising each other of upcoming opportunities.

In the course of discussions, it became apparent that artists need venues and events at which to showcase their work, be it paintings, prints, ceramics, photographs, sculptures, metalworks, textiles, etc. Many efforts were made to secure premises on a ‘Pop -Up’ basis, but these proved fruitless.

It became obvious that a permanent, suitable Art Gallery is needed in Nenagh. We are grateful to Nenagh Library and to Nenagh Arts Centre for the spaces they provide, but these premises are multi-purpose and not suitable for displaying fragile pieces, or for placing plinths which can remain in situ where the public can walk around them safely.

The group have had discussions with local county councillors and members of county council staff and are continuing to work with them to find an appropriate space.

Virginia congratulated the 27 artists whose work is on display, admiring the vitality, the variety and the high quality of the artwork.

She expressed her gratitude to the staff of the library, who are always so helpful and accommodating. She commended Nenagh Arts Centre for facilitating the Artists’ Collective and wished everyone well as they develop their careers in the art world.

She thanked the officers of the group, Helen Costello, chairperson, Brendan Keogh, treasurer and Maura Kennedy, secretary.

SPACE NEEDED

She highlighted the need for an appropriate, permanent exhibition space in the town and agrees that it would enrich the art and cultural life of Nenagh and could be a major attraction. Virginia was presented with a small token on behalf of the group and the night was enjoyed by all.

‘Collective’ exhibition continues at Nenagh Library until the end of July. It is well worth a visit, and you are encouraged  to write your comments in the Visitors’ Book!