On Fri 25^th May  the second “On The Wall” Exhibition opens at the Solas Gallery In Ballinamore. An exhibition without a painting or photograph.  Artists have been asked to create pieces of work that will hang on the wall or go on a plinth that are outside their normal artwork.  This is the second “On the Wall” at Solas, the first being an outstanding success.  Artists and public are asked to stretch their imaginations a bit, and enjoy the different skills and ideas on show.

As always, it is difficult to mention everything, so this is just a taste of what is on offer.  Artworks go from “small” to large, for example a delicate 4mtr long prayer flag by Celia Richard and from Ina Duyn a wall hanging chandelier made from recycled candle holders as well as a large windchime made from slates. If you think about it, the time involved in making these and other pieces must be tremendous. Recycling for art shows up again with two interesting masks created from old tractor seats by Alan McGrath. A stunning glass window piece by Monica Grossman, a papier mache wall piece by Sandra Vernon, are just some of the works available.. Other artists involved are Christene Raab Heine; Caroline Rock; Doug Ross; Holly Gardener; Brendan Dean and more.

The exhibition will be opened by Brendan Dean on Fri 25th May  at 7.30pm. Brendan is a local artist, well known both in Ballinamore, Leitrim and nationally for his creative art. A founder member of the Solas Gallery, Brendan feels that artists need to feel free to express themselves outside the box. “On the Wall” does just that and will continue to be open until 16^th June, with gallery opening hours 10-6, mon-sat. The Gallery is above the Four Seasons Garden centre in Ballinamore. For any enquiries please contact Gail or Ben on 071 9644210; info@solasart.ie or visit the website www.solasart.ie.

Additional Info

11am – 1pm
Life drawing using period costumes with Jo Conway.
Jo trained in Central St. Martins in London and has lived as an artist and teacher for over 25 years. She now lectures in Theatre design in Sligo IT.

2.30pm – 4.30pm

Drawing flowers with Romy Gray

Romy is an experienced Art and Ti Chai teacher, has practiced both diciplines for over 30 years.

All Day with Brendan Dean

Mural painting and Decorating outside the Cultural Quarters Ballinamore Main Street.

Surfaces will be prepared as a blank white Canvas as in, painted white in preparation for local artists & anyone who wishes to take part in express themselves on drawing day 2012,
Acrylic paints will be used and preferred for permanency as part of what in terms could be called a contemporary, cultural, community collage & effectively will be the first public artwork of its type in the town.
‘The idea was inspired not only by my views on public art, but also the idea of integrated multi diverse community & freedom of expression in conjunction with the fact that Art has been proven to have a beneficial & indeed profound healing effect on the human psyche. Therefore benefiting the Artists & members of the community, who create the Artwork & also the wider community, which really is without boundaries in terms of human connection.’
- Brendan Dean.
“I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”
― Albert Einstein

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SOLAS GALLERY

EXHIBITION ENTRY FORM

 ‘On The Wall’

25 May – June 16th 2012

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Entry 1

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Entry 2

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Entry 3

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Adhesive or tie on labels will be available for artwork identification when the work is brought to the gallery.

Please return the completed application form with photos, 50 words explaination, along with €5 per entry (non-members only) to Solas Gallery, Main Street, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim marking it ‘On The Wall’ by 10th May 2012

For further information contact Sandra Vernon 071 9625276 or Sandra@solasart.ie

Opening on Fri 27^th April, the Solas Gallery Members Spring show  is a joyful celebration of the this time of the year.  With over 50 pieces selected from the members work the exhibition gives everybody a chance to see a lovely range of paintings and photography and the members to exhibit the best of their work. As always, there are new members showing their work for the first time as well as regular favourites. With 25 artists taking part there would not be enough space to list them all, so this is a sample of some of the works on view.

Naturally with spring one thinks of flowers and growth, a particularly eye-catching piece is an oil painting of a vase of poppies by new member Grace Dixon, along with two “Favourite Tree” portraits by Celia Richard. The growth images follow through to a colourful still life “Carrots, leeks and oranges” by Doug Ross and delicate watercolours on the same theme from Ted Compton. Animals  are always a popular subject and the ones  in this exhibition range from Colleen Quinns gentle “Faithful Friend” portraits of dogs, Marion O`Donoghues images of horses and sheep, and “Ewe There” by another new member, Maureen Meehan.  On a more contemporary note there is “The Poet”, a wonderful study in blue by Alan McGrath, as well as paintings from Ciaran McDevitt; Ina Duyn and Harald de Bary. This is just a selection, there really is a lot more and something for everyone at this exhibition.

The “Spring Show” will be opened at 7.30pm on Fri 27^th April. It will be launched by popular local business man and Co Councillor John McCartin. John has supported the Solas Gallery since its beginning and is always very appreciative of the work that all artists put into their art or performance. The exhibition will run until 19^th May so do call in even if you can’t get to the opening. The Solas Gallery is open 10-6, Mon-Sat. For more information please contact Gail or Ben, 071-9644210,  info@solasart.ie or visit our website www.solasart.ie

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