The F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Studio in Banbridge played host to a special event on Thursday 19 January as members of the public were invited to meet the artists whose works are currently on display in the ‘Home Grown’ exhibition.

Friends and family of many exhibiting artists gathered with art lovers from near and far and gained a special insight into the world of the artist and heard about the motivations and methods behind their work.

Speaking at the event Gallery Curator, Dr Riann Coulter, commented: “It is a great privilege to have so many of the artists here to speak about their work. The public is always fascinated to hear about artists’ inspirations and creative processes. This is also a wonderful opportunity for many of the artists featured in our current show to meet one another.”

‘Home Grown’ has proven to be a huge success with over 300 people attending the opening night on 9 December 2011. Gallery staff have continued to welcome large numbers of visitors over the past few weeks with many commenting on the quality and diversity of creative talent from the district.

‘Home Grown’ features the work of many well-known artists from the area such as Kevin McAleenan, Dougal McKenzie, Paddy Bloomer, Millie Moore, Robert Peters, Jasper McKinney and Eddie Rafferty.

The exhibition also features the work of emerging talents such as Patrick Colhoun, Joanne Proctor, Criostoir and Michael Hanna, plus locals who are successfully working elsewhere including Lisa Castagner, Mark McGreevy and Jason Mulligan. 

Other exhibiting artists include Lyndsey Blair Dowsing, Heather Fleming, David Hamilton, sisters Alison Hanvey and Debbie Brown, Christian Kearns, Jane Mathers, Martin McParland, Peter Monaghan, Mark Revels, Tatjana Vasic, Beverly Walker and Joanne Walker.

Many of the works have been created especially for the exhibition and relate to the F.E. McWilliam Gallery and the Banbridge District. Jasper McKinney, Robert Peters and Joanne Proctor have all created their own unique maps of the area in which they were born. ‘Assembling Line’, a piece depicting the old Down Shoes factory in Banbridge by Martin McParland, is a familiar image to many in the district.

Throughout the duration of the ‘Home Grown’ exhibition, Joanne Proctor a young Banbridge artist who is currently completing a Graduate Acceleration Programme Internship at the gallery, has been creating a large drawing in the main gallery space enabling visitors to observe and engage with her creative processes.

Other highlights from the show include Paddy Bloomer’s whin-powered rocket, Christian Kearns’ ‘Chair of Forgetfulness’ and Heather Fleming’s unsettling figurative pieces which provoke a powerful reaction.

The ‘Home Grown’ exhibition will continue until Saturday 11 February 2012. The gallery is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm.  Admission is free.

For further information on upcoming exhibitions and events at the F.E McWilliam Gallery and Studio visit the website at www.femcwilliam.com.

Contact:
F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Studio
200 Newry Road, Banbridge, Co. Down BT32 3NB
T: 028 4062 3322
E: femcwilliam@banbridge.gov.uk
W: www.femcwilliam.com