The Art exhibition by three local artists at Jack O’Patsy Pottery, Friar St, Youghal, was opened last Monday night (Nov. 23rd 2009) by Ms. Bernie Heffernan, deputy principal of Pobailscoil na Tríonoíde and former art teacher to Andrea Cashell (ceramic artist), Martha Cashman (sculptor) and Diane Magee (painter).
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

All three would agree that Ms. Heffernan was a huge influence on them as young teenagers, which ultimately lead to their careers as artists. Ms. Heffernan gave a very concise account of each of the artists work including insight into their techniques.

She also encouraged the crowds to come back another time to appreciate the quietness of both the art works and the space.  But as busy as this event was it still didn’t deter discerning art buyers from making their purchases! It was a really enjoyable night, punctuated with the arrival of delicious food, compliments of Gerald Esposito proprietor of Capri Bay, a local and much celebrated Italian restaurant.

Some of the guests in attendance were Mayor of Youghal Sandra McLellan and Deputy Mayor Michelle Hennessey and local artist Cormac Meegan with his wife Peg and of course Jack O’Patsy owner Patrick Collins.

The exhibition will run until December 18th 2009.  Opening hours 10am – 6pm Monday to Saturday and 12noon – 6pm on Sunday. Jack O’ Patsy Pottery, Friar st, Youghal, Co.Cork.

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Three artists, all living locally, will exhibit their work collectively in the upstairs gallery at Jack O’Patsy Pottery, Friar St. At different stages over the past five years all three natives have returned to work and live in Youghal. Andrea Cashell (Ceramic Artist) Martha Cashman (Sculptor) Diane Magee (Painter)

Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com  Email: news@youghalonline.com

On finishing her degree in 2000, Andrea was awarded the N.C.E.A. Purchase Prize. Her  Public Commissions include an installation in the National College of Ireland, The I.F.S.C.  Dublin and The Mall Arts Centre, Youghal. She is currently working on a series of slab built sculptures based on plant forms. She uses soft slabs of clay to allow each piece assume it’s natural form during the drying process, giving each a unique quality. The hard edges of the cubed forms contrast with the soft unfurling petals inside.  She uses white stone clay and fires her pieces to 1000 degrees. This body of work is currently selling in various galleries throughout Ireland.

Martha recently received the Essence of Ireland Award presented to her by President Mary Mc Aleese. She has exhibited extensively both in Ireland and abroad.  Her work can be seen as part of the permanent art collection in U.C.C. Martha works with mixed media such as porcelain, paper clay wire and carved wood.  Her collection includes a series of non functional sculptural tools such as spoons, ladles, stirrers, spreaders, spades forks and shovels. Martha says ‘These forms evoke memories of my rural upbringing and pay homage to the elders of my past’.

Having studied, worked and lived in Limerick for 13 years, it’s comes as no surprise then that Diane’s first solo show was in Limerick in 2007, it sold out on the night of the opening. This lead directly to a series of commissioned pieces for a Limerick based art collector.  Her second solo show, also in Limerick in 2009, again sold out.  A contemporary realist in style, her work explores and records the landscape and views which surround her daily; she works in oil on canvas.  To date, Diane’s work is mainly commission lead and is part of public and private collections in Ireland, Switzerland, the U.K, and the U.S.A.

All three artists are delighted to be showing their work together in their home town of Youghal. The exhibition will be open to the public on Tuesday November 24th and will run until Christmas.

Two regions reflecting county Waterford’s scenic splendour is brought to canvas and camera in a new exhibition just installed at the Old Market House Dungarvan. The Comeragh Mountains and Bonmahon provide the focus for ‘Explorations -from the Mountain to the Sea,’ a collaborative work by Abbeyside-born painter Sinead Ni Chionaola and Waterford city’s painter and photographer Carmel Kickers (nee Cleary). Report Christy Parker

The works went on display on February 24th, earning highly appreciative responses prior to the official opening on Friday afternoon next (March 6th) when Arts Minister Martin Cullen will join the artists in delivering an address. The exhibition is an extension of their women’s initial ‘Exploration’ theme, which was launched on a national touring platform in 1995. Exploration II travelled to Adelaide, Australia in 1996 and a year later Gothenburg, Sweden hosted a further instalment. Both artists have established international credentials. Sinead, who now lives in Killeagh, says the pictures and photographs “follow the water’s natural progression as it cascades from the mountains to the sea.” Both artists retain a ‘fascination with nature” and while travelling extensively in pursuit of its inspiration, are inevitably attracted to their roots. “It may be something to do with childhood,” muses Sinead. “Climbing Mahon falls and appreciating the wonder that lies there is timeless. I would hope our work would inspire others to do likewise.” Read more