Work of 30 Westmeath artists about to go on display at Luan Gallery

A special exhibition of artworks by 30 Westmeath artists was officially launched in Athlone's Luan Gallery yesterday (Thursday) evening at 6pm.

The pieces that on display in the Westmeath Artists' Awards group exhibition were chosen by guest curator Sarah Searson. They will be shown in the gallery until February 5.

Cllr Aengus O'Rourke, the Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, officially opened the exhibition, while Ms Searson and Westmeath County Council chief executive Pat Gallagher also spoke at the event.

Westmeath Artists’ Awards, is a partnership between Luan Gallery and Westmeath Arts Office which aims to celebrate, showcase and support the development of Westmeath visual artists’ practices and careers with funding support from the Arts Council of Ireland.

Luan Gallery invited submissions from artists living in or from Westmeath for consideration of this Award and inclusion in the group exhibition.

Over 50 works by 30 artists are being showcased in the exhibition, with many of the artists exhibiting for the first time in Luan Gallery.

The 30 artists whose work will feature are: Nataliia Bobak, Eoin Butler, Richard Clarke, Rachel-Marie Cleary, Martina Coyle, Rachel Coyle, Jessica Daly, Bertille de Lestrade, Teresa Doyle, Avril Egan, Mel French, Peter Ganly, Tina Hayes, Olena Karpenko, Hilary Kinahan, Pauline Kinahan Kane, Ashley McNicholas, Lorraine Mimnagh, Aishling Muller, Joan Mulvihill, Karen Norton Moynihan, Emma O'Brien, Catherine Rock, Paul Roy, Mai Ryan, Celine Sheridan, Lorcan Walshe, Keith Watts, Ann Wingfield and Lesley Wingfield.

The works are predominantly painting-based, but also include printmaking, photography, film, mixed media and sculptural works.

"There are a variety of themes that have naturally occurred in the selection," said curator Sarah Searson.

"People and portraiture, images of home and house, the body and identity. Our relationship with nature, our concern for its care and future, and its importance to our wellbeing.

"The selection I made is largely focused on art practices that may not have the potential for regular commercial income.

"The combined nature of this project; an exhibition with a small stipend, suggested that it was opportune to represent practices which might be less known and to bring them into dialogue with those who might be better known locally.

"Sincere thanks are due to all those who put their work forward for consideration. It was a challenge to select 30. It's important for me to emphasise there is some outstanding talent not presented in this particular iteration."

As part of the Westmeath Artists’ Support Awards Scheme, exhibiting artists will receive a bursary and are being considered for a professional development award which will be announced at the opening of the group exhibition tomorrow.

The awardee will receive €1,500, an exhibition slot in Luan Gallery’s exhibition programme, a residency in Abbey Road Artists’ Studios, a studio visit and mentorship session with a curator during the studio residency, and an opportunity to feature in a video clip/podcast highlighting their artwork and practice published on Luan Gallery’s website and social channels.

The launch of the exhibition marks the 10-year anniversary of the Luan Gallery's opening.

The gallery was officially opened by Jimmy Deenihan, the then-Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht on Thursday, November 29, 2012, and was the first purpose-built, municipal visual art gallery located in the Midlands.

The Westmeath Artists' Awards is the 76th exhibition to be presented by the gallery, which so far has exhibited the works of 690 artists.

"I am so pleased that this show is punctuating the 10-year milestone of the Luan opening its doors," said Westmeath Arts Officer, Miriam Mulrennan.

"It is appropriate that the show is a celebration of Westmeath artists, who have been so supportive of the Gallery, and the Luan team. It was striking how many applications we had for this show, almost 100 I believe, and the curator's role was not an enviable one."

The launch takes place on Thursday, December 1, at 6pm and all are welcome to attend. The exhibition will continue until Sunday February 5, 2023, with seasonal closures from December 21-27 inclusive.