Different Strokes

Participating Artists

Different Strokes

An exhibition of work entitled Different Strokes by a relatively new Tralee based Art Group had a successful opening in the new Samhlaiocht Gallery recently.

"We're absolutely delighted to have such a large number of people turn up for the opening." said Trish Thompson, Gallery coordinator at the Samhlaiocht Gallery. "I think the opening was a credit to everyone involved, especially Deirdre Sheehan the tutor and of course each of the individual artists, many of whom were exhibiting their work to the public for the first time."

This Group exhibition is led by tutor, Deirdre Sheehan, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Painting from the National College of Art and Design, N.C.A.D., and a Higher Diploma in Art and Design Education.

"Since my student years at N.C.A.D. my favorite branch of research has always been the relationship between art and the mind",says Deirdre, "I particularly like the ideas of artists who explored this relationship, like Kandinsky and his books on how line and colour relate to music, or Rudolf Steiner, the psychologist, educationalist and artist who developed entire school systems where children learn their normal subjects through art, music and dance in a very therapeutic environment."

"The exhibition came out of a need to allow such groups the opportunity to exhibit their work in the public arena and Samhlaiocht wants to encourage all avenues of the arts in Kerry," added Trish.

"The supportive environment of the studio combined with the gentle yet firm direction of our teacher nurtures the muse in each of us",said Geraldine Quirke one of the group members. "Humour and unity are the main catalysts of our group, each of us having our own unique style and supporting one another in pursuit of our different strokes."

With over 70 people turning up for the official opening by Deirdre Sheehan, tutor of the group, the work obviously speaks to a lot of people.

The Samhlaiocht Gallery is located in the old Presbytery next to St. John's Parish Church in the centre of Tralee on Lower Castle Street. 'Different Strokes' is open to the public until Friday, June 22nd.

Opening times at the Gallery are from Monday to Thursday from 9.00am to 6.00pm and on Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm but closed from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm for lunch. Everyone is welcome.

For more information on Samhlaiocht please call 066 712 9934 or
log on to www.samhlaiocht.com