Mayor of Tralee to launch Tralee Art Group

Bob Scott, Chairperson Tralee Art Group

Mayor Miriam McGillycuddy has only been in office for a few weeks but in that short time she has done the honours at countless openings and exhibitions including welcoming the Cuban Ambassador to Ireland, Mr. Noel Carillo, to Tralee while also finding time to officially open the fabulous new Cinema on Dan Spring Road.

The Mayor will also open the latest exhibition by the Tralee Art Group in Siamsa Tire on Tuesday 14th of August at 6.30 pm. The show will also include the launch of the Group's new website http://www.traleeartgroup.com/ which was designed by two students from the Institute of Technology, Tralee, Paula Casey and Maurice Twomey.

In the ever-changing world of the Arts achieving any sort of longevity or permanence is a difficult task but the Tralee Art Group seems to have conquered that little task admirably. It's been in existence for close to forty years and its chairperson, Bob Scott, feels sure that its success lies in its members deep rooted love of Art.

"We've over thirty people in the group at the moment," explains Bob, "and it's been running since 1969. Membership has fluctuated through the years but there's always been a number of dedicated people at the core of the group who love art."

The Group exists to foster an interest in visual art in Tralee and the surrounding area, while provide a meeting point for artists. The Group also arranges exhibitions, social activities, talks and discussions on artistic topics for its members.

"We've regular meetings on a monthly basis and always have a demonstration or talk at each of the meetings," says Bob. "Then on top of the monthly meetings we have three exhibitions per year which gives the members of the group an opportunity to display their work to the public and demonstrate the theoretical knowledge they get from the discussions on a practical basis."

The current exhibition will run for the duration of the Rose of Tralee festival and one of the group, Judy Costelloe, will have a particular interest in this year's Rose selection - her daughter, Laura, is taking part as the Kerry Rose.

The opening will take place on 14th August at 6.00 pm. in Siamsa Tire, admission is free and everyone is welcome. For more information please log onto the group's new website http://www.traleeartgroup.com/ or you can call Bob Scott directly on 066 714 8103.