Kilcullen 700 Art Trail is now open

With more than 70 pieces submitted before the cut-off date, the Kilcullen 700 Art Trail launched last night has to be deemed an outstanding success, writes Brian Byrne.

The works range from paintings in varied media through photography, knitting, quilling, ceramics and clay art, from both professional and amateur artists.

Many are for sale, others are entered for the enjoyment of those who will come along to the various venues to view the pieces. All together they provide insight into an extraordinary breadth of talent in Kilcullen, with many of the contributors showing their work for the first time.

There was a full attendance in Crean's Place for the launch, where co-organiser Esther Reddy thanked everybody involved in the implementation of something which had just been an idea a year ago.

"That idea evolved from a single art exhibition to becoming an art trail," she said. "We first gave a little call-out for artists, and then approached various venues in the town."

Describing the 'warm welcome' from all concerned to the idea, she particularly thanked the venues which now comprise the trail, from Crean's Place to Woodbine Books, The River Cafe, the Credit Union, An Tearmann, The Final Furlong Cafe, and Kilcullen Community Library.

"The wonderful thing about this exhibition is that it has brought out all kinds of talent," Esther added, and concluded by thanking Kilcullen Lions for their support of the initiative as well as all who had come on board to complete the task of sorting and hanging works over the last few days.

Co-organiser Conor Williams said that initially they were confident enough that they'd get enough art works for an exhibition, but that the response turned out to be 'overwhelming'.

"Somebody once said that a piece of art doesn't exist until it is shown, and while some of those exhibiting here may have been quite nervous about it, every exhibit represents people's time, and something that they all love to do."

He encouraged everybody in the community to take time over the next month to visit the various venues and appreciate the work of the artists. "And maybe get some inspiration for yourselves," he added.

On behalf of the Kilcullen 700 Committee, Nessa Dunlea presented Conor and Esther with a commemorative replica of the year-long celebration's banner, noting that the Art Trail is yet another example of a community where 'together we are invincible'.

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