LAST Thursday, 6 November, marked a monumental and historic day for the Mullingar Art Guild, which celebrated its golden jubilee.
By Michelle Crawley
Fans of art, both young and old, came in their droves on the night to take a glimpse at the latest works of some of this town’s most esteemed artists and to join them in celebration of an art group which, from humble beginnings, meeting above Peter McCabe’s victualler store, has flourished and grown, and fostered an appreciation of art amongst so many across the county. On show at the exhibition which ran from Thursday through to Sunday was an impressive range of art works from some of this county’s most talented artists. From landscape scenes of familiar local spots such as Donore shore, Belvedere, Lough Ennell, and Kilpatrick, and some of Ireland’s most natural beauty spots such as Keel, Achill, the waterfall at Lisselan, Clonakilty, to Roundstone Bay, to striking pen and ink images, a woodcut print of Herbert Park, ancient trees depicted in charcoal, and wonderful examples of watercolours, there certainly was something there for everyone. Speaking at the exhibition launch, local artist, Lorcan Walshe, from Dominick Street, Mullingar (son of the late Ambrose and Máire Walshe), spoke of the rich artistic talent locally, lauding the work of the Mullingar Art Guild, including Patrick Graham, from the Green Road, Mullingar, May Raleigh and Peter McCabe – the two founding members of Mullingar Art Guild. The prize-winning artist was only a young boy when the Mullingar Art Guild formed but was very much inspired by the creative endeavours of the guild and went on via the National College of Art and Design, to become one of the town’s most notable artistic talents and his work is widely acclaimed.
50TH ANNIVERSARY BOOKLET
Members of the Mullingar Art Guild presented a beautifully put together booklet offering some insight about the founding members, May Raleigh and Peter McCabe, and the enthusiasm they brought to the group. The booklet, complete with a range of colourful photographs, documents the 50 year history of the guild, including the success of members, like Lorcan Walshe, who have paved their own distinguished artistic careers. The booklet also acknowledges the support of patrons, Rex Beaumont of Belvedere, Henry Abbott NT and his wife Evelyn, who spoke at a number of opening events for the guild, as well as featuring a touching tribute to May Raleigh, written by her niece, well-known local historian, Ruth Illingworth. Evidently, over the past half century the guild of local artists have enlightened and inspired budding artists as well as promoted the appreciation of art throughout the county and no doubt that will continue for years to come.
