Mellissa Ryan cutting the tape at the official opening of the art exhibition at the weekend with Chloe Ryan, Denis Floyd, Priya Wallace (Quelly SuperValu, Killaloe), and Donna Lawlor.

Outdoor art exhibition in Birdhill

An exhibition of art with a difference has been opened at Birdhill. It will be available for public viewing until mid-August and is very worthy of a visit to admire the array of talent of the artists.

The large ‘works of art’ paintings have been hung, evenly spaced out along the quiet local rural trail from the village of Birdhill to the Pollaghs, an area of farming lowland owned by a number of farmers in the immediate region of Birdhill.

The brainchild of local artist, Mellisa Ryan, the 50 paintings, which were selected for the exhibition from a large entry of works, are the products of students in local schools and colleges, as well as many local artists and beginners. A total of 120 artists have been involved in producing the chosen collection of works.

Many of the exhibits are of rural settings, nature, animals and wild life, which blend perfectly with their surroundings and the shades of late summer through the trees and vegetation to be enjoyed along the route. Details of the artist are attached to each of the paintings.

The official opening was performed by Melissa Ryan and present also were Priya Wallace, Queally’s SuperValu, Killaloe and Denis Floyd, Chairman, Birdhill Tidy Village Committee.

Denis said: “The 50 works of art, and they are works of art in every sense of that term, are now hanging and ready to be admired by locals and visitors. Well done to Melissa Ryan for her tireless work in seeing this wonderful project to fruition.”

While the exhibition can be visited at any time, local personnel will be in attendance at 3pm at the entrance to the Pollaghs on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday to provide visitors with a more informed outline of the work and act as guides. The exhibition runs to mid-August and will culminate with the presentation of awards in a number of categories. There will be awards for the Public’s Choice of Painting, the best painting by an entrant under 12 years, best painting by entrant 12-18 years and best entry from a group of students of a local school or college.