Renowned contemporary artist, Rita Oates, has been lauded for developing a new and exciting gallery space in Roscommon.
Anam Gallery was officially opened by Midlands-North-West MEP Maria Walsh on Saturday evening, July 8, and will serve as a new home for Irish creative talent, as well as providing a space for young and emerging artists from the Midlands region to showcase their work. Speaking at the event, MEP Walsh commended Oates for creating the unique space and said more venues like this are needed to promote culture and the arts across Roscommon and indeed further afield.
“I am honoured to be here in the ‘Creative Soul of the Midlands’. Here we have two internationally renowned creators who are inspiring younger artists in the making. It is important for us, as politicians, to deliver for our artists and give them the opportunity to showcase their work and inspire the new generation of artists. We can all use more art, and we can all welcome spaces to be inspired. What Rita Oates has done here is gifted us a wonderful space where we can view and appreciate significant work from local creators,” MEP Walsh stated.
The Anam Gallery is located in the former coach house at Main Street in Roscommon town, and will be used to showcase the region’s creative talent, as well as playing host to an annual youth exhibition. Unveiled at the weekend, the inaugural exhibition features works by internationally acclaimed local artists Joe Caslin and Úna Burke, together with founder Rita Oates’ own collection. The exhibits include pieces worn by global pop superstar Rihanna, supermodel Cindy Crawford, Star Trek’s Michelle Yeoh and Jennifer Lawrence in the Hunger Games franchise.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms Oates said the aim of the Anam Gallery is to unite the commercial space, the historic space and the creative space in Roscommon and the wider Midlands region.
“Roscommon Town is so rich in culture – our Castle, Town Park, Historic Jail, Abbey, and New Town Civic Space are exceptional destinations that can be taken for granted. We hope this space will give visitors to Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands yet another reason to visit the beautiful and historic town of Roscommon and its hinterland,” she voiced.
As a member of the Committee on Culture and Education (CULT ) in Europe, MEP Walsh is passionate about the arts and was delighted to be invited to perform the opening, and to support the magnificent work of Irish artists, such as Rita, Joe, and Úna.
“Rita hopes to transform this space into the artistic soul of the midlands, and to unite the commercial space, the historic space and the creative space in Roscommon and the wider Midlands region. Anam Gallery is a stunning space and I would urge the people of Roscommon and indeed all over the region to take the opportunity to visit,” MEP Walsh concluded.
This exhibition remains open to the public for the coming weeks.
