A very special art exhibition comes to Moate this month, with the launch of the ‘Best Moments’ exhibition next Friday October 10. Featuring the work of Monica Maxwell, the body of work reflects some of the artist’s passions and happiest childhood memories, as well as coinciding with the birth of her first child.
Native to Co Monaghan, Monica Maxwell now resides in Moate. Her work as a radiographer at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe centres fundamentally on the production of quality images, so it was a natural progression for her to channel her talents and creativity in art. She has pursued her passion for art through various art classes at Queens University, Belfast, the Paint Box, Galway, and more recently in Moate’s Tuar Ard Arts Centre.
Monica grew up in the country influenced by her love for nature and in a family where creativity and beautiful things were appreciated and nurtured. Her travels have brought her to Australia, Africa, America, and throughout Ireland. While mountain walking is a favourite pastime, cycling in the country allows her to feel, taste, and see the countryside in its purity. The ‘Best Moments’ title, therefore, is appropriate as many of these images portray great memories for her.
“Having relocated from Galway a year ago, I have settled in Moate and what I love about it is that it is young and vibrant, with an art scene where everyone is doing things for themselves.
“I paint with oils using brushes most of the time, but bringing in the fingers, palette knife, sponge, cloth, or anything I feel suitable to achieve what I want. With experience, my imagination has developed and widened. While continually learning, I feel I can try new things and not worry about immediate perfection. I can change from being incredibly detailed to being less illustrative. Having said that, my work attempts to be photo realistic. I plan to experiment further by doing portraits and commissions of inspiration,” says Monica.
Monica has been an active member of the Arts Committee at Galway Regional Hospitals for the last five years and initiated the ‘Art @Work’ annual exhibition for staff there. Group exhibitions include the Market House, Monaghan, the annual Paint Box exhibition, and recently the ‘Street Art’ sale in Athlone.
The ‘Best Moments’ art exhibition will be opened by Senator Nicky McFadden at the Tuar Ard Arts Centre, Moate next Friday October 10, and runs until Friday November 21.
