WHEN THEN Now/Cuimhne Na Nollag, the pre-Christmas art exhibition at the Rosa Parks Art Gallery and Studio in Mervue, will be officially opened today at 5pm.
Located in Mervue, midway between the Cregal Art Shop and Cluain Mhuire, this second exhibition at the gallery features a seasonal theme in this selection of mixed media art by 16 of Galway’s newest emerging artists. The guest speaker will be the GMIT’s Austin Ivers.
The gallery was a three bedroom suburban home, but when artist Brid Egan wanted a place where artists can “work in a creative environment”, she transformed her home into an art gallery and studio.
“In 2001 when I moved in to the house I realised it had potential for something else,” says Brid. “Living between Cluain Mhuire and Cregal Art, adding an art gallery to this mix felt like the right thing to do.”
Named in honour of Rosa Parks, whose refusal to give up her seat on a bus to a white person started the civil rights movement in the US, the gallery and arts space will be a forum for emerging artists to learn from each other, exchange ideas, and showcase their work.
“A place like the Rosa Parks Art Gallery and Studio will allow artists to develop ideas and to work in a creative and positive environment,” says Brid. “Now more than ever we need more places and things to inspire innovation, to reflect, and take a step back so as to be able to look forward to new possibilities.”
Originally from Knock, Co Mayo, Brid worked as a waitress, restaurant manager, an accounts payable technician in Thermo King, and a product builder/supervisor in Boston Scientific. Seven years ago she went back to college in Cluain Mhuire to study art and design. She graduated last summer and was awarded student of the year in 2008.
When Then Now/Cuimhne Na Nollag will run from until Tuesday December 22. The gallery is open from 2pm to 6pm daily or by appointment. For more information contact 091 - 768964.
