New work by Enniskillen artist Mavis Thomson is included in an exhibition which has just opened in Belfast.
The Ormeau Baths Gallery (OBG) is the venue for the 126th Royal Ulster Academy's Exhibition which features major new work by leading Enniskillen artist Mavis Thomson, who is herself a senior member of thge Academy.
Sponsored by KPMG, the Exhibition highlights the work of Members of the Academy, including most of the Province's leading artists, as well as entries submitted for selection by artists from all over Ireland. This year, a record 1,012 entries were submitted by almost 600 artists.
There will be over 300 pieces in the show, making it the largest ever Academy Exhibition.
Talking about the exhibition Mavis said "It embraces the whole range of art disciplines including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photography, textiles etc. from classic canvasses and bronzes to dramatic prints, and even bizarre and amusing creations such as Betty Brown's award-winning "Brer Fox Property Developer"...!"
Fifteen prestigious Awards were adjudicated by Patrick J. Murphy, Art Adviser to President McAleese, and Chairman of the Republic's Office of Public Works Art Collection.
Other awards include: the RUA Gold Medal and Conor Café Prize awarded to Academician Basil Blackshaw; best Self Portrait Award goes to Sarah Longley, whilst the new KPMG Award for best Emerging Artist was presented to young North Belfast man Francis McCrory.
The exhibition also sees a significant change of President of the Academy. Lisburn- based Carol Graham (one of Ireland's leading portrait artists) steps down after three years, and hands over the Presidency to internationally acclaimed Belfast artist Rita Duffy, one of the youngest Academicians to hold this prestigious office, first held by Sir John Lavery.
Mavis Thomson observed: "This event reflects the increasing interest in the visual arts, and the amazing popularity of the Academy's Annual Exhibition, not just with artists, but also with the public. Last year's Exhibition attracted over 9000 visitors to Ormeau Baths Gallery (OBG) in Belfast's city centre."
There is truly "something for everyone" at this exciting Exhibition. And many visitors come not just to view, but also to buy. Most of the buyers are private individuals, as well as collectors, professionals, and increasingly, companies and organisations which are developing their own corporate art collections. Prices range from £60 for a beautiful photographic print, to £19,000 for work by a leading Academician.
"In 2006 we sold over 120 works and more than the two previous years combined," commented Mavis. "With entries from many of Ulster's leading artists, including Academicians such as Basil Blackshaw, Rita Duffy, Neil Shawcross, Brian Ballard etc, and the boost provided by KPMG's partnership, this year's show is on course for yet another record outcome. It's well worth a special trip to Belfast to view this exciting show."
The Exhibition will be held in Ormeau Baths Gallery (OBG) Ormeau Avenue Belfast, and runs until 24th October.
There is a full supporting Education and outreach programme, including talks, Children's Workshops etc. Uniquely, the Gallery is open on Sundays from 1pm until 5pm during this Exhibition, but closed on Mondays.
