‘A University of London study showed that when a person looks at a piece of art that they see as beautiful, there is an instantaneous release of dopamine, a chemical that is linked to feelings of love, into the brain.’ Annon

Our Winter Gathering group exhibition aims to do exactly that. With over 20 of our own gallery artists together with exciting new talent, we are delighted to present this vibrant exhibition that incorporates a diverse mix of styles, genre and medium that will excite the senses and reach deep into your soul.

Since the opening of the exhibition at the beginning of November, we have extended the show into our third gallery, to display new works by Aosdána members John Behan and Janet Pierce as well as paintings by artists Kenny McKendry, Jane O’Malley and Trudie Mooney.

The West of Ireland is a magnet for artists, drawn in by the beauty of our coastline. We are delighted to be including works by Tina Brooks, Paul Colreavy and Hannah Mooney, amongst others this year who all capture the sea in their own beautiful, unique way.

But it’s not only the sea that captures the imagination of artists in Ireland. Woodlands and mountains, birdlife, and animals, are all subjects explored and beautifully executed in oils, acrylic, ceramic, and bronze, bringing wonder and depth to our winter exhibition. Examples include, Stephanie Hess, who is new to the Hamilton Gallery, presents her sculpture ‘Flock’ a cream patina on Bronze, edition 2 of 6; Kenny McKendry’s captures Ireland’s magical light in his countryside landscapes, whilst Fiona Smith’s gorgeous sculptures of a White Ibis and a Thrush on an Apple are simple reminders that inspiration can come from anywhere.

Still life is always a popular genre, it gives the artist the opportunity to observe a slice of life and explore the different effects of light, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. The simple pleasures, like an apple or a candle, a nostalgic scene from childhood, a moment in time captured forever, all waiting to be discovered.

A creative use of colour can be admired throughout the show, bold vibrant colour is used in an intriguing abstract way in painting by Catherine Fanning, Lorna Watkins and Grainne Dowling, whilst Cormac O’Leary uses intense colour in his series of four boats on the water and Brid Mac Conville’s, stunning use of bright yellow and cobalt blue in her painting Road to the Cottage, can’t fail to lift your spirits and warm your heart. Jane O’Mallery’s striking use of colour in her wonderful etchings are also a joy to encounter.

The serenity of tone-on-tone drawing is beautifully represented by Sorca O’Farrell and Marilin North, and David West’s mysterious scenes painted with oil on birch ply are totally captivating.

Mythical scenes from Brian Mc Donagh and familiar paintings from our well-loved Heidi Wickham all add to the eclectic nature of this exhibition. There is something here for everyone! So, we invite you to come and fall in love with a painting, be challenged by new ways of looking at the world, or just relax and be transported into a world seen through the eyes of an artist.

Continues until 21 January 2023

Winter Gathering

An exhibition of works by both new and gallery artists – John Behan, Petra Berntsson, Tina Brooks, Barra Cassidy, Daniel Chester, Paul Colreavy, Gráinne Dowling, Catherine Fanning, Medbh Gillard, Martina Hamilton, Stephanie Hess, Alison Hunter, Jonathan Hunter, Brid Mac Conville, Brian Mc Donagh, Kenny McKendry, Hannah Mooney, Trudie Mooney, Marilin North, Donncadh O’Callaghan, Sorca O’Farrell, Cormac O’Leary, Catherine Patrickson, Janet Pierce, David Smith, Fiona Smith, Lorna Watkins, David West, Heidi Wickham & more…