Artistic talent on show at St Patrick Centre

Artistic talent on show at St Patrick Centre

21 July 2021

A CHARITY art exhibition comprising paintings by artists drawn from all over Northern Ireland is currently running at the St Patrick Centre in Downpatrick.

Over 120 paintings by artists aged nine to 90 are on show at the St Patrick Centre

The artists are all part of Artists Drawn Together, an eclectic group of artists united by a love of art through fun and friendship tutored by Janice Lightowler.

The group was formed over 12 years ago and some of the current artists have been with the group from the beginning.

They include experienced artists and those who have had the opportunity to unleash their talent for the first time.

“Each artist is taught in their own style, subject and medium, including watercolour, oil on canvas, pastel, even mixed media,” says Janice, who is based in Moira.

On various days during the exhibition, which closes on July 30, Janice and some of the artists will be giving painting demonstrations.

Proceeds from the sale of the paintings will go to Save a Heart, a team of cardiac medical and surgical experts who are volunteers from the Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit of the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast. 

Their aim is to bring their skills and knowledge to Nigeria to help children and adults in desperate need of cardiac surgery. 

Over the last five years they have successfully taught and performed more than 160 cardiac surgical interventions in Nigeria.

Janice says she is delighted with the success of the exhibition.

“To date we have managed to sell 24 paintings, which is incredible given that the exhibition is taking place with Covid restrictions in place,” she said.

“The artists have worked extremely hard to get their paintings finished in time and the response from members of the public has been fantastic. Everybody has been very kind and we can’t thank them enough.”