Duxy invites fellow artists

Duxy invites fellow artists

21 June 2023

THE Down about Down Podcast, hosted by Chris Scott, visited the ‘A Wee Dander’ art exhibition, which was held in the Dufferin Coaching Inn and Hall, Killyleagh, on Saturday.

Chris chatted with a number of the exhibiting artists including the event organiser and local artist, Duxy Leahy.  

Duxy, who runs a local art class every Tuesday night, wanted to give some of his class the opportunity to display their work in public while also inviting as many artists as he possibly could fit into the banqueting area of the venue.

 “I just wanted something different,” he explained. “I wanted to show them they are as good, if not better, as anyone painting. Just all they need is to push themselves. What I wanted to show was what can happen if you put yourself out there on the line.”

Within a few hours of the exhibition opening, several of the artists had sold their first paintings.

Duxy was joined by fellow artists from the Happy Little Art Club, Tracey McIntosh, Kerry Duignan and Kelsie Erskine. Wendy Cromie, Cheryl Martin and Janine Boyle also exhibited their works.

Ballynahinch artist Kerry Duignan, who regularly attends Duxy’s art class, had previously displayed her work at an exhibition in Killyleagh Library some months ago. 

Initially Kerry had found the experience “nerve-wrecking.”  She told Chris that her previous art experience was at school. “I was always going to come back to it eventually,” she remarked.

Like so many artists, her interest was triggered during the Covid-19 pandemic. Kerry is inspired by her love of the sea and swimming.

Janine Boyle, who is usually attending to her guests at the Coaching Inn and Hall, also had her paintings on display. 

She explained to Chris that the exhibition in the banqueting hall was something different. “It just shows you the versatility of what it can be today. It is the most amazing gallery with the most amazing talent.” Janine started her painting pathway during lockdown, when she had a lot of time on her hands. “It was a little bit of therapy.”

Killyleagh artist Wendy Cromie exhibited her series of paintings which were primarily local well-known scenes from the area.

“Killyleagh is such a fantastic place to live. As an artist I just love the colours and to be close to the water. It really inspires me,” she said. 

Wendy had previously studied art for A-Level at Down High School, but after an unsuccessful application for Art School she went to work in the banking industry.  It was the early 2000s before she picked up a paintbrush again.

 Wendy not only produces paintings, but also cards and mugs. At least one of those mugs is now in Australia.

“It’s lovely to get the feedback from people that live far away having their tea and coffee with a picture of their hometown on the mug,” she told Chris.

Tracey McIntosh, from Killyleagh, also attends Duxy’s art class. She has known him from the age of 11 and admires his work. 

“I had never painted in my life and I thought I would try something new,” she explained. “The talent I get to watch every Tuesday night brings out the best in everybody. It’s amazing,” Tracey said.

Cheryl Martin, another well-known resident from Killyleagh, is an artist who avoids landscapes and seascapes. “No landscapes or seascapes for me. I like big bright colours in your face,” she said.

Cheryl also had several characters and scenes from Alice in Wonderland on display which she had created by needle felting using wool fibre.

Duxy arranged to have proceeds from one of his paintings and a raffle to be donated to The Well charity in Kilkeel.

He remarked: “I have seen first hand what they do. They save lives on a daily basis.”

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