Alley Theatre Exhibitions

Myles Away from Illustration:

The Influence of Flann O'Brien on the Visual Arts

An exhibition of work by Kevin Atherton, Jeff Edwards, Andrew Folan, Anthony Hobbs, Phelim McConigly, Margaret O’Brien, and Tim O’Riley, is now exhibiting at the Alley Theatre exploring the relationship between the visual and literary arts.  The exhibition was first shown throughout 100 Myles: The International Flann O'Brien Centenary Conference in Vienna in July 2011.

Kevin Atherton explains ‘The relationship between the visual and literary arts is historically often a problematic one where both parties are unwilling to be at the service of the other. I can attest that Flann O’Brien’s influence amongst visual artists of my generation - who went to art school in the 60s and 70s - is an extensive one with novels such as ‘At Swim –Two – Birds’ and ‘The Poor Mouth’. Within the art world the use of text in general plays a significant role in ascribing meaning to contemporary art exhibitions’.

This prestigious and innovative group of artists have been exhibited in museums and galleries throughout Europe and North America.

Kevin Atherton has taught at Chelsea College of Art, London, and served as the inaugural Head of the Fine Art Media Dept. at the National College of Art and Design, Dublin. Kevin's contribution, ‘Reading Table – For Myles’, consists of a table in which a constantly scanning pair of eyes offer to read your library books for you. This ‘book reading service’ echoes Myles na Gopaleen’s ‘book-handling service’ which was offered - with a ‘Five per cent discount for literary university students’ - to readers of his Irish Times column in the 1940s.

Jeffery Edwards - Formerly senior lecturer in Fine Art at Chelsea College of Art, London, conducting practice-based research into alternative picture spaces definable by plane anamorphous, involving the projection of still and moving computer generated anamorphous into real and virtual spaces.

Andrew Folan has practiced in print, photography, and sculpture. His recent works combine digital processes and print in multi-layered composite photo-montage. Andrew's contribution, "De Selby Discovers Vienna 2011," offers a series of interventionist book works which chart how De Selby might cogitate on the prospect of a visit to the city of Vienna and what theories he might divine from such a visit.

Anthony Hobbs - his practice and research has largely revolved around the notion of representation of reality. His background in photography and interest in technology informs much of his work, and he has worked extensively in collaboration with other artists in exploring digital imaging and printing.

Phelim McConigly is currently studying fine arts at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna. He works with various aspects of digital media involving algorithm based image manipulation and generation. Phelim’s contribution involves a natural template for the generation of a perceived fictional state.

Margaret O’Brien is currently completing an MPhil in Irish Art History by research at Trinity College, Dublin and is a Lecturer in Fine Art in the National College of Art & Design, Dublin. Her contribution will explore if, or how, the occurrence of repetition in an artwork can render the meaning or interpretation of that work unstable or shifting.

Tim O’Riley is a London-based artist teaching at Chelsea College of Art and Design. He recently published Accidental Journey, a book on astronomy, space, and a small Irish flag that accompanied the astronauts on the Apollo 11 moon mission. His contributions are made from computer-generated models, and are driven by affection for the absurd, love of the science of phenomena beyond the realm of everyday experience, and an admission that comprehension has its limits.

Adrian Beattie Museum Curator commented ‘If you wish to find out more about this intriguing exhibition Kevin Atherton will be hosting a talk about Flann O’Brien and his influence on the visual arts on Wednesday 18th April at 12 o’clock in the Alley Theatre Gallery’

Myles Away from Illustration is showing now until Friday 20th April for further information contact the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 71 384444

Ulster Museum Travelling Sports Exhibition is

Celebrating Local Sporting Heroes at the Alley

Last Thursday saw the launch of The Ulster Museum Travelling Sports Exhibition. Strabane District Council in partnership with the Ulster Sports Museum wish to celebrate the success of local sporting talent both past and present by hosting this prestigious exhibition from 22nd February until 16th March at the Alley Theatre, Strabane.

In order to celebrate Ulster's past sporting achievements and to inspire the youth of the future, the Ulster Sports Museum Association has created a Travelling Exhibition that highlights all that is memorable within Ulster sport.

The purpose of the exhibition is to allow the general public to experience our rich and diverse sporting heritage and to provide feedback and comment about their sporting heroes and memorable sporting moments.

The Traveling Exhibition was launched for the first time at Belfast City Hall in December 2009 and has since traveled all over Ulster. 

Speaking at the launch event Brian McMahon Chairman of Strabane District Council expressed ‘Sport is a very important part of life in Ulster and indeed Strabane. The achievements of our local players and teams rank among the very best in the world and their exploits and achievements have stood the test of time. More specifically, sports men and sports women from the Strabane District area have achieved huge sporting success down through the years.  This exhibition will look at a range of local sports and sporting heroes, and includes memorabilia from the Strabane area. It provides an excellent opportunity to recognise the success of our local athletes, both past and present. It allows us to reflect and celebrate their contribution to sport and society in general. I would encourage everyone to come along and view this wonderful exhibition”

Ronnie Spence Chairman of the Ulster Sports Museum added ‘Strabane District has produced a large number of high calibre sporting individuals and teams who have achieved notable success.” Radio Foyle’s Richie Kelly also spoke enthusiastically of Derry’s many sporting triumphs and the opportunity to relive them through the exhibition.

This exhibition is divided into key sports sections with an additional 'Telling Your Stories' section, where visitors can leave feedback on which sportsperson or sport they’d like to see included in an Ulster Sports Museum, or comment on a memorable sporting occasion. LCD screens and digiframes of varying sizes were fitted to the exhibition walls, affording the opportunity to have screens dedicated to each particular section.  Memorabilia is also on show from local sporting hero’s such as Stephen O’Neill, Robert Gallagher, Ivan Sproule, Siobhan Dunn and Lynn McCool to name but a few.

Aidan Lynch Sports Development Officer concluded “We worked closely with the Ulster Sports Association to define the key artifacts and memorabilia to go on display and I would like to thank the local sports people who have loaned us their awards, medals and items of clothing for this exhibition.  Having all these great sporting achievements under one roof lets you see the wealth of talent we have.  If you have any sporting memorabilia that you would like to donate to the exhibition please contact me on 028 71 382204.”

For more information contact the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 71 384444

'How Great Thou Art' by Brendan O'Neill

The Alley Theatre supported by Caffé Fresco welcomes Brendan O’Neill’s latest exhibition ‘How Great Thou Art’.

Brendan O’Neill uses artistic practice as a tool for examining our perception of reality as well as our relationship to culture and its productions. Speaking about his work Brendan comments “I am interested in the ways in which art and faith are connected and in the process of how images and objects are endowed with meaning beyond their materiality. The current body of new work is derived from the manipulation of different material and imagery. This is reflected in the combination of competing influences between the subject matter and material, often evoking a sense of ambiguity and irony.”

The sources of material for these current works are the religious evangelical scripture verse posters, the type that are often displayed outside places of worship. Here the images are manipulated to obscure and blur the definition of the original. The blurring creates a veil and alters the gaze in a discernible and decisive way. "These works are based on the assumption that by blurring the text they paradoxically become more holy as the religious text has been rendered illegible" The artwork transcends its original purpose and becomes more open ended, allowing for wider notions of spirituality and mysticism.

Brendan O’Neill studied Fine Art at the University of Hertfordshire and at the University of Ulster. O’Neill worked as a visiting lecturer in the Fine Art Department at the University of Hertfordshire and was awarded a three-year studio fellowship at the Digswell Art Trust. He also co-directed at Catalyst Arts, Belfast.

‘How Great Thou Art” is on display now in the Alley Theatre Art Gallery until Friday 10th February.  For further information contact The Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 71 384444

Two New Exciting Exhibitions come to the Alley

The award winning Alley Gallery has two very special exhibitions showing until Friday 2nd December by Norma Burrowes and Katharine May.

‘A Photographic Contemplation on Connection’ by Norma Burrowes is the result of Norma’s artist residency in New Zealand.  Norma uses photography to capture the impressions of her environment by combining photographic elements to reveal the extraordinary nature of ordinary life. She is influenced by the world around her taking images of moments that occur that only a camera can capture.  Speaking about the exhibition Norma expressed ‘I combine photographic elements to create my own truth of any chosen moment and respond to feelings and histories that surround these daily details.  Sometimes a moment occurs that stops and transports me – my work is about relaying these moments, taking active inspiration from them and passing on their energy through my photography’.

Also showing is ‘No Celebratory Song’ by Katharine May. Enniskillen based artist Katharine’s fascination with cinema led her from painting to work in video.  This exhibition investigates landscape and architecture as a body.  Speaking about her current work Katharine explains ‘I use shifting screens to create the possibility of alternative perceptions and to offer up dualities which concern me.   Time is running out for us on our exhausted planet and I hope that my work expresses some of the urgency I feel around ecological issues.  I have found that video is ideally suited to dealing with these being a time-based medium.’

Come and see these two unique exhibitions for more information contact The Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 71 384444  

2011 RDS National Crafts Competition

Prize -Winners Travelling Exhibition

The Alley Theatre Gallery is proud to be hosting this years RDS National Crafts Competition & Student Art Awards until Friday 28th October.  Founded in 1968, with a prize fund in excess of €28,000 spread over 20 categories, the RDS National Crafts Competition is one of Europe’s leading independently adjudicated craft competitions.

The RDS National Crafts Competition aims to promote the practice of craft in Ireland and to encourage the highest standards of design and technique in both traditional and contemporary craft disciplines.

The exhibition features creative art forms that range from calligraphy and woodturning to contemporary ceramics and glass as well as fine arts with works in painting, sculpture, drawing, and printmaking to name but a few.

Speaking about the exhibition museum curator Adrian Beattie expressed ‘This is the only venue in the North where this prestigious exhibition is taking place and we are overwhelmed by the talent of these innovative artists. This exhibition highlights the wealth of talent Ireland has to offer. This is a must see exhibition for those who love art, crafts and sculptures.’

Come along and see Ireland’s most aspiring artists at their very best. 

Strabane Camera Club Annual Exhibition at the Alley ……

The Alley Theatre is proud to present Strabane Camera Club’s new and exciting exhibition within their gallery from Monday 29th August to Friday 23rd of September. This is a spectacular exhibition which showcases the photographic talents of the camera clubs members. Don’t miss your chance to see what is group of extremely talented photographers has in store for us to see!!

They say a picture is worth a thousands words – if this is true be prepared to have many thousands of colourful, beautiful, thought provoking and inspirational works of art presented to you by the highly talented Strabane Camera Club. Over the years they have gone from strength to strength and this years stunning exhibition work covers a wide variety of topics. There is something that will appeal to everyone so it’s an exhibition not to be missed.

Strabane Camera Club is one of Northern Irelands leading camera clubs and within this new exhibition within the Alley it will be featuring an outstanding selection of images from around the Strabane area and Northern Ireland. It showcases some of the best highlights and amazing views that this country has to offer. Within this exhibition expect to see landscape photos, portraits, sporting shots and wildlife images which will fascinate, challenge and delight you.

The talent within the club produces stunning work from a wide variety of subjects – landscape, portrait, monochrome, close-up, still life and more. As a local club, it gives the Alley great pride to see the clubs best work exhibited. Their previous exhibitions have been amongst the most visited at The Alley, as family and friends (along with the general public) enjoy seeing local talent exhibited.

Come along and support this local group and see their amazing work for yourselves. Their work is stunning and has to be seen to be appreciated. Victoria Ross of the Alley Theatre stated “Strabane Camera Club are a great inspiration to people and their work tells a story from different parts of Strabane and Northern Ireland. Their work is truly amazing and they always have a great exhibition to showcase.”

For more information on this exhibition please don’t hesitate in contacting the Alley Theatre box office on 02871 384444

Anthony Pilbro – ‘The Journey’

Award winning artist Anthony Pilbro brings his latest exhibition ‘The Journey’ to the intimate Alley Theatre Exhibition Space. Speaking about the exhibition Anthony explains 'In this exhibition the depiction of scenes from everyday life are shown under the working title ‘The Journey’. The work, being part of an ongoing theme that I have been pursuing over a number of years - relates to the dilemma arising from the innate theatricality of human endeavour. The inspiration for my work is gathered through observations, drawings and photographs of fragments from everyday life. I have also taken inspiration from a poem by W.H. Auden, called The Watchers.

‘Deeper towards the summer the year moves on.
What if the starving visionary have seen

The carnival within our gates,
Your bodies kicked about the streets,

We need your power still: use it, that none,

O, from their tables break uncontrollably away,
Lunging, insensible to injury,
Dangerous in a room or out wildly
Spinning like a top in the field,
Mopping and mowing through the sleepless day’

In this exhibition I want the spectator to read the exhibition as a frieze, the continuous everyday incidental happenings with no story intended. The spectator  moves through the work, as they would strolling down the street–  perhaps deep in thought– and see things as glimpsed from the corner of the eye, when walking past - half remembered  events. The viewpoint constantly changes through an emotional and visionary experience of the continuous drama,
And you too become aware of this innate theatrically we call life.' 

This exhibition is on show until Friday 19th August. 

Strabane District Schools Exhibition Now

Showing

Young artists are now taking centre stage at the award winning Alley Art Gallery.  The exhibtion which is open now is set to run until July 15th. 

The display which features art work from GCSE and A Level Students from Holy Cross College, Strabane High School and Castlederg High School.  Laura Gormley, art teacher at Strabane High School commented ' Students present an impressive exhibition of G.C.S.E artwork.  The students work celebrates the final year under the name of Strabane High School, before merging with Strabane Grammar for the opening of Strabane Academy in September 2011. 

The work on display features many themes: animals, emotions, nature, age and addiction to name but a few.  This wonderful selection of art work features ceramics, fine art, textiles and paint design pieces. 

Linda Swaile, Head of Art at Castlederg High School was similarly enthused when speaking of her students endeavours 'Lyndsey Rankin's unit is on farming and is of animal studies, the final piece is palette painted pink and canvases of farm animals on it.  Rachel Fosters work is based on the theme of addiction and the final outcome is a portrait surronded by the causes ans effects of adddiction.' 

 The eclectic and varied display will feature topics from pop art to still life, and underlines the talents of pupils from right across the district and illustrate what these young artists have to offer.  It's an exhibtion not to be missed.

Sonia Whitefield - Journey of a

Hysterectic Women

Sonya Whitefield mingles raw imagery and ethereal poetry with an unshrinking honesty to reveal the ordinary and extraordinary worlds of this emotional, mental and physical body experience in her exhibition Journey of the Hysterectic Woman at the Alley Theatre Art Gallery.

Her photography is renowned for making us think about challenging life situations, making us question conventional perception and connecting us to the surreal in ordinary and everyday life. With this work, Whitefield creates a visual diary, capturing feelings of detachment and otherworldliness which link in with the surreal world of Alice in Wonderland and reflect the stark sterility of the clinical situation and surroundings.  

Cherry Smyth, poet and art critic said, “This is a skilful, resonant documentation of a woman’s determination to humanise and feminise the experience of having a hysterectomy.  It is a stunning, affecting, unforgettable piece of work that deserves to be seen widely not just by girls and women, but by men who care for them and also came from that intimate source. She photographs and uses angles that reflect an Alice in Wonderland type of adventure, reinforcing feelings of detachment and otherworldliness contrasted with the stark sterility and brutality of the clinical imagery and surroundings.

Linking hysteria, Hippocrates, poetry and the art of photography, she explores the ordinary and extraordinary worlds of this emotional, mental and physical body experience resulting in a rich photographic exhibition and poetic book that blends fairytale with reality in an original and powerful way.”

Whitefield said, I hope the work will help other women share experiences of this life-changing operation and stimulate much needed conversations around the subject.
I wanted to express the feelings of vulnerability and alienation a woman can experience and used my art as a tool for healing and recovery during a process that can be damaging both to the female body and psyche.”

Sonya Whitefield  is a photographer/artist based in Co. Tyrone Northern Ireland.  She studied photography at Bournemouth and Poole College of Art and Design and has exhibited her work nationally and internationally.   She is currently working for the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Whitefield has created a stunning, limited edition, art book, ‘Hysterectic’, to accompany the exhibition.  An artistic collaboration with the design agency Thought Collective, it blends stark and beautiful photographs with elements of hysteria, Hippocrates and poetry.  It recently won the renowned UK Mc Naughton Review award and is available to buy through www.sonyawhitefield.com  or www.hysterectic.com .

Sonia Whitefield – Journey of the Hysterectic Woman will be on show until Friday 10th June.  Patrons are advised that some images are expicit and children will not be allowed access to the exhibition

These Are Our Truths

What is it like to be young and living in Strabane? During 2010 Strabane District Council started a new project to explore this theme and that of reconciliation with students in post primary schools of the district. The result from this project is a stunning new photography exhibition, entitled"These Are Our Truths", set to go on display at the Alley Theatre this Christmas.

The overall project, “Understanding Our Present” involved training Year 10 pupils in creative writing and digital photography skills, and with the help of experts the students were encouraged to explore themes of reconciliation and the world around them. The students benefitted from expert guidance from North West photographer Raymond McCarron and Anne McMaster – Welch from the North West Regional College, helping the students develop the project theme further and examine their own views and perspective in depth. The results from the project are now set to be exhibited in a stunning new photography exhibition entitled "These Are Our Truths".

Talking prior to the exhibition launch, Raymond McCarron, one of the tutors on the course commented that “the photographs in the exhibition are taken in cars, in school yards, up trees and provide a unique insight into the lives of young people in Strabane. They aren’t acting in these photographs, they are simply snatching a moment in time in their young lives.  The exhibition is a collection of wonderful visual documents, made by young people in Strabane district, and have a lot to offer all ages.”

“These images exhibited here are important, because they contain human universals, they convey honestly how life is experienced by the young individuals in Strabane district; the bedroom walls, the landscape, fun, isolation and the innocence of youth. The older generation is often quoted in the media saying they don’t understand the younger generation, however in this exhibition the images can say a thousand words and I personally feel offer a wonderful insight into a different world for many people to explore and understand.”

“They are without agenda, they are mirrors of adolescence in Strabane district today. The students involved should be very proud” concluded Mr McCarron.

The exhibition and programme is supported by Peace III programme managed for special EU programmes body by the N.W Peace III cluster of Derry City Council, Strabane District Council and Omagh District Council.

“These Are Our Truths” is FREE to attend and runs from December 27th until January 21st within the Alley Theatre Gallery space. For more information contact the Alley Theatre on 028 7138 4444, check out the Alley Facebook Page (The Alley Theatre) or visit www.alley-theatre.com/exhibtions.

Restless Structures

Once again the award winning Alley Theatre in Strabane has managed to secure an exhibition from another highly respected Irish artist, this month the venue features Betty Gannon, whose artwork is not just credited for being bold and thought provoking, but offers the viewer a unique journey of discovery in her artwork.

Speaking at the launch, Betty commented “I am delighted to have my work exhibited at the Alley Theatre and Art Gallery, and would like to thank the public for their wonderful reaction to the exhibition so far. "

"My work focuses on our surroundings, on architectural and industrial forms, spaces, and interiors, which are at the stage of being developed, demolished or just left to decay.”

“These changes can be rapid and conspicuous, or happen slowly and unnoticed.  What ever the rate, I’m interested in the fact that our environment is never static and change is inevitable.”

Ian Wieczorek, himself a visual artist and art critic has reviewed Gannon’s current exhibition at the Alley, hailed her work as “evocative embodiments of structures in flux, created through a rich and lyrical visual language of mark-making, at times meditative, at other times almost violent in execution, a combination of control and freedom that elegantly reflects the nature of the subject matter at hand. “

“The viewer is invited to engage with Gannon’s drawings in both small, intimate pieces and on a scale that is at times almost overwhelming. These drawings offer both moments of contemplation and a great joy of sensual discovery. In Restless Structures, Betty Gannon has created a body of work that is visually rich and highly engaging. There is much to savour here. Enjoy.”

Gannon’s “Restless Structures” exhibition runs at the Alley until December 17th and is FREE to attend. For further information contact the Alley Box Office on 028 7138 4444 or visit www.alley-theatre.com/exhibition.

Glass Exhibition set to smash

visitor records at the Alley

Strabane’s Alley Theatre and Art Gallery welcomed a new exhibition this week, entitled “Glass Flowers”, the exhibition has already won the title of most intricate and delicate exhibition the Alley Theatre staff have ever put on display.

“Our new glass exhibition by County Mayo artist Emma Bourke, which runs until Friday 12th November, contains various pieces of glass work sculptured into glass flowers” commented Pat McCabe, the Alley Theatre Art curator. “The fine detail in the work is amazing, with some of the glasswork only the thickness of a strand of human hair. Hanging such delicate work was a nervous operation, however when it was complete we all stood back and was amazed by the overall effect in the gallery space.”

Emma grew up immersed in a culture of superstition, listening to stories of magic and fairies from elderly family members whislt growing up in County Mayo. Her childhood and her experiences in such a natural and beautiful part of the world has now become a key influence in the development of this body of work.

”My work is free blown hollow glass structures, with hot sculpted tendrils on the outside that are reminiscent of tangles of branches and tree roots” commented the artist, Emma Bourke. “Another set of pieces comprise intricate flame-worked branches that extend from root-like and bulbous hollow bases. They have a sense of secrecy in the hidden elements that they contain. Natural forms become a shelter for little people and the mysteries of fairy tales.”

The exhibition is free to attend and runs until Friday, November 12th. For more information contact the Alley Theatre on 028 7138 4444 or www.alley-theatre.com. Images from the exhibition can also be viewed on www.facebook.com/thealleytheatre.

Fermanagh artist, Diane Henshaw

set to exhibit at the Alley

Strabane’s Alley Theatre announced this week that one of Ireland’s best known creative artists, Fermanagh based artist Diane Henshaw, will exhibit her new collection of work “Border Lines” at the impressive gallery space at the Alley from September 13th until October 10th.

Originally from County Antrim, Henshaw developed her work in Belfast at Queen Street Studios Artists Collective for just under a decade, before moving to Tempo in County Fermanagh. Her artwork has traveled all over the world now, including major exhibitions within China, New Zealand, New York, Las Vegas and Mexico. Shortly after her exhibition at the Alley, Diane will travel onto Tokyo to display her current exhibition.

“This will be a fantastic exhibition for the gallery and a major scoop for the Alley to have someone of the artistic calibre like Diane Henshaw exhibiting at the Alley. We expect large numbers from across the North West to visit this groundbreaking new exhibition which will run until October 10th. Diane’s work mainly focuses on the creative use of paper and line in music composition, challenging the viewer in their perception of art” states Leanne Kelly from the Alley Theatre. For more information on the exhibition contact the Alley Theatre on +44(0)28 7138 4444, check out the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thealleytheatre or click here.  

Strabane photographers

celebrated in new exhibition!

One of Northern Irelands leading camera clubs, Strabane and District Camera Club, are set to display some of their impressive pieces of work at a new exhibition at the Alley Theatre from August 7th. Over 80 images will go on display in the award winning venue featuring themes including landscapes, portraits, nature, street photography and sports events from across the North West. 

“This is a wonderful opportunity for local people to enjoy some of the superb work this highly respected camera club is currently producing “commented Patrick McCabe, the Alley’s exhibition curator. “ We are extending a unique invitation to public to come along for a special preview night on August 7th from 7 p.m and meet some of the photographers whose work is on display. We also have Kintra performing at 8 p.m, tickets now on sale, so it’s the ideal night out!”

John Campbell from the Strabane and District Camera Club commented that “We are truly honoured to have an exhibition at the Alley, which offers a marvelous backdrop to the work on display from our local members. We would like to invite the public to come along to the exhibition preview night on August 7th and enjoy the talent that is working in the North West at present. Whether you are interested in viewing photography or want to expand your own skills, everyone is welcome.”

The exhibition preview night is open on August 7th at 7 p.m, with the exhibition officially open from August 9th until September 3rd. For further information please contact the Alley theatre on +44(0) 7138 4444, email alleytheatre@strabanedc.com or visit the Alley website at www.alley-theatre.com.

Strabane’s emerging artists

hold groundbreaking exhibition

at the Alley

Finally after 12 months of hard work and dedication emerging artists from Holy Cross College and Strabane Grammar School are set to display their work in a new exhibition entitled “Smart”.

Work by A-Level and GCSE students will be displayed in a new exhibition within Strabane’s award winning gallery space at the Alley from 12 noon July 5th until July 30th.  “This new exhibition, which is free to visit, shows the exceptional talent currently working in the North West. Displaying a variety of traditional work from print, Illustration and painting, the exhibition also features some amazingly diverse pieces set to steal the show including some breathtaking fashion pieces, sculptures and 3D oils. The professional work that is being displayed at this stage shows that there are a number upcoming artists in the local area that art collectors should keep an eye out for in the future” states Leanne Kelly from the Alley Theatre.

“There are several pieces of art work that stand out personally to me, with a number linking into what is happening in society today with topics such as street violence, drink, drugs and crime addressed. Making art relevant to society has been a major theme for the exhibition and we are delighted to see the final pieces on display at the Alley.”

Pat McCabe the Alley Theatre’s curator commented “This exhibition will be one of a kind for Strabane, with its varied work and strong themes it has something for everyone.” A new website will be launched to compliment the exhibition in October. Place at www.alley-smart.com, the new site will feature video clips and interviews with students talking about their work. The website will explain how students got the inspiration and ideas for some of there art work and how they went about putting together the exhibition. The Smart exhibition will be on show at the Alley Theatre from July 5th until the July 30th. For further information contact the Alley Theatre on +44(0)28 7138 4444 .

Imagine a “view between”

at the Alley

Strabane’s Alley Theatre launched a new exhibition this week from Cork artist, Angela Fewer, her first exhibition in Northern Ireland in her 15 year career.

Entitled “Trans-Scapes (A view between), this groundbreaking new exhibition is one of a select series of works by Angela, whic...h have also been exhibited at the Temple Bar in Dublin and at the prestigious Form Gallery in Cork.

“Light, line and space are the important elements in Angela’s work and her new exhibition “Trans-Scapes (a view between)” displays a series of outstanding pieces of work” commented the Alley’s curator, Patrick McCabe. “Angela has been exploring the concept of the autonomy of line for a number of years and has developed this exciting new exhibition along this theme, which I personally believe will leave a remarkable impact with the viewer. The exhibition is free to visit, Monday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and runs until June 25th. “

The Alley opens the NI tour

of Anne Frank [+You}

The Anne Frank Trust UK today opened a stunning month long exhibition “Anne Frank + You” at the Alley Theatre in Strabane, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. Joining the official launch was Sammy Wilson MP MLA and Mrs Inge Radford, one of Ireland’s last Jewish Holocaust survivors assisted in the opening of the exhibition. Mrs Radford lost her widowed mother and 5 brothers to the Nazi concentration camps in 1942.

Launched in 2005 to give Anne Frank’s story and message a contemporary profile for today, this major display includes a near life size replica of Anne’s bedroom in hiding. It has a strong focus on the issues of identity and moral choice we face in 21st century society. The opening in Strabane is particularly significant as it is the first time the “Anne Frank + You” exhibition has visited Northern Ireland.

Starting from Anne Frank’s writings and experiences, the exhibition is a journey of self exploration for the visitor. Themes that Anne wrote about in her diary, such as racial hatred, war and conflict and the value of democracy and freedom, are presented in an up to date and contemporary fashion, along with filmed interviews with teenagers discussing their own views, concerns and hopes for the future.

“The story of Anne Frank not only reminds us about what has happened in the past, but also what is happening in society today. This exhibition will be an ideal way to inform our community about the need to stand together and support those in society who need our help and support. Anne’s short life shows us what can happen when hatred and extremism goes unchallenged, we therefore intend to challenge and stimulate discussion within our community about what are the best ways forward in offering everyone an equal place in society today” stated Cllr Kieran McGuire, Chairman of Strabane District Council.

Steve Nimmons, special advisor to the project - “The Anne Frank exhibition provides an exceptional opportunity for young people to discuss and truly understand the value of tolerance and its importance in our society. The beauty of Anne’s writing, the tragedy of her short life, and yet the ultimate truth that hope and understanding triumph over repression and hatred is exceptional, powerful and ultimately life changing.”

Strabane District Council and the Community Relations Council are funding this project in association with the Cultural, Heritage and Identity programme, which is supported by the Peace III programme and managed for the Special EU programmes Body by the North West Peace III Cluster.

The significance of the opening is further amplified, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam.

Anne Frank exhibitions have been visited by over 3 million people from across Britain. They continue to provide a unique experience for visitors to learn more about the story of Anne and the history of the Holocaust. For further information on the exhibition contact the Alley Theatre on 028 7138 4444 or visit www.facebook.com/thealleytheatre.

Through the Lens!

St Mary’s Primary School at 50’

A unique exhibition of photographs old and new.

The photographic exhibition ‘Through the Lens – St Mary’s Primary School at 50’ will be coming to the Alley Theatre from 16th -30th April with the grand opening on Friday 16th April at 7 p.m.

The exhibition which is sponsored by Medicare, is a collection of recent photographs of children attending St Mary’s Boys Primary School by celebrated North West photographer Raymond McCarron, who spent a day at the school recording activities that took place over the day. The recent photographs are complimented by a collection of old photographs from past pupil’s personal collections and include schools trips, plays, sporting events and other memorable times in the schools history. The old photographs have been enlarged to sit alongside the new images to tell a unique pictorial story that is the history of St Mary’s Boys, Primary School over 50 years.

This exhibition is one of an extensive programme of events and activities that is part of the celebrations of St Mary’s Boys’ Primary School’s 50th Anniversary.  The activities and events are taking place throughout the year and will involve current pupils and teaching staff of the school as well as parents, past pupils and other people in Strabane.

Ann Frank [+You} coming to the Alley!

Strabane’s Alley Theatre is set to host the Northern Ireland launch of the award winning Anne Frank (+You} exhibition this May confirmed representatives from Strabane District Council.

This groundbreaking exhibition will have its official Northern Ireland launch at the Alley, which organisers say will be supported by a number of workshops and performances for people across Northern Ireland to engage in.

Famous around the world, this poignant exhibition is anticipated to draw in visitors and groups from across the island of Ireland, keen to understand more about the legacy left by Anne Frank and showing the relevance in today’s society of views she expressed in her celebrated diary. At the heart of the exhibition, entitled Anne Frank (+ You} is a life-size replica of her bedroom in the secret annexe above her father's business premises in Amsterdam. This small space is where the Frank family, and four other Jews, spent more than two years in hiding before being betrayed to the Nazis in the summer of 1944.

Visitors will experience the room where Anne confided in her diary about her hopes, ambitions and perceptions about conflict and the human condition. To reach the “secret annexe” room in the exhibition, visitors must first pass througha multi-media display which explores the themes that dominated her life and a tunnel on the Holocaust and genocides around the world. Themes of Identity, Prejudice and Racism, Conflict and Peace, Moral Responsibility, and Freedom and Democracy are all addressed on giant exhibition panels which carry significant excerpts from Anne's diary, along with examples of present day issues in picture and print, whilst televisual displays of teenagers of today discussing the issues in a 21st century context can also be viewed.

The exhibition was developed and is run by the Anne Frank Trust UK, who worked alongside its sister organisation the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, and an award winning creative team, to create a unique and challenging experience for young people that will interest and motivate them. Strabane District Council and the Peace III Programme, managed for the Special EU Programmes Body by the North West Peace III Cluster Group  are funding the exhibition, which will see thousands tour the exhibition whilst its runs at the Alley Theatre between May 10th - May 29th.

“The story of Anne Frank not only reminds us about what has happened in the past, but also what is happening in society today. This exhibition will be an ideal way to inform our community about the need to stand together and support those in society who need our help and support, whilst protecting their human rights. Anne’s short life shows us what can happen when hatred and extremism goes unchallenged, we therefore intend to challenge and stimulate discussion within our community about what are the best ways forward in offering everyone an equal place in society today” stated Kieran McGuire, Chairman of Strabane District Council.

“The Trust promotes positive attitudes in young people towards differences particularly in age, gender, ethnicity, religion and disability, and encourages people to reject all forms of bigotry. The Trust’s Executive Director Gillian Walnes explained: “The intention of Anne Frank [+ You} is that visitors, particularly youngsters aged 11 to 17, will be able to relate the horrors that befell victims of the Holocaust to the world around them, and recognise the need to challenge injustice and to contribute to a society built on mutual respect and moral courage to prevent such things happening again. This is an exhibition unlike any other that is touring Northern Ireland and will be a major talking point.”

“Over three million people have taken part in Anne Frank Projects in the UK and we are delighted that Strabane District Council and the North West community can share the clear message of peace and tolerance that Anne Frank left to the world over 65 years ago this year” stated Philip Faithful, Chief Executive of Strabane District Council. “Her legacy has not only taught us about the horrors of the Holocaust, but can also serve as an inspiration to young people, making them strive to make a difference in their own lives by becoming more active citizens.”

Richard Collins, a leading Northern Ireland Holocaust expert commented “The Anne Frank (+You} Exhibition” offers visitors the inspiration to break down personal and community suspicions and mistrust, and instead open the hand of friendship across the barriers. Young people in schools, community groups, colleges and so many other places are being inspired by Anne’s story, urged to look beyond our own small ambitions and to create a greater vision which will benefit all of humanity.”

Ms Walnes from the Anne Frank Trust UK concluded she was particularly pleased the exhibition is being launched in Strabane’s prestigious Alley Theatre and Art Gallery, “To have such a visually exciting multimedia display in this stunning venue is going to be terrific for us and the North West of Ireland.” For further information on the forthcoming exhibition visit www.alley-theatre.com or contact the Alley Box Office on 028 7138 4444.

Celebrated British Artist celebrates

new Alley Exhibition launch.

Barbara Freeman, one of Ireland’s most prestigious artists, has been overwhelmed with the public response to her new exhibition, ‘The Bach Series’, which went on display at Strabane’s Alley Theatre last week.

The breathtaking exhibition, featuring a series of drawings and prints which have been inspired by the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, will be running in the Alley’s main gallery from Monday March 22nd until Friday April 16th. The exhibition was launched at the height of the Strabane Drama Fesitval, meaning thousands have already view the exhibition in a very short space of time.  

Born in London and having studied at the Prestigious St. Martins and Camberwell Colleges of Art, with postgraduate study at the University of Leeds; Freeman has lived and worked in Belfast for the last twenty years and has had over forty solo exhibitions of paintings, prints and installation works in Ireland, Britain, the United States, and Europe. She has also had residencies in Europe and the U.S.A. and was Abbey Fellow at the British School at Rome. She has also taken part in numerous group shows, most recently in ‘Drawings and prints’ at the Fenderesky Gallery, Belfast.

The Alley’s John Kerr stated “We are extremely delighted to be exhibiting the works of such an outstanding artist as Barbara Freeman. It is a great opportunity for the public to see a new series from someone of her calibre and reputation, who is widely regarded as one of the most important British artists producing artwork today. The exhibition launch saw visitors from Belfast, Derry, Donegal and Dublin attending the launch and we look forward to seeing what the Strabane audience has to say on this stunning exhibition.”  Barbara’s artwork is listed on sale for between £200 - £250, with critics stating it has be “exceptionally priced for work by a leading Irish artist”. To find out more about the ‘Bach Series’ log onto www.alley-theatre.com/exhibitions or contact the Alley Box office on 028 7138 4444.

Strabane’s “Comparatively Peculiar”

Strabane’s Alley Theatre and Art Gallery is set to welcome the exciting new young artist Allyson Keehan this month as she launches her first solo Northern Ireland exhibition, entitled “Comparatively Peculiar” within their award winning gallery space.

Hailing from Limerick, this is an exciting time for Allyson who has been taking part in exhibitions since 2002. Her latest work, an innovative new exhibition entitled ‘Comparatively Peculiar’ will be available for local art lovers to enjoy in the Alley from February 15th.  Speaking at her launch Allyson commented “My first solo exhibition was in Limerick in 2006; that was called ‘Silk Purse, Sow’s Ear’ and I have exhibited mostly in the Republic of Ireland since then.  I am really excited about showing my work in an area further a field and one that is relatively new to me; the Alley Gallery is a lovely space for visitors and an artist’s dream.”

Allyson herself describes her work as ‘representating drapery realistically through paint” The works are richly layered and stylistically complex, as the drapery evokes a landscape of colour across the canvas.’ With her preferred medium being oils Allyson is one artist who adopts a methodical approach to her work, often having 2 or 3 pieces developing at any one time. “I always have a bank of ideas and with my projects taking 2-3 months to complete, it’s important to plan ahead and be organised”.

From the end of May this year Allyson will have one of her pieces exhibited at The Royal Hibernian Acadeny in Dublin just as she returns from a two month residency in Berlin with the Takt organisation. With the accolades pouring in Allyson is keeping her feet firmly on the ground but is delighted that her work is receiving more and more recognition. After being recently  featured in a leading arts magazine, Allyson found her biggest thrill to be from her six year old nephew seeing the article and asking her if she was famous. “That did make me laugh,” she admits.

 ‘Comparatively Peculiar’ opens in the Alley Theatre on Monday February 15th and will run until Friday March 5th. Opening hours of 9-5 Monday to Saturday apply and also from 7pm during evening shows. For further information, contact Box Office 028 7138 4444 or check the website www.alley-theatre.com

Ireland’s Next Top Artist at the Alley!

Predicting who will make it in the art world isn’t easy, however Tom Climent, the celebrated Cork artist who is currently exhibiting at the Alley Theatre is always one name mentioned by leading Irish art cirtics. His growing reputation has spread across Ireland over previous years and Strabane’s Alley Theatre and Art Gallery was delighted when Tom promised to open his new exhibition “Ashlar” at the award winning Alley. This is a major coup for Strabane’s Alley Theatre, which is receiving plaudits from all directions at present for the quality and success of their exhibitions, leading the way in the North West as the  premier arts venue for people interested in the arts.   

His exhibition, entitled “Ashlar”, which runs from January 11th until February 5th, is consistant with his previous exhibitions, winning plaudits  and praise wherever it shows. Half-Irish, half-Spanish, his influences of Spanish and Italian art (both Baroque and Renaissance) on his stlye is obvious enough, heavily influenced by his chilldhood visits to Spain as a child. His major breakthrough came when he won the prestigious Victor Treacy Award in the late 90’s, from that his career has been rocketing through the art world.

“Ashlar is based on the idea of sacred space embodied in the landscape all around us. Fascinating, abstract and dramatic, Tom Climent’s exhibition is not to be missed” commented Nathan Flatman from the Alley Theatre. “The exhibition is free to attend at the Alley, however if you want a sneak preview, check out the new Alley Theatre You Tube Channel at www.youtube.com/alleytheatrestrabane, where patrons can view a short video of his work"

Remembering conflict around the World.

To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the commencement of action in the Second War World, Strabane’s Alley Theatre and Art gallery will be officially opening a new art exhibition, entitled “Visions of War”, on Friday, October 23rd at 7 p.m. by celebrated Dundalk artist, Paul Woods.

Having exhibited his breathtaking work across Ireland and in America, where he lived for eight years, Paul is delighted to be exhibiting in the North West of Ireland for the first time in the impressive gallery space at the Alley Theatre. More recently his work could be found in The Phoenix Gallery, Grand Opera House, Belfast, with further exhibitions planned for the Birr Arts Centre, in County Offaly and Galeria BWA Jelenia Gora in Poland.

Adrian Beattie, the Alley’s curator stated “Paul’s work is essentially looking at his two prime interests, the visual imagery of military history and the subsequent depiction of these images through the medium of painting. Therefore, the paintings which result from this process can be described as paintings about history.  World War One and Two killed millions of people across Europe, with the effects still felt in the world today, not only through Europe’s  politics nut in geography, national idendity and economically. Paul’s work offers a stunning insight into this conflict, which will certainly challenge our visitors to look at this moment in history from a totally new perspective”.

Paul has travelled  and researched  extensively on the subject matter of war and conflict, from battlefields in Europe and North America, Auschwitz in Poland and onto the hughely moving Kwai River in Thailand, where captured POW were forced as slaves to build the famous railway now made famous by that Hollywood blockbuster, “Bridge Over the River Kwai”. The exhibition launch is open to the public on Friday, October 23rd at 7 p.m. with light refreshments provided. “This is a unique chance to meet Paul and here about his inspiration behind the exhibition. If you have a interest in arts, maybe you keen artist yourself, studying or have a general interest, you are warmly invited to this wonderful launch night” concluded the Alley’s Adrian Beattie. To hear Paul Woods podcast click here.

University of Ulster Art Exhibition visits

the Alley

The School of Art and Design - the founding school of the University of Ulster is marking their 160th anniversary this year with a wonderful touring exhibition profiling some of the work produced by students and tutors over the last 40 years. This wonderful exhibition highlights work across a range of disciplines and is drawn from the Universities Permanent Works of Art Collection.

Adrian Beattie, curator at Strabane’s Alley Theatre and Art Gallery stated “This exhibition has an autumn theme running through the works, highlighting the change in seasons, colours and textures we are now experiencing. The University has a long and proud tradition in producing some excellent artists, which the wonderful exhibition highlights. This is a great chance for A Level and A/S Level students wishing to join the University in the coming years to see what the University of Ulster has to offer them” The exhibition at the Alley Theatre, Strabane is open to the public FREE of charge and runs until October 16th. For more information click here.

New Alley photography exhibition

hailed a success!

The Alley Theatre, Strabane, supported by Harte and McGarrigle Estate Agents, was delighted with the recent launch of Raymond McCarrons new exhibition, “Hiding in Plain Site”, which officially opened to the public on last Friday (August 21st) and runs until September 11th.

A prolific photographer of life unposed, Raymond McCarron has won several awards for capturing that fleeting glimpse of someone’s ordinary lives in a spectacular way, with his new exhibition offering a stunning insight into peoples lives not only in Strabane but across Northern Ireland.  “The celebrated Herbert Cooper documented photography every day life around the Strabane district in the early part of the 20th century and is recognised as being one of the most important photographers of in Irish photography. Raymond McCarron is the latest Strabane photographer to carry the Herbert Cooper flame of excellence; his images capture in a fraction of a second our very lives and the urban landscape that we now live in. His images are thought provoking, sometimes controversial, but very very human, an exceptional exhibition that everyone in the district should come along and visit” commented Adrian Beattie, gallery curator at the Alley

To hear Raymond McCarron’s thoughts on street photography and his inspiration behind the new exhibition in Strabane’s Alley Theatre, why not hear his podcast at http://alleytheatre.podbean.com or visit www.alley-theatre.com/exhibitions. For further information please contact the Alley Theatre Box office on 028 7138 4444.

Celebrated North West photographer

Raymond McCarron prepares for

new exhibition

The Alley prepares for new Street photography exhibition The Alley Theatre, Strabane, supported by Harte and McGarrigle Estate Agents, is busy preparing for a new photography exhibition entitled “Hiding in Plain Sight” by celebrated North West photographer, Raymond McCarron, which is set to open on August 17th and runs until September 11th.

A prolific photographer of life unposed, Raymond McCarron has won several awards for capturing that fleeting glimpse of someone’s ordinary lives in a spectacular way, with his new exhibition offering a stunning insight into peoples lives not only in Strabane but across Northern Ireland. Adrian Beattie, the Alley’s gallery curator stated “Raymond is one of the most gifted photographers I have ever worked with and his new exhibition entitled “Hiding in Plain Sight” offers a revealing look at people’s lives not only in Belfast, but also in Strabane, Londonderry and the surrounding areas. This stunning exhibition is a real labour of love, taking over two years to complete and is set to feature 80 subjective documents. The exhibition will be on displayed from August 17th, with the official launch, which is open to the public to attend, taking place on August 21st from 7 p.m at the Alley Theatre.”

To hear Raymond McCarron’s thoughts on street photography and his inspiration behind the new exhibition in Strabane’s Alley Theatre, why not hear his podcast by clicking here . For further information please contact the Alley Theatre Box office on 028 7138 4444.

Strabane photographer explains the

art of Street Photography

The forthcoming exhibition of "Hiding In Plain Sight" by Raymond McCarron, starting on August 14th, is already receiving plaudits from critics who love McCarrons unique view on the world. 

Raymond recently popped into the Alley to record a podcast about his inspirations and his thoughts about Street photography in Northern Ireland. Click here to hear his podcast or click here for more exhibition information. 

Strule Arts Group celebrates Alley

Success!

Offering a diverse collection of stunning paintings capturing Irish landscapes, local architecture, seascapes and famous landmarks, the Strule Art Group from Newtownstewart are now celebrating one of the most successful art exhibition launches in the North West last week.

“15 artists have put together this wonderful new exhibition which has proved a big hit even before the official launch” commented Nathan Flatman, Marketing officer from the Alley “Even before we officially launched the exhibition we had enthusiastic art collectors picking up a number of pieces for their own private collections, clearly showing their artwork is not only a critical success, but also a superb commercial accomplishment by this highly professional local art group.”

The Strule Art Group was founded in 2001 by a group of like minded enthusiasts from Newtownstewart, keen to develop their artistic skills. Assisted in their intial set-up by a grant from Strabane District Council, the group has held regular exhibitions within the Newtownstewart 2000 complex,  however this is their first exhibition within the acclaimed Alley Theatre’s gallery space, supported by Harte and McGarrigle Estate Agents. The exhibition, entitled “Fifteen” runs until Friday, August 4th and is free to view to the public.