Join the Alley Theatre Art Club

Want to attend art exhibition launches? Why not join our special Alley Art Club for free.

Are you interested in art? Keen to meet the artists behind the exhibition? Would like advance notice of forthcoming shows. The Alley is delighted to announce the launch of the Alley Art Club, offering personal invites for exhibition launch nights and special email updates to the general public.

Exhibition launches normally take place in the evening andlast for around 1-2 hours, allowing you an ideal opportunity to browse the new exhibition, meet the artist behind the paintings and meet like minded people interested in art.

To receive your FREE membership, including personal invitations to the Alley's forthcoming exhibition season, simply email nflatman@strabanedc.com with your full name, address, contact number and preferred contact email address, and we will be in contact.

For further information contact Nathan Flatman within the marketing department on 028 7138 4444. Click here to find out about forthcoming exhibitions.

 

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

 

Angela Fewer's Trans-ScapesStrabane’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}

Kieran McGuire, Chairman of Strabane Dc, Deirdre Harte, Peace III Cluster Group Manager, Sammy Wilson MP MLA, Philip Faithful, Cheif Executive of Strabane DC and Ivor Whitten from Anne Frank Trust UKThe 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 Sammy Wilson MP MLA meets Mrs Inge Radford, one of Ireland's leading Holocaust survivors. 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 through a 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.

School children reflect in a recreation of Anne Frank's Bedroom, which is part of the new exhibition.“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.

Allyson Keehan preparing her work at the Alley!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 Tom Climent's work on display at the AlleyAlley 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 Paul WoodsSecond 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

Hear McCarron's podcast on Street photographyThe 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.

John Kerr, Alley Theatre Manager with Jeanette Thompson, foundign member fothe Strule Art Group“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.