Down about Down Podcast at "A Wee Dander" Art Exhibition, Killyleagh, County Down on Saturday 17th June 2023

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The Down about Down Podcast at "A Wee Dander" Art Exhibition, Killyleagh, County Down on Saturday 17th June 2023

Listen in to The Down about Down Podcast, hosted by Chris Scott visiting "A Wee Dander" Art Exhibition held in the Dufferin Coaching Inn and Hall, Killyleagh. Chris chatted with a number of the exhibiting artists,

The event was organised by local artist, Duxy Leahy. He was joined by fellow artists from the Happy Little Art Club - Tracey McIntosh, Kerry Duignan and Kelsie Erskine. Local artists, Wendy Cromie, Cheryl Martin and Janine Boyle also exhibited their works.
Chris was delighted to speak with Michael McCormick, a resident of Tennessee, who was visiting Killyleagh with his wife and in-laws. Michael's father grew up in Breakey's Brae in the Frederick Street area of the town. Michael and his family, who had been staying at the Coaching Inn and Hall, called into the exhibition to meet with Duxy and Conal Montgomery. Conal was providing music during the first day of the exhibition, and Michael was treated to Conal singing "The Cornerstone." One of Duxy's paintings of Killyleagh Castle is on display in Michael's office in Atlanta!
Duxy, no stranger to local art exhibitions, decided that he would invite as many artists as he possibly could fit into the banqueting area of the venue. 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.
Within a few hours of the exhibition opening, several of the artists had sold their first paintings.
Ballynahinch artist, Kerry Duignan, regularly attends Duxy's art class. She had previously displayed her work at an exhibition of the art class held in the local library some months ago. Like so many artists, her interest was triggered during the covid 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."
Local 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. There is so much inspiration around the town."
Tracey McIntosh, from Killyleagh, also attends Duxy's art class. She has known him from the age of eleven and she 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!"
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 had a range of illustrative portraits on display.

Duxy arranged to have proceeds from one of his paintings and a raffle to be donated to The Well charity in Kilkeel. "I have seen first hand what they do. They save lives on a daily basis."

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