Summer group exhibition to open at Mayo's Custom House

THE Custom House Studios and Gallery in Westport are hosting an exhibition of works by 62 artists who have worked and exhibited at the studios over the last year.

The exhibition will be officially opened by artist Mick O’Dea at 6 p.m. on Friday next, August 5, at Westport Quay. Westport based jazz trio Ain’t Misbehavin’ will perform on the evening.

The summer show, which runs until August 28, celebrates the studios' extensive exhibition programmes, including works from resident studio artists and artists that use the print room facilities.

This exhibition will have works by artists both from Ireland and overseas who have exhibited in the two gallery spaces throughout the year. There are also works from visiting studio artists including two exchange artists from Austria.

Seven artists from Carrowbeg Enterprises will exhibit their individual works in painting, printmaking and drawing. The exhibition also features works from the artist members of the board of the Custom House Studios.

The Custom House Studios was opened in 2002 by the Westport Artists Group and Mayo County Council to provide work space and exhibition facilities for artists and to facilitate access to the local community and visitors to arts events. The potential of arts and culture as an important element in developing Westport as a good place to live and a quality tourist destination is well established and recognised.

This is the 20th year of full exhibition programs at the studios, providing practical supports and facilities for artists in the Westport and Mayo area - in both the making and exhibiting of art works.

The Custom House Studios look forward to continuing to support visual artists and audiences, and facilitating the local community and visitors to Westport.

Participating artists in the new exhibition are Tom Brawn, Brian Bourke, Sheelyn Browne, Breda Burns, Pat Byrne, Ellen Cafferkey, Donnacha Cahill, Aoife Casby, Jane Cassidy, Rayleen Clancy, Kate Cuddy, Maeve Curley, Clemens Denk, Bryan Duffy, Eileen Fitzgerald, Andrew Folan, Phill Foley, Oscar Fouz Lopez, Betty Gannon, Pauline Garavan, Conleth Gent, John Gibbons, Vivian Hansbury, Felicity Hedley, Lucy Hill, Rosemary Hurrell, Tapani Hyypiä, Una Kearns, Anthony D. Kelly, Sarah Kelly, Trish Kelly, Hina Khan, Genevieve King, Anna Rose Lowry, Eileen Mac Donagh, Máire Maguire, Caroline Masterson, Bruce Mathieson, John McAleer, Patricia McCormack, Gavin McCrea, Tim Morris, Maggie Morrisson, Paul Mosse, John Murray, Lelia Ni Chathmhaoil, Kathlyn O’Brien, Mick O’Dea, Gerry O’Malley, Grainne O’Reilly, Verena Prenner, Joanne Proctor, Octagon Quilters, Susie Quinn, Vera Ryklova, David Smith, Betsy Stirratt, Benita Stoney, Pascal Ungerer, Susanne Wawra, Ian Wieczorek and Emma Zukovic.

The Custom House Studios acknowledge the support of the Arts Council of Ireland, Mayo County Council, Pobal and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport & Media for its programme of exhibitions.