Mayo based artists to appear on RTÉ Nationwide

A creative couple based in County Mayo will take centre stage on RTÉ Nationwide tomorrow (Friday) at 7 p.m. on RTÉ One, as the programme shines a spotlight on art and creativity.

Mark Rode, a sculptor originally from Australia, moved to Ireland over 20 years ago to follow his passion for bronze figurative sculpture.

Now based in Killasser, just outside Swinford, Mark has built a thriving career in the west of Ireland.

His work ranges from gallery pieces to some of Ireland’s most recognisable public sculptures.

Reporter Tommy Stenson visited Mark’s studio and foundry to see the inspiration behind his work.

Mark’s wife, Jacinta Guinan, an accomplished artist originally from Athlone, Co. Westmeath, also features in the programme.

A graduate of the Crawford College of Art and Design in Cork, Jacinta captures the beauty of rural Ireland through her landscape paintings.

The episode will also shine a light on the town of Newport, where Mark created two public sculptures commissioned by the Newport Business Association, statues of Princess Grace Kelly and pirate queen Grace O’Malley.

The sculptures have become iconic symbols for the town, now affectionately known as “The Town of the Two Graces.”