Gifted young artist with disability showcases his work at Carrick-on-Suir Library

Caption for picture above: Artist James Torpe with his family at the opening of his art exhibition. From left: Mikey Torpey (dad), James Torpey, Brenda Torpey (mother) and his sister and brother Sarah and Harry.

A gifted young Carrick-on-Suir artist showcased his work to the public at a two-week long exhibition at Carrick-on-Suir Library.

The exhibition , which concludes this Friday, July 18, features selected pieces of James Torpey’s work

The Carrickbeg man attends Camphill’s Journeyman Programme in Carrick-on-Suir, which is a training initiative for young adults with learning and physical disabilities.

He has a lifelong passion for drawing and painting and joined art classes led by artist John Davis in Carrick-on-Suir's Nano Nagle Resource Centre last year.

James Torpey holding one of his cartoon artworks with Elizabeth Moloney of the Journeyman Programme and Cathaoirleach of Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District Cllr. David Dunne at the official opening of the exhibition of his artwork

Cathaoirleach of Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District Cllr David Dunne was among the large attendance at the official opening of the art exhibition on July 3.

Also joining his family and friends at the function were artist John Davis, his Journeyman Programme key worker Elizabeth Maloney and Pat Lonergan his SNA from his former school Scoil Chormaic in Cashel.

Elizabeth Maloney said James pours passion into everything he does and it truly shows especially in his art.

“This is just the first of many exhibitions for James and we are all so proud of him, his artwork reflects not just his creativity but also his youth and energy.”

John Davis said James had a lot of potential as his pictures reveal an insight and knowledge about art. He described the proportion of the figures in his cartoon images as definitive and accurate.

“He has a real gift and it is a great pleasure to work with James and I look forward to a lot more work with him.”

James’ mother Brenda thanked all who attended the official opening of the exhibition, on behalf of his family.

She praised all at Journeyman Camphill for facilitating the wonderful variety of activities which keep those attending the programme active throughout the day.

“James knows so many people in the town now and has made fantastic progress under the guidance of John Davis.”

James’ artwork is for sale. He paints not only cartoon images but nature scenes, wildlife, castles and much more all reflecting his natural talent and keen observation of the world around him.