Solas Art Gallery’s spring exhibition bursts with fresh inspiration

The Solas Art Gallery, housed within The Island Theatre, Ballinamore, is currently hosting its highly anticipated Spring Group Exhibition, running until April 4. Featuring an exciting mix of 25 artists, this vibrant showcase brings together a compelling selection of seasoned professionals and emerging talents, offering visitors an immersive experience through a variety of styles and mediums.

Among the standout works, Seamus Heaney presents thought-provoking pieces, while Margaret Rattigan’s "Sunflower Smile" radiates warmth and optimism. Laura Jean Zito’s "Winds From The West" captures movement and atmosphere with striking intensity. Meanwhile, Michael Lane’s "The Open Door" and "Wild West" invite viewers into intriguing, open-ended narratives. Lane, a seasoned artist, recently rekindled his passion for painting after moving to a cottage in Leitrim. Speaking about his artistic revival, he shared, “After completing renovations, I finally had the space and peace to return to painting. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience to reconnect with my creativity.”

The exhibition also highlights the works of Sean Lorinyenko, a Donegal-based Irish artist who balances his passion for painting with a career in architecture. A graduate of Oxford Brookes University, Sean’s art merges his two worlds, producing vivid and bold watercolor drawings with a special focus on architectural structures. His work captures the relationship between buildings and the landscapes they inhabit, offering a fresh perspective on Ireland’s built environment.

Adding to the exhibition’s depth, French-born artist Celia Richard, who has lived in Ireland for several decades, presents a unique artistic approach that blends emotional storytelling with found objects. With an academic background in environmental sciences and river conservation, Celia’s art challenges viewers to reconsider the value of the everyday. Through her mixed-media compositions, she questions what we keep, what we discard, and why we assign meaning to certain objects. Her work has been exhibited across Ireland, France, and the UK, and she also teaches art, craft, and yoga in community and healthcare settings.

Visitors to Solas Art Gallery can explore an extraordinary selection of pieces, ranging from richly textured oil paintings to fluid watercolors and intricate sculptures. The light-filled space enhances the viewing experience, allowing each work to shine in its full vibrancy.

Looking ahead, Solas Art Gallery is preparing for two joint solo exhibitions, each featuring three artists. These upcoming showcases will offer a deeper insight into the creative journeys of selected artists, accompanied by detailed biographical insights. For those passionate about contemporary art, the Spring Group Exhibition is a must-visit. Whether you’re a longtime admirer of the arts or a curious newcomer, this collection is a testament to creativity, resilience, and artistic evolution.

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