Mount Temple native Anne Rigney is set to showcase her work in a new art exhibition, opening in Roscommon Arts Centre on August 3 next. She is pictured at her studio in Knockcroghery.

Local landscape sparks new art exhibition from Knockcroghery resident

Deirdre Verney

Published: Wed 27 Jul 2011, 9:30 AM

Last updated: Wed 27 Jul 2011, 5:13 PM

The ever changing colours of the Midlands landscape is the inspiration behind the latest exhibition by Mount Temple native, Anne Rigney, to be launched in Roscommon next week. New Works by Anne Rigney will be showcased at the The Gallery in Roscommon Arts Centre, part of the centre's celebration of local artists opening on Wednesday, August 3 next, and running until Thursday, August 11. The collection for the exhibition comprises of 25 mixed media works of oils, acrylics, pastel and watercolours. "The images that interest me most are things in transition, be it a decaying autumn leaf or a reflection in a pool of water. Life is constantly changing and we are all part of this flux. With change we either adapt or suffer. The process of letting go can be painful but with change comes new beginnings," Anne, who has been living in Knockcroghery for the last 28 years and working from her studio there observes. "I take something from nature and transform it - into something else, something new, sometimes recognisable, sometimes not. Sometimes a painting has a life of its own and one just follows, one colour after another. The final result can is very often surprising," Ms Rigney, who has exhibited extensively in Ireland and abroad in places like the US, Poland, Germany and Scotland, enthuses. The professional arts group Working Artists Roscommon, of which the Knockcroghery resident is a member, was instrumental in the inception of the Roscommon Arts Centre and she is delighted her work will displayed there for the public to enjoy. "I'm delighted to be exhibiting at the Roscommon Arts Centre, I feel it's the natural platform for these works," Anne says in advance of the showcase Urging people to come along to see the pieces of art, she quotes Welsh poet WH Davies: "What is this life if, full of care. We have no time, to stand and stare." The exhibition opens with a cheese and wine reception on Wednesday, August 3, from 7pm to 8.30pm at the Roscommon Arts Centre, Roscommon town. All are welcome.