New gallery opened by renowned Roscommon artist
Renowned contemporary Roscommon artist Rita Oates has been lauded for developing a new and exciting gallery space in the county town.
Anam Gallery was officially opened on Saturday evening, July 8, and will serve as a new home for Irish creative talent, as well as providing a space for young and emerging artists to showcase their work.
The Anam Gallery is located in the former coach house at Main Street in Roscommon town, and will be used to showcase the region's creative talent, as well as playing host to an annual youth exhibition.
The inaugural exhibition features works by internationally acclaimed local artists Joe Caslin and Úna Burke, together with founder Rita Oates’ own collection. The exhibits include pieces worn by global pop superstar Rihanna, supermodel Cindy Crawford, Star Trek’s Michelle Yeoh nd Jennifer Lawrence in the Hunger Games franchise.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms Oates said the aim of the Anam Gallery is to unite the commercial space, the historic space and the creative space in Roscommon and the wider region.
“Roscommon Town is so rich in culture – our Castle, Town Park, Historic Jail, Abbey, and New Town Civic Space are exceptional destinations that can be taken for granted. We hope this space will give visitors to Ireland's Hidden Heartlands yet another reason to visit the beautiful and historic town of Roscommon."
MEP Maria Walsh, who officially opened the gallery, commended Oates for creating this unique space and said more venues like this are needed to promote culture and the arts across Roscommon and indeed further afield.
Walsh said: “I am honoured to be here in the ‘Creative Soul of the Midlands’. Here we have two internationally renowned creators, from Roscommon, who are inspiring younger artists in the making.”
“What Rita Oates has done here is gifted us a wonderful space where we can view and appreciate significant work from Roscommon creators.”
“Rita hopes to transform this space into the artistic soul of the Midlands, and to unite the commercial space, the historic space and the creative space in Roscommon and the wider region. Anam Gallery is a stunning space and I would urge the people of Roscommon and indeed all over the region to take the opportunity to visit,” concluded Walsh.
This exhibition remains open to the public for the coming weeks.