Avril creates colourful new mural for Galway animal sanctuary

Curraghboy native and artist Avril Egan recently created a mural for Galway SPCA in Killimor using enamel paints depicting trees, a bright blue sky with butterflies, a swan, rabbits, owls, foxes and dogs.

Avril said that she was “delighted” to complete the mural in conjunction with Teleflex Medical. The painting was completed within one day on 12x6ft PVC panelling using enamel paints.

Avril stated: “The mural itself was quite an undertaking. I am used to painting on canvas using oil paints however the mural required me to use different resources. It was totally out of my comfort zone but I was happy to take on the challenge. I also had a tight time schedule to get the task done, but I managed to complete the mural within seven hours.” The new mural is located in the dog's activity room at Galway SPCA.

Avril said that she was approached by one of her colleagues from Teleflex, where she works, who asked her if she would paint a mural for the shelter. “She also was aware that I grew up on a farm immersed in nature and wildlife,” said Avril. “She recognised my love for animals, making this artistic endeavour all the more meaningful. It was truly a harmonious fusion of both my passions, art and animals.”

The mural hasn't been unveiled officially yet but Avril has since been asked back to create another mural for the shelter.

Speaking about her inspiration for the mural, Avril explained: “I came up with many different design concepts for the mural such as 1950s mod cartoon style similar to the style seen in Walt Disney's 101 Dalmatians animation. I also presented various landscape ideas inspired by Thomas Kinkade and Bob Ross' landscapes such as wintery snowscapes, mountainous and forestry, woodland landscapes.

“The shelter really liked the woodland theme. The woodland mural depicted trees, a bright blue sky with butterflies, wildlife such as a swan, rabbits, owls and foxes. I also added dogs that are unfortunately very common to be surrendered to shelters such as greyhounds, lurchers, terriers. I also added a cocker spaniel, paying homage to my puppy, Sonny.”

The mural marks Avril's first time designing a mural professionally. She said that when she was younger she painted a hippie, psychedelic mural on her bedroom wall.

“I was delighted to donate my time and skill set to the GSPCA. To be honest, I was nervous taking on the gig,” said Avril. “I felt the task was certainly ambitious and with my different background in art and my successes to date such as Vogue features, civic awards and The Leonardo Da Vinci award, I felt that I really couldn't afford to mess up so it's safe to say I definitely felt the pressure but having said that, on the day I thoroughly enjoyed painting the mural, it was a new challenge for me,” said Avril.

She thanked Teleflex Medical Europe, Athlone who donated a large number of items for the animals as well as covering the costs of the mural and future painting.

Avril said that she loves to get involved in charity work when the opportunity arises. She takes part in the Incognito Art Show in aid of the Jack and Jill's Children's Foundation every year. The NUIG graduate also took part in a group exhibition in aid of Westmeath Hospice that was held at the Village in Burgess, Athlone.

For more information visit Avril's website eganart1997.wixsite.com. You can also find her on Facebook and Instagram @eganart1997.