Art exhibition and kids' shows at Killarney Library

Killarney Library is hosting an exhibition by locally-based artist Martyn Bell until June 30.

Bell became an artist in 1970s following a building accident, and in the time since gone, he’s put together an extensive body of work.

The artist fell in love with watercolour work, but his daughter convinced him to work with wool and felting.

He moved to Ireland with his wife, Doris, in 1995 and worked with the acclaimed Pauline Bewick as her studio assistant, hanging her exhibitions from Cavan in the north to Kinsale in the south, including permanent one at Killorglin County Council and Library offices and SouthEast Technological University Waterford.

Aside from his Killarney work, he has also held one-man shows throughout Ireland and in the UK. His work has been acquired by people all over the globe. Doris was one of the children who came to Ireland from Germany as part of Operation Shamrock. Operation Shamrock was a scheme bringing refugee children from mainland Europe to Ireland in the aftermath of the Second World War. It was organised by the Irish Red Cross, and involved about 500 children, mostly from Germany, who stayed for three years before returning home. When back in Germany after three years in Ireland, she tried to return but ended up in England as step towards that goal. Whilst there she met and married Martyn and they had seven children. Doris only got back to Ireland when they had all left home. This exhibition demonstrates Martyn’s innovative approach to art.

Meanwhile the library is hosting an interactive workshop for kids this Saturday morning (June 10).

The workshop takes place from 11 am-12 pm at Killarney Library. And is suitable for 4–7-year-olds.

“Join author Emma-Jane Leeson for this fun, interactive workshop involving reading Johnny Magory adventure books, Irish dancing and music, followed by an educational discussion on Irish wildlife and heritage,” said library manager Eamon Browne. Prior booking is required for the kids event by emailing killarney@kerrylibrary.ie or telephone 064 6632655.