Arts

TEXACO CHILDREN’S ART COMPETITION LAUNCHED

The search to find the young artists who will excel in this year’s Texaco Children’s Art Competition has begun. Last year three students from Co. Wexford won prizes in the Competition which is now in its 68th year and widely acknowledged as the longest running arts sponsorship in Ireland. The closing date for entries is Monday, 28th February. Judging will take place in April with winners to be announced in May. Details are available at www.texacochildrensart.com or at Texaco service stations throughout the country. n

Breaking the Bubble

Rory Draper (right) at his ‘Breaking the Bubble’exhibition in The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy. The Presentation Centre is currently hosting a major art exhibition by Rory Dreaper showing his stunningly vibrant and intricate illustrations, all part of the annual mental health festival First Fortnight. Rory Draper is a visual artist based in Wexford, having graduated from Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Dublin, in 2006 and later from the National College of Art and Design in 2010. Rory then moved to London where he lived and worked for a number of years. Breaking the Bubble is a culmination of work by Rory Draper looking at the small things people may do to get out of the frustrating bubble that they can get themselves into. That insidious bubble of inactivity and isolation and deceptive comfort that can remove you from the people around you. Coming back to Ireland from London after a breakdown/breakthrough three years ago, Rory took some time to build himself up again and adjust to a far quieter and slower environment. Part of Rory's recovery was being cognisant of what he could do and did do that helped him get through the day. Being aware of these small things and how useful they can be, became very useful for Rory during lockdown. It was during that time that Rory started to explore these events visually. Breaking the Bubble – by Rory Draper runs in The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, until 26th February 2022. n

Colm is new Laureate for Irish Fiction

Enniscorthy’s Colm Tóibín is the new Laureate for Irish Fiction for a three-year term, taking over from Sebastian Barry. The role seeks to acknowledge the contribution of fiction writers to Irish artistic and cultural life by honouring an established Irish writer of fiction, encouraging a new generation of writers, promoting Irish literature nationally and internationally and encouraging the public to engage with Irish fiction. Colm Tóibín said: “I am honoured to be appointed Laureate... I will do what I can to work with a community of readers so that fiction continues to enrich our lives, allows us to see the world more clearly, or with a deepened sense of mystery. I will also work with fellow writers and aspiring writers to enhance the role novels and stories play in Irish life.” n

with Maria Nolan

Book Review: Flying Angels

As most of you will already know, I have a weakness for historical fiction, which prompted me to pick up Danielle Steel’s most recent novel Flying Angels at our local Eason’s bookstore. Flying Angels is a story about women who made a real difference as nurses in wartime. It is an historical novel from the fresh perspective, of nurses flying rescue missions for wounded soldiers on European battlefields in WWII.

Audrey, Lizzie, Alex and Louise, are American nurses from very different backgrounds, two come from wealthy families, one is black from the prejudiced South, one is a dutiful daughter who becomes a nurse to care for her dying mother, one wants to be a doctor, against her families wishes, one has lost a brother and one a boyfriend in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour.

In England, they meet up with Pru, the daughter of a titled family from Yorkshire and Emma from the slums of London’s East End.

Together, the six young women face the challenges and dangers of war as bravely and as tirelessly as the men they rescue on the frontlines, for less pay and far fewer accolades.

Flying Angels is a stunning tribute to these incredibly courageous women, too often forgotten.

Danielle Steel is hailed as one of the world’s best-selling authors, with over a billion copies of her novels sold, and I have to say this is one of my favourites. The characters are compelling, and the reader becomes emotionally invested in their journey.

I loved the historical aspect and the attention to detail that drives this story along. It begins with a lot of backstory and information which the reader may find slow moving but is important to the development and understanding of the characters, and once the author has introduced each, the pace accelerates as you, the reader, race to the end.

This book is realistic and believable, a touching historical novel, with tragedy, heartbreak, dedication, courage, and valour, and a very good read.

Danielle Steel

– Maria Nolan

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTS CENTRES

Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764. The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000.

The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, 6th Annual Open Call Exhibition. For more info on how to take part and to download submission forms, visit https://www.presentationcentre.ie/open-call-exhibition.html

County Hall to host major exhibition

Wexford’s award-winning designer Richard Malone's homage to Enniscorthy’s internationally renowned architect and designer Eileen Gray featured last month on RTE’s Nationwide programme. An accompanying exhibition Making and Momentum will come to Wexford’s County Hall in April this year. Full details will be carried in an upcoming issue of Slaney News.

Michael’s new book available locally

Local musician, actor and author Michael Joseph Cloke’s new book Reign Of Celts is available to buy in Eason’s in Enniscorthy (see pic below) and also in paperback and hardback from Amazon’s online stores in America, Germany, France, Canada, Australia etc. Because of Brexit it is not yet possible to buy it from the Amazon UK store. n