Celebrate the ‘ONE’ Year Anniversary of The Listowel Visual Artists’ Collective with a Vibrant Art Exhibition in St. John’s Theatre and Arts Centre this September
The Listowel Visual Artists’ Collective (LVAC) is thrilled to announce the celebration of its 1-year anniversary with a captivating art exhibition ‘ONE’ on Saturday 7th September at 12 noon in St. John’s Theatre and Arts Centre.
This special event will mark a year of artistic growth, community engagement, and creative collaboration within the heart of Listowel.
Founded in August 2023 by local artist Louise Lynch, alongside Maire Logue, Artistic Director of St. John’s Theatre and Arts Centre, and Cara Trant, Executive Director of Kerry Writers’ Museum, the LVAC has rapidly become a cornerstone of the North Kerry arts scene.
With over 40 members and a growing waiting list, the collective meets a real need for creative connection in the region.
In its inaugural year, the LVAC has already made a significant impact, participating in notable events such as the Listowel Food Fair in November 2023, and participating in a Fine Arts and Crafts Fair in December at the Kerry Writers’ Museum. Their first group exhibition, ‘New Beginnings,’ was unveiled at St. John’s Theatre & Arts Centre in January 2024, setting the stage for a series of successful solo exhibitions and collaborations that followed throughout the year.
April saw the LVAC host two compelling solo exhibitions: Siobhain Moriarty’s ‘Fragments’ at Kerry Writers’ Museum and Damian Daly’s ‘Introverted Excavator’ at St. John’s Theatre. These exhibitions showcased the depth and diversity of talent within the collective.
In June, the LVAC took part in a collaborative exhibition with local poets and writers, which included a five-day visual arts celebration across three venues. This celebration, which co-incided with Listowel Writers’ Week festival, featured a pop-up shop and exhibition space offering a unique platform for artists, poets and writers to connect and share their work with the community.
August brought another highlight as LVAC members participated in the Sean McCarthy Memorial Weekend in Finuge. Member created original artwork inspired by the ballads of the beloved North Kerry singer-songwriter Sean McCarthy, paying tribute to his enduring legacy through visual art.
The upcoming anniversary exhibition ‘ONE’ will feature an array of stunning artworks that capture the core values of the LVAC—community, creativity, and connection.
From breathtaking local landscapes to thought-provoking contemporary abstracts, the works on display promise to bring the essence of Listowel to life on canvas.
In addition to the main exhibition, the LVAC is proud to highlight the inaugural solo exhibitions of two of its members as part of the 6th Listowel International Storytelling Festival. Godfrey Coppinger’s ‘Self Portraits and Other Stories’ and Jean Mc Namara’s ‘The Inner Child Exhibition’ will be on view from September 19th to 28th at the Kerry Writers’ Museum, further showcasing the diverse talents within the collective.
Louise Lynch, Co-Founder of the LVAC and a driving force behind the group, expressed her excitement about this milestone: “It’s hard to believe it has only been a year since we came together as a collective. The response from the community has been incredible, and it’s a testament to the need for a space where artists can connect, create, and collaborate. We’re so proud of what we’ve achieved, and we look forward to continuing to grow and inspire in the years to come.”
Maire Logue, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of St. John’s Theatre and Arts Centre added: “This past year has been a journey of artistic discovery and collaboration. The LVAC has provided a platform for artists to thrive and connect, and the results have been extraordinary. We are proud to be part of this vibrant community and look forward to many more years of creativity and inspiration.”
Cara Trant, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Kerry Writers’ Museum noted: “The LVAC has not only enriched the cultural landscape of Listowel but also created a strong sense of community among its members. It’s inspiring to see the collective grow and evolve, bringing together artists from all walks of life to share their talents and stories.”
This anniversary exhibition is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the artistic vibrancy of Listowel. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to join us in celebrating this milestone. Don’t miss this chance to experience the rich artistic heritage of North Kerry and Listowel and support local artists.
For more information, please contact Louise Lynch, Co-Founder, Listowel Visual Artists’ Collective (LVAC). Email: listowelvacollective@gmail.com or follows us on socials; Facebook: @ListowelVisualArtistsCollective and Instagram: @ListowelVisualArtists
About Listowel Visual Artists’ Collective (LVAC): The Listowel Visual Artists’ Collective is an independent, community based, voluntary led group of local artists dedicated to promoting visual arts in the community. Through exhibitions, workshops, and community events, LVAC fosters creativity and artistic expression, enriching the cultural landscape of Listowel and its surroundings.
Pictured are 3 LVAC members with their artwork Joe Flynn, Carolann Daly and Amanda Burke
