Celebrating 50 Years of Artistic Passion:
The Gorey Art Circle
The Gorey Art Circle is delighted to announce the launch of a special exhibition marking its 50th anniversary. This milestone is not just a celebration of art, but a tribute to the legacy of Paul Funge, a renowned artist from Gorey, who played a pivotal role in bringing the arts to Wexford through the Project Arts Centre in Dublin.
Founded as a spin-off from Paul Funge’s efforts, the Gorey Art Circle has, over the years, been home to many well-known and revered artists. Original founding members included Eamonn Carter, Rita Stokes, and Michael Warren, whose influence and vision have shaped the group. The guidance from tutors of the Gorey School of Art, such as Paul Doran and the Carters, has been invaluable in nurturing the talents of many members, fostering a vibrant and supportive community of artists.
As an amateur group with a deep passion for painting, the Gorey Art Circle boasts a diverse range of talents and works in various mediums. Members regularly come together to exhibit their work, although securing venues has been a challenge in recent years. The Market House, once the bustling hub of Paul Funge’s projects and the Art Circle’s exhibitions, has unfortunately been unavailable to them recently.
Despite these challenges, the group thrives with 42 dedicated members who enjoy occasional field trips to galleries, gardens, and plein air painting sessions. The group’s chairperson, Margaret O Morochu, has been a steadfast member since 1980, exemplifying the commitment and love for art that defines the Gorey Art Circle.
This year’s 50th-anniversary exhibition is a significant event, showcasing the incredible journey and growth of the Art Circle. The Freemasons Hall on Esmond Street, graciously provided by David Tomkins for the past two years, has become a bright and spacious venue where the public can appreciate the artworks on display.
Looking to the future, the Gorey Art Circle dreams of a permanent home in the town to host exhibitions more frequently. As a self-funded group, finding a dedicated space has been challenging, but there is hope that the redevelopment of The Market House might provide a permanent venue to continue Paul Funge’s legacy.
The Gorey Art Circle remains a community of like-minded individuals driven by a love for creating art. The passion and dedication of its members are evident in their work, and it has been a joy to watch artists blossom over the years. The group extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who supports their exhibitions and the charities they contribute to.
Join us in celebrating this remarkable milestone and witness the vibrant creativity that the Gorey Art Circle brings to our community.
Their exhibition opens on 27th July to 5th August in the Freemasons Hall on The Avenue in Gorey from 11am to 5pm daily.
A Glimpse into History: 1970s Photo of Paul Funge, Founding Member of the Gorey Art Circle and Renowned Artist
For more amazing photos of this era in Gorey, please visit Funges of Gorey on Main Street to see their visual display.