Arts society hosts exciting exhibition at Merville House

The Society is one of the province’s most progressive visual arts groups. It has 120 members, many of whom are professional and semi-professional artists, and their work can now be enjoyed at Merville House until Saturday, September 4.

ASU President Deardre McKibben commented: “This is a wonderful opportunity for the public to enjoy a real feast of fascinating contemporary art. We have almost 200 works on show, ranging from paintings to sculpture, and from traditional to contemporary - oils, watercolours, ceramics and bronze.

“Almost all the works are for sale at very affordable prices. The venue is the beautiful 18th century Merville House in Merville Garden Village in Whiteabbey. And the standards are particularly high as this year’s show has been selected by leading art figures Amanda Croft, Alison McFerran and Dublin-based artist Eddie Kennedy.

“We are also delighted to have in this year’s exhibition, internationally-renowned artist Ross Wilson from North Antrim who has included a sculpture and a painting in the show.

“A welcome new initiative will be guided tours of the exhibition this weekend, for children as well as adults. This will be conducted by art historian Amanda Croft, and by ASU members who are registered teachers.”

A major highlight of the Annual ASU Exhibition is the wide range of awards and prizes offered by the ASU and its sponsors.

New awards this year include one from leading hotel and catering group Bewley’s Ltd, who have sponsored the Silver Jubilee Award for appropriately enough - ’Work with the best feelgood factor’. Another new prize, the Graduate Award, which aims to encourage emerging young artists, has been sponsored by Danny Kinahan MLA, of Castle Upton Gallery.

Meanwhile, Ballyclare man, Paul Holmes, has scooped this year’s top award for the best work by a member of the Society. Paul has been presented with the ASU Perpetual Trophy’ for his piece titled ‘The Last Catch’.