The outgoing Chairwoman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Siobhán Currie, recently commissioned a piece of artwork by Fermanagh native, Barry McAdam, to add to the Civic Art collection.

The collection, which largely comprises of works by local artists, was started by the first Chairperson of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Thomas O’Reilly and each successive Chairperson has added to the collection.

Speaking about the commission, Councillor Currie said: “One of the privileges of being Chair of the Council is that we get the opportunity to support the arts and purchase a piece of art for the Civic Art collection.”

She continued: “I think the arts are so important, particularly at times like this when they can really be a good outlet for people both as a form of escape and as a therapy.

“We are blessed in our district to have such great artists and I am delighted to be supporting Fermanagh native, Barry McAdam with the purchase of this piece for the council collection.”

“I have been an admirer of Barry’s vibrant art for a while now so I made contact with him and was delighted when he agreed to do a specially commissioned piece,” she added.

Councillor Currie explained that the piece she has commission by Barry illustrates Fermanagh from the perspective of water, “the lifeblood of our county”: “Barry has also thoughtfully included 16 of our beautiful native species to represent the people of our district who have sadly lost their lives as a result of Covid-19.”

“Indeed our stunning natural environment and biodiversity, which are themes close to my heart, are the main feature of this painting. There is also a nod to Ireland Professor of Poetry, Frank Ormsby, who’s achievements we celebrated this year with a civic reception.

“His poem, ‘Gate in the middle of the field’ is one of my favourites and has I am delighted that Barry has integrated it as part of this wonderful piece. I hope that this painting gives the residents of our district the joy it gives me for years to come,” Councillor Currie concluded.

Now resident in Dublin, artist, Barry McAdam was born in Enniskillen and derives much of his inspiration from his hometown and native county. Barry works across a range of media and his work is influenced by the water, atmosphere and pace of life of Fermanagh.