The arts celebrated in Enniskillen with events at Hambly and Hambly

Ciara's new collection of works will be unveiled at the gallery, with artist Eamon Colman as guest speaker on the evening.

Her works are held in private and public collections internationally, including the Civil Service of Northern Ireland.

"Her unique depiction of Irish landscapes, defined by her sensitivity of stroke and application in colour, makes Ciara Gormley one of our most exciting gallery artists," said Ciara Hambly, of Hambly & Hambly.

She continued: "The Line Drawn Between Planes will be officially opened at 6pm by eminent Irish abstract artist Eamon Colman, who is an elected member of Aosdána.

"His work has just been acquired for collection by The National Gallery of Ireland and is featured in public collections worldwide. He is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s leading contemporary abstract artists.

"Please join us on Friday evening to meet the artist, Ciara, and view her stunning new collection, with a guided introduction from Eamon."

Speaking about her solo exhibition, the artist Ciara Gormley said: "I was delighted when Ciara offered me a solo show last year, I was just finishing the Turps course and been working through a lot of painting in the studio so it was a real opportunity to be offered the space to put those ideas together and Ciara is really supportive and encouraging, whilst allowing you completely free reign which is brilliant.

"The works in this exhibition reflect the things that have caught my attention or influenced me over the last year. Your studio space is somewhere you work through ideas, you might start off with sketches from the woods or garden and then they are developed into paintings in the studio.

"My studio is full of sketchbooks I refer to, oil sketches for bigger painting, colour notes, all arranged as prompts towards the paintings. I keep books to hand that have created images in my head, the garden birds feature because I hear and see them every day from my studio. The trees I constantly come back to drawing or painting are all around my studio. The title for the show is a quote from Ali Smith’s book, ‘How to be Both’ which I have had to hand all year. It’s hard to explain but when you are focused on painting a place you have experienced, it is as if you are seeing beyond the immediately visible, as if layers are being lifted and also as if you are getting impressions of things that have happened there before.

"The finished paintings are like distillations of all my sketches, impressions and memories of a place," said the artist.

All are welcome to attend the exhibition opening, where there will be wine and canapés on arrival.

Festivities will continue with Hambly and Hambly at Dunbar House this Saturday, May 27 from noon to 3pm as the gallery hosts a special brunch event with John Richardson French Residency Artists.

A celebration of visual art, music, poetry and drama, guests will have the opportunity to meet award-winning residency artists of 2022 and 2023 at this ticketed event, which is limited to 30 places.

"Graze through the early afternoon with a continental buffet and fizz, absorbing the art of our award winners," said Ciara.

Award-winner 2022, Clara Tracey, takes a break from her busy large-venue touring schedule to give a recital of music from her critically-acclaimed album 'Black Forest', to a small and intimate audience in her home town.

Clara will be joined on the line-up by 2023 award-winner, Thomas Brezing, who will recite poetry from his highly-acclaimed first publication, 'Anvil Dust', a collection of poetry.

Award-winner 2023, Geoff O’Keefe, gained his winning place on the residency as a visual artist. On Saturday, Geoff puts on his other hat as a celebrated actor and director, to deliver a compelling monologue.

Following her exhibition opening the previous night, Ciara Gormley will give an insightful introduction to her new collection in a lively Q&A with residency mentor, Eamon Colman.

RSVP for each event to Ciara Hambly at ciara@hamblyandhambly.com.