Starving Artist and Island Sessions Experiment – Off to a Flying Start

June McCarthy (front) with Catherine and Alison McGaley at the Starving Artists / Island Sessions exhibition in Castleisland on Saturday night. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Artists, Kate Plum (left) and Kathy Hurley with part of their exhibits at the Starving Artists / Island Sessions Exhibition at Nana Bea’s Cafe in Castleisland on Saturday night. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Nana Bea’s Cafe proprietor, Shirley Higgins (left) pictured with artists, Pádraig Moynihan and Catriona Kelliher, Tralee at the Starving Artists / Island Sessions Exhibition at Nana Bea’s Cafe in Castleisland on Saturday night. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Ewan Meyler with artist Konrad Kloskowski with a piece from his exhibit at the Starving Artists / Island Sessions Exhibition at Nana Bea’s Cafe in Castleisland on Saturday night. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Showing their stuff; Ross Medcalf and Caoimhe Heaney at the Starving Artists / Island Sessions Exhibition at Nana Bea’s Cafe in Castleisland on Saturday night. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Noreen O’Donoghue, Caherciveen (left) pictured with Kerry County Council Arts Officer, Kate Kennelly and Nana Bea’s Cafe proprietor, Shirley Higgins at the Starving Artists / Island Sessions Exhibition at the cafe in Castleisland on Saturday night. ©Photograph: John Reidy

At the Starving Artists / Island Sessions exhibition at Nana Bea’s Cafe in Castleisland on Saturday night were: Tetsuko Nakamura, Trisha Higgins, co-organiser; Kate Kennelly, Kerry County Council Arts Officer and Elouise Flannery. ©Photograph: John Reidy

On Saturday night over 50 pieces of art adorned the walls of Nana Bea’s Cafe in Castleisland and the creators for the very most of them were there in the general vicinity.

There was a food related theme to the work on display and it was savagely ironic to the Starving Artist title of the exhibition.

Happy to be There

There was great music and food and wine and good company and, like the line from ‘The Red Rose Cafe’ everyone there was so happy to be there.

While all the indications are that this was a pilot event and that many more will follow with the unfolding of ther seasons, the co-organiser, Trisha Higgins – herself an artist – will be teaming up with music promoter and local election candidate, Kate McSweeney and local publican, Neil Browne to create a summer arts festival in Castleisland.

Saturday Night’s Reaction

Judging by Saturday night’s reaction to this taster, the event is up and running already will be a welcome addition to the calendar of events here.

Talking about Saturday night’s gathering Trisha Higgins said that it was a small tasting of what’s to come.

“We were asking all local business people to come out and support the night and to hear the exciting news that will benefit the town in the coming months in a gigantic way,” she said.

Space for Local Artists

“I wanted to create a space for local artists to showcase their work with out any hassle. The cafe is the perfect venue to do so and to let the hungry audience/customers savor the local talent and craftsmanship that Kerry has to offer,” said Trisha.

In a most apt description of her feelings Trish picked the perfect weekend to declare herself over the moon as her reaction to the success of the venture:

Over the Moon

“I am over the moon with the response to Saturday night’s opening exhibition in Nana Bea’s Cafe. It was the perfect venue for the night.

“We kicked off at 7pm with the Starving Artist exhibition, more then 50 pieces of artwork were showcased along with amazing music and great food.

“There are so many people I need to thank: To all the talented artists, congratulations on showcasing your wonderful work.

Buzzing for More

We’re spoilt with the talent of local artists and I’m buzzing for more Starving Artist nights and the projects that lie ahead!

We were delighted with the many sales artists enjoyed on the night, the work will be on exhibit for the next month so there is time left for people to snap them up.

We had a huge crowd of supporters on the night, thank you to each of ye for coming out for the first of many Starving Artist events.

Agne on Saxophone

Thanks a million to Agne Arlauskatie on saxophone, an amazingly talented young girl from Castleisland!

Thanks to Aaron O’Sullivan, a young talented musician from Dingle who blew us away with his music.

Thanks to Cassidy Club the wonderful Cork band and thank you to Katie Laffan and Caoimhe Byrne for a great end to the show.

Massive Thank You

To Kate McSweeney, thank you for all your help and creative genius in the planning of the night. I have to say a massive thank you to all the girls in Nana Bea’s who served cocktails and desserts all night.

Last but not least thank you to Kate Kennelly our fantastic Kerry Arts Officer for opening the night and being so fabulous! Creativity is Contagious, pass it on,” said Trish in anticipation and in conclusion.

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