‘Bó Bainne’ artist to exhibit at Blackwater Valley Makers’

Artist Lynn Kirkham with her dog, Kila, and her cow sculpture at the Teagasc Complex, Moorepark photographed in advance of her upcoming exhibition at Blackwater Valley Makers Gallery in Fermoy.

The Blackwater Valley Makers have announced Lynn Kirkham as their new visiting exhibition.

The renowned artist and sculptor will be exhibiting ‘Myself & Other Animals’ at the Makers’ Arts Centre on MacCurtain Street, Fermoy from Friday, July 8 until August 31.

No stranger to Fermoy, Lynn’s work has become a popular landmark piece in the town for locals and visitors alike. Her work ‘Bó Bainne’, consisting of five cow sculptures grazing at a roundabout, was commissioned by Teagasc for Moorepark Research Centre in 2015.

Suzanne O’Sullivan, Events Coordinator at the Blackwater Valley Makers Gallery, said that the group are ‘delighted’ to exhibit her work.

“There is huge interest and excitement in the local arts community to see Lynn’s latest work. The wider community of Fermoy and its hinterlands, many with just a passing interest in art, know Lynn’s work well and we are sure it will create a stir of attraction.

“If it inspires people to embrace their own creative side as a result, that would be a fantastic gift from Lynn to the area,” Suzanne said.

Originally from Lancashire in the UK, for over 27 years Lynn Kirkham has resided at The Greenmantle in the Devil’s Bit mountains above Templemore, County Tipperary. She is a master basketmaker, multi-media artist and sculptor.

The exhibition is to feature unique animal-inspired works, with each piece carefully hand-made from nature and then moulded to preserve the work.

The opening night of the ‘Myself & Other Animals’ exhibition takes place this Friday, July 8 from 6pm until 8pm. Entry is free and all are welcome.

Blackwater Valley Makers are open from Monday to Saturday, from 10am-6pm.