Steeped in history with wonderful landscaping and architecture, the Convent Chapel in Doneraile is set to become the venue for new art classes being run on a pilot basis for four weeks.

The classes are being run by Andrea Jameson in association with Doneraile Development Association and the venue is courtesy of the owners, John and Margaret O’Flynn. Starting on November 2, the classes will take place between 10am and 1pm on Saturday mornings.

Andrea comes from an artistic family, her grandmother, Joan Jameson, was a prominent member of the Dublin Painters, as was her cousin Evie Hone. Andrea studied with the famous drawing teacher Signorina Simmi in Florence. She was also a pupil of Maestro Giovanni Colacicchi while in Italy. This was followed by a study of drawing, painting
and sculpture at the London City and Guilds School of Art.

Over the past 30 years, she has had exhibitions in Dublin, Oslo, London and Newfoundland, while her work makes up parts of private collections in Europe, Scandinavia, America and Canada.

Apart from time she spent studying abroad, Andrea has always lived on the banks of the River Blackwater in Co Waterford and it has been the subject of much of her work.

“Painting the various stretches and moods of the River Blackwater has become a lifelong endeavour for me and the River Awbeg, a tributary, hosts a myriad of hidden artistic gems, not least Doneraile estate village, demesne and park. I have long wanted the opportunity to teach and paint in North Cork and I believe the time and place are right now in Doneraile,” Andrea said.

OPPORTUNITY

The vice chairman of Doneraile Development Association, Eamonn Horgan said that visitor numbers to Doneraile Park have increased over the past two years and many are visiting for the first time, so the art classes offer an opportunity to bring the delights of Doneraile to a wider audience.

“There is now the need to interpret the estate of Doneraile, in its widest context, for visitors by way of guide information, photography and art. We see collaboration with Andrea as an opportunity not only to bring significant artistic skill to Doneraile, but also to bring its magnificent setting to a wide audience through the medium of art,” Eamonn said.

Anyone interested in the classes, which are open to adults of all levels, can contact Andrea directly on andreajameson@eircom.net.