Art can be used for creative expression, but it also brings people together and this is what it has done for the Ozanam Active Retirement Art Group in Mitchelstown who launched their first art exhibition in Mitchelstown Credit Union last week.

Marian Hayes who works with rural services in Ballyhoura, was the art teacher and she said that as the group members did more artwork, their confidence grew and that every time she met them, their work was getting better. She added that they had days out to get the pictures framed and that many of them now paint and draw in their own time as well.

Gerard O'Connor, project coordinator with Ballyhoura Rural Services said that the group has come on in leaps and bounds since they were first set up a year ago.

"This is a product of all of their hard work. Marian always says that everyone has an artistic talent and the art exhibition is particularly relevant this time of year, with the Bealtaine festival that celebrates creativity in older people," he said.

He added that many of them didn't realise how artistic they really were until they tapped into it and created the wonderful works of art on display in the credit union.

The members of the art group were delighted with the exhibition as it gave them the opportunity to show people in the community what kind of work they do. They thanked the credit union for allowing them to hold the exhibition there.

The paintings will be on display in Mitchelstown Credit Union until the end of June and all are welcome to view them.

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