‘CHRISTMAS ON MERRION SQUARE 2016’ Saturday November 26th, an open day with events for all ages in the magnificent buildings and environs of the Square, 10am-5pm. Merrion Square artists are joining in the festivities, exhibiting on both Saturday and Sunday.
Link to some planned events, more to follow:
http://merrionsquare.ie/index.php/christmas-on-the-square-3/
I met a gentleman last Sunday on Merrion, Eddie Sheehy, the man responsible for the set up of Merrion Square 30 years ago! Eddie kindly followed up our chat with an e-mail:
….I’m delighted to see that Merrion Square is still thriving after 30 years
It was originally established in 1985 by formally designating Merrion Square West as a Casual Trading Area and restricting the Casual Trading Permits to the sale of original works of art. (This was to prevent the fruit sellers and jewellery sellers who were trading illegally in the City Centre from being allocated spaces ). Ads were placed inviting applications from artists who were interested in exhibiting on Saturdays and Sundays. It started modestly with a number of artists at either side of the Rutland Fountain opposite the National Gallery. Later we extended the permits to include weekdays in December.
It was slow in taking off . In order to generate some interest we organised music from groups who were busking in Grafton Street. In order to give it some further momentum , we renamed it as ” The Boulevard Gallery ” and organised a formal launch in June 1987.
Sales were very slow at first and I bought 2 paintings from an artist called Peig McMahon on the first day.
The relaunch in June 1987 generated some media interest and I attach a copy of a photograph which appeared in the Irish Times on 8th June 1987 . I retained this press cutting because I had purchased the painting from Judith Walshe on the day of the relaunch.
Good luck with the celebrations next weekend .
Regards,
Eddie Sheehy.
18th September 2016
Prayers for God’s Blessings and Sincere Thanks To Liz Prendergast and her friends in the Merrion Square Artists Association For the
Fundraising Activity that raised €602.
Dear Friends,
Just a brief note to acknowledge receipt of €602 which was passed on to us by Elizabeth Prendergast and which was the proceeds of your fundraising activity in aid of the Day Centre. This money will be used to help us in our work with people who are homeless or in need.
While the number of people in need of our service is growing every day, we Capuchins know that with the help of God working through kind people like you, we will continue in our apostolate to those most in need for as long as it is necessary. Every day I thank God for your generosity and it strengthens my own Christian commitment to the work.
On behalf of the people who attend the Centre and the Irish Capuchin Franciscan Order, I offer renewed thanks and our prayers for God’s blessings on you and your families.
With every good wish,
Bro. Kevin Crowley ofm cap.
Director
Well done to all the artists who demonstrated their work and skill at ‘Art for All Day’ in Merrion Square. They were entertaining, informative and very well received…Anna Hurley who gave a masterclass in palette knife technique called around with the finished painting on Sunday.
Dear fellow artists, here’s a link to a cool article about the Merrion Square Open Art Gallery which was published by the Dublin InQuirer. Special thanks to Louise McGrath and to her colleagues for their interest and help in promoting the Square!
http://dublininquirer.com/…/30-years-of-art-at-merrion-squ…/
Well folks,
Despite the appalling weather “Art for All Day” took place in the grounds of Merrion Square last Sunday. It did not dampen the spirits, and events ran as scheduled with art demonstrations, face painting, fun & games all held in watertight marquees kindly provided by Dublin City Council.
Our exhibition was a thundering success…of the 71 paintings kindly donated by Merrion Artists, 66 sold on the day (while the rain continued to bucket down). AMAZING!!!
A full update to follow…but for now, a sincere thanks to all our patrons old and new for supporting our event and exhibition and do hope ye enjoy your purchased canvas for many years… and here’s to another ‘thirty’ for all on Merrion…WELL DONE!
Here’s a sneak preview, samples of paintings included in “ART FOR ALL DAY” Tomorrow afternoon (Sunday 13th September 12md-4pm) Merrion Square Open Air Art Gallery celebrates 30 years with a super anniversary party.
‘Merrion Squares’ an exhibition of 30cm x 30cm original fine canvas paintings produced by Merrion artists for “ART FOR ALL DAY” as Merrion Square Open Air Art Gallery celebrates 30 years! Sunday 13th September 12md-4pm.
‘Merrion Squares’ an exhibition of 30cm x 30cm original fine canvas paintings produced by Merrion artists which will be sold on the day for an amazing €50…YES, original paintings up for grabs @ €50!!!
Merrion artists will display their creative and painting talents through live demonstrations.
Trestle tables full of crayons and paper will be provided so children (and adults) can join in the fun! face painting, fun and games and much more!
Merrion Square Artists will be celebrating Culture Night exhibiting at their Open Air Art Gallery this afternoon/evening…drop in and chat to the artists in person, view paintings and visit the many studios, museums and workshops welcoming visitors tonight.
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