Grainne Stafford, Imogen Stafford, Denis Collins and Lar Joyce pictured at the launch of the Enniscorthy Showcase Exhibition in The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy. Pic: John Walsh

THE CREAM of Enniscorthy’s art scene went on display last week, when a special exhibition opened in the Presentation Centre.
Attracting a huge crowd, the opening night for the art show, which runs throughout this month, received high praise from all visitors who noted the high quality of each of the varied pieces.
The Enniscorthy Showcase Exhibition is a joint project between the Centre and The Denis Collins Gallery in Wexford, and features the work of over 15 artists from or living in the town. It consists of a number of different pieces – over 60 in total – ranging from sculpture, paintings, drawings, ceramics, photographs, prints and illustrations.
The display was selected and designed by Denis Collins following an open submission process in which artists put forward four images that best represented their work. In some cases the work submitted was accepted in full or in part, and in other instances artists were asked for additional works to compliment or challenge other pieces featured in the exhibition. According to Mr. Collins, “The Enniscorthy Showcase is a snapshot in time of the current art being made by local artists.”
Featured in the exhibition are well known and experienced artists like Julie Moorehouse, John Busher and Desmond McCarthy whose work has been exhibited regularly in County Wexford and far beyond.
Also on display are artists that are slightly less known to the scene but are still making a significant impact, such as Oonagh Latchford, Lar Joyce and Aiseling Noone.
The works included in the show range from the large scale paintings of Fintan Ryan, to the delicate ceramic goddesses of Mairead Stafford, Julie Gill-Frisby’s exquisite photographs, Imogen Stafford’s earthy paintings and the fine and humorous illustrations of Brigette Heffernan.
Officially opening the exhibition, which took place on a beautiful sunny afternoon amidst flutes of champagne and strawberries and tinkling acoustic music, Chairperson of Enniscorthy Town Council, Keith Doyle, said: “It is with great pleasure that I am here to officially open the Enniscorthy Showcase Exhibition.”