Art & Poetry Reception

Art, Poetry, Wine and Cheese!

Join us for a creative and delightful evening at the Bundoran Community Centre. Immerse yourself in the world of art and poetry from local creatives while enjoying the perfect pairing of wine and cheese.

'Between Winter and Wonder'

Rougey Suite, Bundoran Community Centre, Bundoran, Co.Donegal.

Participating Artists

Maria Noonan-McDermott (Curator and Host)

Gillian Wright

Maria Mollohan

Sherrie Scott

Marion Rose McFadden

Deborah Stockdale

Yvonne Carey

Susan Farrell

Fiona O'Grady

Maria Noonan-McDermott

Originally from Donegal, Irish artist and poet Maria Noonan McDermott, a professional artist for over thirty years, lives and works from her studio in Kinlough, Co. Leitrim.

I began my artistic career in Dublin in 1985 and qualified in Fashion and Design. I returned to college and completed a certificate in visual education before continuing on to study Fine Art. In the year 1990, I had my first solo exhibition of paintings. The feedback and encouragement I received helped direct me on my current path.

I believe that art reflects life and we bring our personal self, an element of who we are, to each and every work. My paintings represent not only a visual impression but also my emotional response to the subject matter. The natural landscape around me, the quality of light and shade with its changing vistas, ignite possibilities that have influenced my work continuously over the years. I am equally fascinated by the people that the land holds so tightly and am firmly bound in kinship with their poetic writing, their stories and soulful lyrics.

I've always been in awe of the storyteller, those gifted people who so fluidly guide you into their fantasy worlds, who submerge you so deeply, you cry, laugh and often seethe with anger and frustration. To me, this is true magic, possessing the rare skill of creating something from nothing, evoking such passion and emotion.

Growing up I found words didn't come so easily to me, art and writing became my outlet. I was

transformed into the 'Cailleach Feasa', the storyteller. I recorded and recollected all the tales from times gone by, breathing life back into places and quirky characters I met along the way.

I was raised in a small village in Donegal and like most small communities in Ireland, it was filled with the most amazing characters.

As a child, my head was filled with fantastical stories told and dramatised by neighbours and family, the gatekeepers of local history. These tales, were, of course, exaggerated and embellished with such fun and gusto, like only true Irish seanchai can, that I couldn't help growing up with a great love of the people around me and all their fascinating antics.

In my work, I narrate the stories with colour and humour as over the years they've formed and shaped in my memory.

My paintings become the text and you the reader and as the reader, you are challenged to participate and choose your own journey. Thus, enabling the story to live all over again!This attachment is ingrained in my work and I strive to bring forth its warmth in the most honest and pure

way I know how.

Website: https://www.marianoonan-mcdermott.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/m.noonanmcdermott

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noonanmcdermott