Published: Wednesday, 11th August, 2010 5:00pm

Cootehill has heritage at art with Anna's exhibition

Artist Anne Marie Savage was at Cootehill Library And Arts Centre for the official opening of her exhibition, Dúchas, by Anne Marie Curley, Heritage Officer with Cavan County Council. Chairman of Cavan County Council, Cllr. Dessie Boylan, gave an address on the occasion. Left to right: Cllr. Aidan Boyle; Sinéad McArdle, librarian; Anne Marie Curley; Cllr. Don Smith; Cllr. Dessie Boylan; artist Anne Marie Savage; Cllr. Vincent McCaul; Cllr. Paddy Halton, Chairman, Cootehill Town Council; and Cllr. Michael McCarey. Photo: Brian Mulligan

Cootehill Library and Arts Centre is now showcasing the work of artist Anna Savage, in Dúchas, her first solo exhibition of paintings.

The name translates from Gaeilge as "heritage", so Cavan County Council's heritage officer, Anne Marie Curley was a fitting person to officially open the exhibition.

A vibrant and intriguing exhibition, Dúchas was very well received at the official opening on Tuesday of last week. Chairman of Cavan County Council, Dessie Boylan, gave the welcome at the launch and Ms. Curley official opened the exhibition and acknowledged how appropriate the theme of the exhibition is with Heritage Week at the end of this month.

The artist

Anna Savage is from Newry and says her cultural and national identity are important to her and are an integral element of her work.

"In my latest paintings, the landscape by now has no topographical reference and the line and land mass of previous pieces has virtually disappeared," says the artist. "The viewer is transported into an ethereal, romantic place with the empty spaces dominating the canvas, more now than the objects."

The exhibition is well worth viewing, is free and open during library opening hours until Wednesday, September 1.

History talk

Heritage Week will also be celebrated at Cootehill Library with a history talk by local historian Hugh O'Brien on Thursday, August 26, at 7.30pm, when you can view the exhibition as well as be informed by the talk, which will cover the history and people of Bridge Street in Cootehill.

Places are limited so people are advised to arrive early.