I have been asked for the second year to select a piece of Art for the AE Russell award at this year's Royal Ulster Academy show in the Ulster Museum.

I have studied the Art work of George Russell and know a great deal about him as a person as well as a creative artist. So when selecting a piece I take in many different aspects from subject matter. The Artist's relationship to the land and other people. Their technical ability, such as use of colour and composition.

This year I selected Rosie McGurran RUA
for her painting called Solstice, Inishlacken.

The first photo is of the President Dan Dowling and myself.
Second photo is of Rosie's winning painting.
Third is of Michael McKernan and Brigit McGibbon from the AE Russell society, Rosie McGurran and her brother Phil McGurran who is also sponsoring the Photography prize.

Other photos include Rosie receiving her award.
A mixed media collage by Sean Hillen, who is the pictured with Michael McKernan on Opening night.
A picture of Dan Dowling's artwork, In Queen Mary's Garden.
Followed by Martin Mooney's landscape of Ballynakill Lough.
Next we have Brigit and Michael beside an original AE that is in the Ulster Museum .
Colin Davidson, a personal favourite.
The blue and red painting is called The Resonance of Oseberg by Carol Graham, who was last year's selected winner.
Lastly a picture of Carol with Rosie together.

Being Blue, being Green was our theme for this exhibition.
After a discussion about the environmental impact that is happening to Lough Neagh.

20 artists from the collective took part, creating a total of 53 pieces including, paintings, ceramics, glass work, textiles, videos and a performance on the opening night.

Other artists include Eimear Harkin, Riona Kearns, Zara Lyness, Louise Lennon, Ciara Campbell, Ciaran Maginnis, Kelly McCluskey, Joanna Breen, Carol Willey, Dwyer McKerr, Gwen Stevenson, Dermot Burns, Nuala Monaghan, Sandra Turley, Maurice Burns, Shaun Fizpatrick, Julie McGowan Paul King, Kathryn Nelson.

This is a beautiful venue with loads of natural light. displays over two floors. this room was used in a wedding service.
With beautiful gardens and cafe this makes a lovely day out in Antrim Castle Grounds.

The Exhibition ran from Thursday 12th September until Friday 18th October 2024.