‘Everyone Can Paint’ show exhibits emerging artists

Whitehead Primary School has taken possession of a new piece of art after a project with young artists from Downshire School. INCT 01-759-CON

The ‘Everyone Can Paint’ show has work from many students who have never hung pictures in public before.

They all attend the art classes at The Bank House, which is hosting the event all through January.

New artist Kathleen Manson said: “I started going to art classes last year and can highly recommend them.

“I’ve met a lovely group of people and have learnt to look at the world in a whole new way.”

Painter and class tutor Stephen Diamond outlined what visitors to the exhibition can expect.

“A group show is great fun. People paint different subjects in different ways. We have a charging tiger, a lighthouse, a Greek town, even the agony of losing a childhood friend, all realised in paint,” said Stephen. “The selection of pictures will change each week of January.”

The exhibition is free to enter and The Bank House, which is located at Edward Road, Whitehead, is open from 9.00am to 5.30pm daily, or until 9.00pm on Thursdays. It is closed on Sundays.

Stephen added: “Three paintings have sold already. This is a great chance for people to see emerging local talent.”

Stephen has been involved in a series of initiatives to encourage creative endeavour including TRIART (Three Really Interesting Artists Rally Together) who were in Carrickfergus Civic Centre last month painting scenes of the area to mark the last Carrickfergus Borough Council. Members of the public were invited to make suggestions of what they would like depicted or have a go themselves.