Windows Publications - Amazing Finale at the HomePlace
On 11 May 2017 Windows Publications launched their Authors and Artists Anthology the 11th in the series with Liz Mc Manus, Chair of the Irish Writers Centre at Johnston Central Library Cavan. A nationwide tour followed the Cavan launch and included Dublin and Galway where Galway City Arts Officer, James Harrold, warmly welcomed Windows Editors Heather Brett and Noel Monahan and spoke about their 25 years encouraging new writers and artists. The finale reading was held at the Seamus Heaney Centre The HomePlace, Ballaghy, Derry. It was a thrilling experience for the eight contributors present to read at the centre. Dan Heaney, brother to the late Seamus Heaney spoke after the readings welcoming the writers to Bellaghy and said “this is exactly the type of event the centre was built for, Seamus would be delighted”
Dan said that he was reminded to attend the event by Kevin Mc Cann, Belturbet film maker, currently based in LA whom he met there. “The Irish diaspora is alive and well and networking on our behalf, thank you Kevin ” joked Heather Brett, co-editor. Kevin Mc Cann is the son of playwright and poet Brendan Mc Cann who was one of the writers participating at the HomePlace reading.
An exhibition of six artists accompanied the 25th celebratory launch event at the Johnston Central Library, Cavan. The artists were selected by the Editors and their work was included in the Artists and Authors Anthology. The exhibition was opened by Heather Brett and speaking about the art she ahd the following to say: “including artists from all art forms and particularly the visual arts is very important to Noel and I. The subtle miasma of fine detail in Marilyn Gaffney’s work draws us inward is nearly the opposite of the almost spiritual space and grace in the pieces belonging to Fiona Joyce. Rikki van den Berg offers us her feelings, laying them thickly out there, as tangible as her paint strokes in landscapes of vivid solitude. Michelle Boyle’s work sometimes traps the onlooker with a sombre pleading only to release them in other pieces full of a mirthful lightness. Elena Duff is a gifted artist and regular contributor to Windows. If I had to use two words to describe her work it would be admirably innovative…. a warrior, keen to push the boundaries and try the impossible and probably previously un-thought of! And lastly James Brady another artists we have used countless times. His wolf seems so benign that you almost want to claw the fur pelt …don’t… his fantasy art so skilful you could believe he has indeed been face to face with dragons."
Windows Publications 25 celebrations anthology and exhibition supported by Cavan County Council arts office and the ongoing partnership of the Arts Council.
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Anthology Writers: Jackie Gorman, Teresa Kane, Vinny Steed, Agneiszka filipeck, Patricia Doole, Kevin Graham, Mairéad Donnellan, Moya Roddy, Patrick Holloway, Sighle Meehan, Brenda Mc Cann, Antoinette Rock, Tim Quinlan, Honor Duff and Terry Hyland.
Anthology Artists: Marilyn Gaffney, Fiona Seoige Joyce, Rikki van den Berg, Michelle Boyle, Elena Duff and James Brady.