Tara and Vanessa Richardson, John Simpson, Jo Ashby, Brigid O’Connell Madden, and Nigel Towse proudly displaying their artwork for a series of exhibitions on Sherkin Island this summer. Photo: Robbie Murphy

Can we? We Sherkin!

Art is king on Sherkin this summer as the island prepares to hold a series of exhibitions despite the additional challenges of social distancing.

The exhibitions will take place in the island’s community hall starting with a display of haiku poetry from 24-27 June.

This will be followed by the annual Sherkin Island community art exhibition from 28 June to 4 July, a celebration of the diverse creative talent on the island. It will include paintings, photography, sculpture, textiles and ceramics and will be open every day from 12-5pm.

The series will feature eight exhibitions in total between now and the end of August, including works from Jordyn Lynch, Jo Ashby and Robbie Murphy, Tara O’ Donoghue and John Simpson.

All will operate to strict Covid-19 guidelines including the use hand sanitisers, face coverings and a one-way system in line with social distancing requirements. Known as ‘island of the arts’, Sherkin Island has attracted a population of creative individuals including professional and non-professional artists over the years.

Aisling Moran, project coordinator with Sherkin Island Development Society (SIDS) said: “We have thought long and hard about holding the exhibitions this year due to the additional diligence required by Covid-19 guidelines.

“As always, we are grateful to Cork County Council for their support in helping this to happen. We see it as a great opportunity to showcase the great creative work that is being done here and to welcome people to the island.”

For ferry times, see sherkinisland.eu/ferry.