Cork artists take centre stage at national exhibition
Jennifer Humphreys, and Matthew Sexton, two artists from Cork are set to shine as they showcase their artwork on a national level.
They are among ten artists selected from around the country to participate in the Connecting Artists 2023 programme. Their art will be exhibited from 16 Sunday to Tuesday 18 July at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI) in Dublin.
The programme was created for visual artists with intellectual disabilities who wish to develop their creative practice.
Jennifer Humphreys, a 31 year old hearing loss artist residing in Blackrock has been honing her artistic skills for nearly 12 years. Currently studying illustration and other FETAC levels in art, design, craft, and fine arts at St John's Central College Cork, Jennifer draws inspiration from various styles, including expressionism, surrealism, and abstract art. She possesses an appreciation for different textures, which she incorporates into her creations.
Having being engaged with the Cope Foundation Cork for almost six years, Jennifer has firsthand experience working with individuals with disabilities. She experienced hearing loss six years ago, therefore she understands the challenges of navigating the art world with a disability. Jennifer has showcased her work in college exhibitions over the past two years and participated in the Cope Foundation City Hall Cork exhibition a year ago.
Matthew Sexton, a 34 year old artist with a moderate intellectual disability (ID) and Autistic Syndrome Disorder (ASD), hails from Kenmare, Co. Kerry, and has been living in Cork for several years. Art, painting, gardening, and music bring him joy, and he comes from a family with a strong artistic inclination—his younger brother is an art teacher. Matthew's art shines through his beautiful canvas paintings depicting people and animals.
Matthew has already participated in three exhibitions in 2013, 2015, and 2018, and he is looking forward to showcasing his art at the RCSI exhibition in Dublin. He is grateful for the opportunity to learn new techniques, connect with other artists, and form new friendships through the Connecting Artists programme.
Miriam Spollen who designed the Connecting Artists programme provides, empowering artists to explore their art, learn from each other, and prepare for exhibiting and selling their work.
Miriam said: “We are thrilled for Jennifer and Matthew and all the participating artists of the 2023 programme and to see their fantastic artwork exhibiting at a national level. The response from the general public, both business and community, has been brilliant.”
Artwork will be available for purchase during the event and online.