The perfect ex-sample of Leeside art

Art, in all its forms, seems to gravitate towards our lovely, leafy Fitzgerald's Park this time of year, with the latest arrival being a vibrant new exhibition now open in the Lord Mayor's Pavilion.

Running until 23 August, Sample-Studios’ Annual Members Summer Exhibition brings together the work of 44 local visual artists from the Cork region.

Marking 15 years of Sample Studios supporting sustainable artistic careers in Cork, the exhibition looks to give visitors a vibrant snapshot of the rich diversity of contemporary art being created in Cork today.

With the exhibition already attracting many daily visitors, chair of Sample-Studios board of directors, Dr James O’Sullivan, looked back over the studio’s proud history.

He said: “As we celebrate 15 years of Sample-Studios, we are also celebrating fifteen years of artists supporting artists.

“Sample-Studios began as a volunteer-led initiative but has grown to be an essential part of Cork's cultural infrastructure, providing the space and resources, and of course the community, that allow artists to develop sustainable careers.

“This exhibition reflects the extraordinary breadth of talent within our membership and reminds us that investing in artists is an investment in the cultural life of our city,” he added.

Since 2019, Sample-Studios, Ireland’s largest artist studio organisation, has operated the Lord Mayor’s Pavilion as a public gallery space. Located near the main entrance to Fitzgerald’s Park, the beautiful Art Nouveau building was originally constructed for the Cork International Exhibition in 1903. Through a year-round programme of free exhibitions, Sample-Studios continues to make this historic venue accessible to local audiences and visitors alike.

The Annual Members Summer Exhibition is one of the many ways Sample-Studios supports artists by providing opportunities to connect with new audiences and sell their work.

Alongside its exhibition programme, the studio delivers professional development training, mentorship, artist residencies, and national and international studio exchanges that help sustain the careers of both emerging and established artists.

Beyond its support for artists, the organisation runs an extensive programme of free public workshops, talks, tours, and a multi award-winning education and outreach programme enjoyed by more than 32,000 people annually.

Sample-Studios is also currently partnering with Triskel Arts Centre through the TRISKEL SAMPLE Project Space, delivering a dynamic programme of artist residencies and exhibitions in Cork city Centre.

This year’s exhibiting artists are: Emmet Brickley, Joy Kavanagh, Anna Moloney, Aoife Nolan, Kieran Murphy, Aoife Clifford, Lisa O’Sullivan, Leah Murphy, Grace Haynes, Amna Walayat, Caroline Murtagh, Patricia Bevan, Montserrat Benet Morella, Sinéad Barrett, Jacqueline O’Driscoll, Ben Reilly, Mags Geaney, Annette O’Herlihy, Art Van Leeuwen, Ailbhe Reilly Tuite, Etaoin Melville, Siobhán Gillies, John MacMonagle, Harry Moore, Deirdre Morgan, Siobhán Collins, Mari Rolin, Catherine Callanan, Oonagh Latchford, Cass DuCharme, Claire O’Reilly, Dearbhail Connon, Éadaoin Glynn, Barry Mayfield, Lesley Allen Spillane, Fiona Boniwell, Lucy Hyland, Olivia Golden, Sarah Ruttle, Ava Hayes, Joan Hickson, Marion Gilroy, Dee Hurley, and Myfanwy Frost Jones.