‘Walks in my Mind’: an Art Exhibition by Killyleagh Artist, Duxy Leahy
It was just over four years ago, in August 2022, when Killyleagh Library hosted an exhibition of paintings by local artist Darren ‘Duxy’ Leahy. Born and bred in the area, Duxy took an interest in art whilst attending Down Academy in Downpatrick writes Chris Scott.
Reflecting on his school days Duxy admitted it was the only subject he excelled at.
But life would take a different path for this talented artist, and he would reconnect with the brush and canvas later in life.
In 2017 he returned to the scene, having been commissioned to do an artwork. Duxy went through an experimental stage using watercolour, pen and ink finally settling with acrylics.
The Sir Hans Sloane Centre in Killyleagh hosted his first art exhibition in September 2020, fulfilling one of his life-long dreams.
Duxy was apprehensive about putting his work on display, but any anxieties were quickly allayed when hundreds of viewers turned up on the opening day and the majority of the paintings on display sold within a few days. That was one of the pivotal moments in the artist’s life.
Since then, Duxy has displayed his artwork in various venues across the district and beyond. Earlier this year, he presented one of his paintings to King Charles during his visit to Newcastle, depicting Gibb’s Island and Mullagh Quay outside Killyleagh.
The Royal visitor and his sister, Princess Anne had been at that location during their first visit to Northern Ireland in August 1961.
Duxy has returned to Killyleagh Library for the month of November with his latest exhibition titled “Walks in my Mind.”
The sixteen paintings on display are described as a look into the mind and journey of the artist. This eclectic mix of both framed and unframed works include local scenes, portraits, and surrealist imagery.
Duxy, said: “This is not commercialism and just merely painting scenes. Each painting depicts a little piece of my life journey.”
The exhibition was opened in Killyleagh Library on the evening of Wednesday 4th November at 6.30pm by local historian and author, Clive Scholar.
Viewing at Killyleagh Library, located at 52 High Street, is during library opening hours – Tuesday 10am – 1pm, Wednesday 2pm – 8pm, Friday 10am – 4pm and Saturday 10am – 1pm.
The exhibition is open to the public during November and December.
For further information contact Duxy via his Facebook page – ‘My Gallery.Duxy Leahy.’
