A Wee Dander Art Exhibition Is Now On Podcast

Listen in to Chris Scott on A Wee Dander in Killyleagh in his Down About Down Podcast

The Down about Down Podcast caught up with “A Wee Dander” Art Exhibition, Killyleagh, County Down on Saturday 17th June 2023.

The Down about Down Podcast, hosted by Chris Scott, visited “A Wee Dander” Art Exhibition held in the Dufferin Coaching Inn and Hall, Killyleagh. Chris chatted with a number of the exhibiting artists. 

The event was organised by local artist, Duxy Leahy. He was joined by fellow artists from the Happy Little Art Club – Tracey McIntosh, Kerry Duignan and Kelsie Erskine. Local artists, Wendy Cromie, Cheryl Martin and Janine Boyle also exhibited their works.

Chris was delighted to speak with Michael McCormick, a resident of Tennessee, who was visiting Killyleagh with his wife and in-laws.

Michael’s father grew up in Breakey’s Brae in the Frederick Street area of the town.

Michael was impressed by the ongoing improvements made in Killyleagh over the past number of years. He said: “Boy, what is this place going to look like in two years time?” he asked.  

Michael and his family, who had been staying at the Coaching Inn and Hall, called into the exhibition to meet with Duxy and Conal Montgomery.

Conal was providing music during the first day of the exhibition, and Michael was treated to Conal singing “The Cornerstone.”  

One of Duxy’s paintings of Killyleagh Castle is on display in Michael’s office in Atlanta in the USA!

Duxy, no stranger to local art exhibitions, decided that he would invite as many artists as he possibly could fit into the banqueting area of the venue.

Duxy, who runs a local art class every Tuesday night, wanted to give some of his class the opportunity to display their work in public.

“I just wanted something different,” he said. “I wanted to show them they are as good, if not better as anyone painting. Just all they need is to push themselves.

“Push that wee bit of self-confidence. I can do this, instead of comparing themselves to other people. What I wanted to show was what can happen if you put yourself out there on the line.”

Within a few hours of the exhibition opening, several of the artists had sold their first paintings.  

Ballynahinch artist Kerry Duignan, regularly attends Duxy’s art class.

She had previously displayed her work at an exhibition of the art class held in the local library some months ago. Initially Kerry had found the experience “nerve-wrecking.”  

Kerry told Chris that her previous art experience was at school. “I was always going to come back to it eventually.”

Like so many artists, her interest was triggered during the Covid pandemic. Kerry is inspired by her love of the sea and swimming.

Janine Boyle, who is usually attending to her guests at the Coaching Inn and Hall, also had her paintings on display. She explained to Chris that the exhibition in the banqueting hall was something different.

“It just shows you the versatility of what it can be today. It is the most amazing gallery with the most amazing talent.”

Janine started her painting pathway during lockdown, when she had a lot of time on her hands. “It was a little bit of therapy.”

Local Killyleagh artist, Wendy Cromie, exhibited her series of paintings which were primarily local well-known scenes from the area.

She said: “Killyleagh is such a fantastic place to live. As an artist I just love the colours and to be close to the water.

“It really inspires me. There is so much inspiration around the town.”  

Wendy studied art for A-Level at Down High School, and after an unsuccessful application for Art School, she went to work in the banking industry.  

It was the early 2000’s before she picked up a paintbrush again. The rest is history. Wendy not only produces paintings, but also cards and mugs. At least one of those mugs, with her artwork, is now in Australia.

Wendy added: “It’s lovely to get the feedback from people that live far away having their tea and coffee with a picture of their hometown on the mug”.

Tracey McIntosh, from Killyleagh, also attends Duxy’s art class. She has known him from the age of eleven and she admires his work.

“I had never painted in my life and I thought I would try something new,” she said.

“The talent I get to watch every Tuesday night brings out the best in everybody. It’s amazing!”

Cheryl Martin, another well-known resident from Killyleagh, is an artist who avoids landscapes and seascapes. “No landscapes or seascapes for me. I like big bright colours in your face”  She had a range of illustrative portraits on display.  

Cheryl is from a family who have a crafting background. Her interest in painting started during lockdown.

She also had several characters and scenes from Alice in Wonderland on display which she had created by needle felting using wool fibre.

Duxy arranged to have proceeds from one of his paintings and a raffle to be donated to The Well mental health charity in Kilkeel. “I have seen first hand what they do. They save lives on a daily basis of people across this area.”

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