The St Patrick Centre’s Grove Gallery is hosting an exhibition of artists from the Killyleagh Painting Group with around 75 works
The Killyleagh Art Group, inspired by retired art tutor Patrica McCormick, has today (Tuesday 2nd December 2025) opened up its annual exhibition of paintings from its members showing around 75 art works.
Speaking at the opening of the exhibition, Patricia McCormick, a retired grammar school art teacher said; “When I set up this group I wanted to make sure everyone felt welcome.
“Their is always a great atmosphere in our group and we have become friends over time. And each December we run an exhibition of our works.
“We started just when Covid arrived and we had to adjust how the sessions were delivered and we managed through that period online. We learned how to work with Zoom and technology, and we kept our interest and passions going.
“It has all been great fun. We have spend time outdoors in the field so to speak and also time inside in the Bridge Centre painting.
“And now I am delighted to declare the exhibition open and it will run for the month of December in the Grove Gallery in the St Patrick Centre.
“Lastly I’d just like to thank Dr Tim Campbell at the St Patrick Centre for allowing us to exhibit our works in this magnificent centre. Our members come from Newcastle and Moneyreagh, Belfast and Saul, Bryansford and Downpatrick so it is well located.”
The art works by the Killyleagh Painting Group are available to purchase and there are some unframed paintings at cheaper rates along with a range of prints.
“We are all made to feel at home and we have all become good friends.”
Artist Patricia Finlay said: “Patricia encourages each and everyone of us in our preferred medium. We have our own preferences such as painting in oils, acylics, watercolours, charcoal, pencil or pastels.
Julie Harrison said: “I hadn’t painted since I was at school and I’m really enjoying it now. Patricia our tutor is a lovely teacher, very talented, and this is really a super past-time. It’s so relaxing.”
And Patricia Sloan added: “From May to September we did a number os sessions outdoors and they were great. And in the more wintry weather we worked in the Bridge Centre in Killyleagh.
“We are all so proud of this exhibition and it is well worth a visit. Most of us were beginners but we have come on a long way.
“Back in the early days when the classes were on Zoom online, some of us had difficulties maintaining a good wi-fi connection. But we all got through it learning about technology on the way.”
The Killyleagh Painting Group exhibition runs for the month of December, and paintings (numbered) can be purchased via the St Patrick’s Centre shop.
Everyone is welcome to view the exhibition! It’s free.
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