Johnnie holds his first art exhibition at the age of 71

This Friday October 15 is a big day for Johnnie Birmingham. At the age of 71, the well known Mullingar native is holding his first art exhibition, A Flower For Every Season, in the Springfield Centre.

What makes the event noteworthy, aside from the quality of Johnnie’s artwork, is that all of the pieces were created during lockdown when his normal activities were put on hold, the same as for the rest of the country.

Keen on drawing all of his life, Johnnie channelled his energies into his art, and that helped him overcome the worst of the social isolation that many people experienced when Covid turned the world upside down.

The exhibition was organised by Dora Woods, Teresa Moffit and Matty Lambden from the Intellectual Disability Service, who support Johnnie to live independently.

Dora told the Westmeath Examiner that naturally very social, Johnnie’s art has helped him get through the last 20 months. Understandably impressed by his efforts, she and her colleagues that they wanted to showcase his work to the wider community.

“Getting outside and meeting people is what Johnnie likes to do best. But like so many people over the last 18 months social isolation has had its impact.

“Johnnie’s experience, however, has been extremely positive as he focused on the hobby he most enjoys which is drawing.

“Whether it is a traditional house landscape or flowers, the colours and vibrancy he creates are full of energy and life. There is no going back when using ink and paper, so it’s evident to see the talent that lies within.

“The exhibition was borne out of the positivity that can be channelled even at the darkest of times,” she said.

As for the man himself, he says that he is looking forward to his maiden art exhibition.

When asked where his inspiration lies for his vividly coloured creations, which look as if they wouldn’t be out of place at an outsider art exhibition in a metropolitan art gallery, Johnnie smiled and said, “it’s all from my head”.

The eye catching invitation for the exhibition was created and designed by Johnnie’s friend Ailish Ruane, who attends the Learning Network in Mullingar and acquired the skills during a course she took there.

After years for drawing for his own pleasure, Johnnie says that he is excited about sharing the fruits of his lockdown labours with his many friends and family.

• Johnnie’s exhibition, A Flower For Every Season, is being held in the Springfield Centre this Friday, October 15, from 11am to 7pm.