‘Tonight’s turnout encourages me to keep doing what I’m doing’
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Pat and Francis McCartan chatting to Richie Clark about his work.Image 2 of 9
Noel McIntyre and Ann-Marie and David Fagan chatting about Richie’s work.Image 3 of 9
Brenda Smyth looking at one of the works.Image 4 of 9
Aine Quinlan with her boys Conor, Aidan and Ronan.Image 5 of 9
Ronan and James Casey.Image 6 of 9
Sharon Foy ( Richie’s sister) and Heidi Vambeck.Image 7 of 9
Sinéad Doherty, Carol Rossi and Edel O’Brien.Image 8 of 9
Wooden sculpture created by Richie Clarke.Image 9 of 9
David and Amanda Andrews and Sheena and Mark Shanley.Mullingar’s master wood carver Richie Clarke showcased his artwork at Atrium Gallery on Thursday September 15 as a part of his Hidden In Wood II exhibition.
Inspired by Greek, Norse and Celtic mythology, Richie Clarke says characters from Irish mythology, folklore and fantasy literature offers him a wealth of amazing material to work with.
The event was introduced by Westmeath arts officer, Miriam Mulrennan, who Richie thanked for hosting the exhibition.
He said: “I want to thank Miriam, everyone at the arts office and all the staff here. They couldn’t do enough for me all week, they really made it enjoyable for me setting up the exhibition.
“Thank you to you all for coming out tonight. This turn out means so much to me personally and to see all the support is great. It encourages me to keep going and to keep doing what I’m doing.”
In his opening speech Mr Clarke thanked fellow carpenter and friend David, who he said kept a cool head in the lead-up to the event and is the problem solver of the pair.
He also mentioned his wife Jenny and said: “Behind every good man there’s a good woman. Without Jenny none of this would be here, so I want to thank her from the bottom of my heart.”