Sold-out children's charity art sale features work of 36 Westmeath and Roscommon artists
The Jack and Jill Children's Foundation has announced that its much-loved Incognito art sale has sold out, raising a remarkable €217,425 for the charity.
Now in its eighth year, the fundraiser in 2024 involved the biggest Incognito collection to date with 3,345 original postcard-sized artworks, all generously donated by over 1,200 artists from Ireland and all over the world.
The artists all go 'incognito', with their signature only on the back of the canvas.
The identities of the artists have now been disclosed, and this year's event featured contributions from 36 artists in Westmeath and Roscommon.
The 28 Westmeath-based artists who took part were: Emma Bornchowicz, Emlyn Boyle, Sylvie Cadiou, Denise Cappola, Margaret Clinton, Joanna Coleman, Pauline Connell, Joanna Cramsie, Joseph D'arcy, Caithriona Devine, Pauline Dolan, Nesta Fitzgerald, Michele Fox-Bell, Shane Gannon, Nuala Gorman, Paula Hynes, Rosemarie Langtry, Ann McGuinness, Dee McKiernan, Nessa McMahon, Anne Meade Kiernan, Ursula Meehan, Fiona Moore, Helena O'Connor, Theresa O'Reilly, Eilis Orme, Catherine Rock, Deirdre Sweeney, Jonathan Von Beauman, Mick Wallace, Rose Wallace, Gráinne White and Caroline Yeates.
In addition, eight Roscommon artists took part this year and they were: Anne Beirne, Carol Beirne, Vivienne Clarke, Honor Fitzgerald, Gerry Hough, Catherine Kelly Desmond, Margaret Rattigan Mary Rushe.
The sale this year attracted interest from over 44,000 visitors to the Incognito website from Ireland and worldwide.
Successful purchasers come from around the globe including Australia, the UK, Germany, Canada, The US, Spain, Italy, Switzerland and Luxembourg, as well as Ireland.
The Jack and Jill Foundation said the money raised from the art sales would support over 12,000 hours of in-home nursing and respite care, and end-of-life care, to over 400 children with complex medical needs who are currently under the charity's care right across the country.
Deirdre Walsh, CEO of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, said the Incognito initiative was all about community and translating art into a currency for care.
"We want to extend a sincere thank you to every single artist and art lover involved in making Incognito 2024 such a great success for the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation," she said.
"I hope those who were successful in securing a piece of art will enjoy it for many years to come and take pride in the fact that their contribution has helped towards providing more than 12,000 hours of in-home nursing care and respite support to over 400 families caring for children with complex medical needs across Ireland."