Irish Examiner USA
Wednesday January 31, 2024
Barry Coughlan

Artists from throughout Ireland have donated pieces for a charity art auction in aid of Helvick Head RNLI, following the death of a swimmer in West Waterford last April.

This event is the first to launch a campaign to promote safety awareness while sea swimming -Sea Swim SmArt, and is inspired by the tragic loss of Cian Nugent, aged 21, who lost his life while swimming with friends last April, off the West Waterford coast.

SEAMUS O'BRIEN © Endless Summer (Oil on gesso board 20x30cm).

"It is a tribute to the RNLI for their efforts that day which brought him home, and celebrates Cian's life, and his love of sketching from an early age" explained his mother Naoive Coggin.

Works include Irish expressionist artist Mick Mulcahy, Marie-Louise Martin contemporary print maker, Brid Kenneally and Blawnin Clancy both seascape and landscape artists.

Rayleen Clancy, the visual and glass artist, Brigid Shelly known as 'the cow painter', Seamus O' Brien, Brenda Harris and many more have joined in the fund-raising effort.

There will be a wide range of price points to suit every pocket and it's being seen in Ireland as an opportunity to pick up a special piece of art at decent prices and to benefit a worthy cause as well.

The auction will be conducted by Estate Agent Regina Mangan on March 21 at 7pm and will be held at Joan Clancy Gallery, a symbolic location for this unique event.

The Gallery is nestled in the coastal community of An Rinn, with panoramic views of Dungarvan Bay.

It will be open for previews March 15, 16, 18 and on the day of the event from 11am -5pm. Bidding will also be available on line, details of which will be announced shortly.