Impressive Laois window display inspired Angela to showcase her paintings

WHILE stopped at traffic lights in Abbeyleix last year, Angela Van Wyk from Bantry noticed a display of paintings in the front window of the local library, which inspired her to go inside and enquire about holding her first solo art exhibition.

Despite the long distance from her home in southwest Cork, Angela was drawn to the old courthouse building and particularly its wonderful window display. The library is lit up brightly at nighttime, which ensures the exhibits are always visible to passersby.

Angela arrived at Abbeyleix Library and Art Gallery recently with a van full of oil paintings, which are now on display until the end of February. The 15 pieces, titled ‘Reminiscence’, are dedicated to the memory of her brother, who died last year Speaking to the ***Laois Nationalist***, the self-taught artist said that she is “originally from Dublin, but I lived in London for a long time and moved back in 2007 and went to live in Bantry in Cork. I’m in the optical business and supply opticians around the country, but my art is my love and passion. I’ve painted for as long as I can remember and I feel like I’m ready to get into it more and to put my heart and soul into it.

“I was passing by this library one day and while I was stopped at the traffic lights I was immediately drawn to an exhibition in the huge window, so I came in and organised my first exhibition with the lovely staff members here. I love to paint huge pieces anywhere from two to three metres in size and I love paintings with gold in them, I’m a bit of a magpie.” Vera Quinn from Abbeyleix Library spoke very highly of Angela’s paintings.

She said: “For the month of February at Abbeyleix Library we welcome artist Angela Van Wyk. Angela has come all the way from Bantry in Co Cork to hold her first solo art exhibition with a lovely set of artworks. Her wonderful exhibition includes some very large pieces, which are all abstract stroke landscapes done in oils. We would welcome everyone to come along and view the artwork, which is on display for the month of February. We wish Angela the very best of luck with her exhibition in Abbeyleix.” For enquiries, contact Angela on 087 2192358 or Abbeyleix Library on 057 8730020.