‘Sands’ of time haven’t diminished Anne’s love love for Mountmellick
Artist Anne Sands from Mountmellick pictured with one of her 35 paintings in her 'The Colourful Collection' exhibition currently on show in Mountmellick Library Photos: Stan Henderson
MOUNTMELLICK library’s three-roomed art gallery is filled with a 35-piece collection of vibrant oil paintings by artist Anne Sands, where her breathing landscapes from Canada, France, Italy, Ireland and local scenic treasures invite viewers to step inside and wander for a while.
The exhibition titled is Anne’s third showing in the library in the town where she has lived for 55 years. Her last exhibition was in October 2010, which was featured in this newspaper at the time.
On the day that Anne was hanging her works in the gallery, she spoke to the Laois Nationalist about her love of art, music, history, her friends and her town.
When asked where her art journey began, Anne said: “In 2006, my employer died and I was at a loose end. One night, there was an art class in the Mountmellick Development Association, so I went to that, started painting from there and found that I loved it. The last exhibition that I had was here in Mountmellick library 16 years ago. Since then, I get my paintings printed onto cards in Portlaoise, which are sold in the Mountmellick Embroidery and Heritage Museum.
“My favourite paintings in the collection are those of Tuscany and the Rocky Mountains because of the vibrancy of the colours. The Irish colours are also beautiful, but different. I love to go to Emo with my camera and take pictures when the bluebells are out and the Japanese maples are blooming and I also love to see the red squirrels and the other wildlife. There are paintings of local places like Emo, Heywood Gardens and the Slieve Bloom mountains in the exhibition, local people love local scenes. I also love the lakes of Killarney and there are paintings from there, too.” Concluding, Anne spoke about her interests outside of her artwork.
She said: “I am a member of Active Retirement Ireland. We have a large and vibrant active retirement club in Portlaoise. I am also very interested in local and Irish history, particularly the rich Quaker history of Mountmellick. I am a member of the museum committee in Mountmellick and I have a great love of nature. I go out and about and watch the birds. Music is also another interest of mine. I have a keyboard and I got lessons lately.
“I have lived in Mountmellick for 55 years and there’s a great sense of community here. I have wonderful friends. I would like to see more done in Mountmellick in regards to improvement. For example, the river should be cleaned so that it won’t keep flooding and the derelict buildings should be regenerated because the heart of the town is kind of gone. I would like to see more emphasis on Mountmellick. It is a lovely residential town and we have a lot to offer.”
Anne’s wonderful exhibition will remain on display during July and can be viewed during Mountmellick library opening hours.
To contact Anne directly, email annesands510@yahoo.ie or phone 086 8860832.
