In the lead up to Carlow Art Festival in 2015, a group of artists came together under the banner of the Pure Thinking community. They set about drawing larger than life portraits of their chosen inspirational Carlow people for display on the exterior panels of Carlow County Post Office.

The project was completed in time for the opening ceremonies of the Carlow Arts Festival. The Festival’s committee curated the portraits for display on the post office building and I’m proud to mine was amongst those selected.

Connie Byrne, founder and creative director of Pure Thinking initiated this project which brought together an eclectic mix of Carlow based artists.

A total of four workshops were facilitated by artist Iwona Nartowska O'Reilly and took place in Deighton Hall. Twenty-nine artists took part in the project, each creating a portrait in up-scaled version (80x80cm) of their chosen inspirational person.

The portraits of the group reflected a vibrant Carlow community with a special-Olympics athlete, an actor, an artist, historical figures, loved one's who passed away and kindred spirit's showing others how to enjoy life to the full.

"The Carlow Arts Festival’s committee curated the portraits for display on the post office building and I’m proud to say my portrait was amongst those selected."

Caroline Cunningham, Artist

The atmosphere in Deighton Hall during the project was industrious and invigorating. I made interesting new friends and some of us even found opportunities to exhibit together during the festival.

Local photographer Michael 'Spudy' Murphy was on hand to document our work and capture us in deep concentration and having fun. The finished portraits were prepared for the panels of the Post Office building.

I chose to portray my neighbour and friend Ed O'Connell who retired from a teaching career in Carlow Regional College (now Carlow SETU) having taught and introduced the course on 'Industrial Instrumentation'. At the time of the post office project Ed was in his early 80's. He was a light-hearted individual who enjoyed life which was enriched by his love of singing, art, playing music, fishing and gardening and the company of his many friends. Ed was very proud to be a part of this art adventure. He loved the arts and he always stole the show when he attended any of my exhibitions. He was a much loved individual and is remembered fondly by all who knew him, may he rest in peace.

Pure Thinking was founded in 2007 by Carlow business owner Connie Byrne.

"I have always been fascinated by people, teams and artistic projects. A successful common goal is only achieved through team work and allowing all talents to shine through. Pure Thinking works on grass roots level to celebrate and create awareness of the different groups of people that live in our community."

Connie Byrne
Founder & Creative Director, Pure Thinking

This project gave me the opportunity to go beyond limits to create my best portrait, up to that point. It was also confidence boosting to be working amongst supportive peers, especially as I had come to art later in my life.

Keep up to date with my latest art developments, receive exclusive invites (and more) straight to your in-box by subscribing to my newsletter.