'Impressive' exhibition of Carlow artists launched in College
Pictured at the launch of the Carlow Artists Art Exhibition in Carlow College were Tony Strickland (curator) and Rennie Buenting. Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
Over 40 people turned out for the launch of the Carlow Artists exhibition at Barry Hall in Carlow College yesterday evening, Wednesday 27 May.
"Everyone was extremely impressed, and delighted that there is such a thing happening," said its organiser Rennie Buenting, who is a local artist herself.
Rennie put the exhibition together with curator Tony Strickland, Carlow Arts Festival director Mikey Martins and Carlow County Council arts officer Aileen Nolan. The panel of four judged entries made after an open submission process. Anyone with an address in the county was allowed to submit three works for their consideration, and 14 artists were chosen to exhibit. "I wanted it to be inclusive," said Rennie, noting that they didn't ask whether artists were professional or not.
The result is an exhibition centred around the theme of hope: "There's variety, between paintings, and a big sculpture, there's printworks," noted Rennie.
An exhibition of Carlow artists existed roughly a decade ago in a previous iteration of the festival. In 2025, Rennie tried to get it up and running again but was told it was too late to arrange it before that year's festival. She started early this year and secured Creative Ireland funding for the project. CAF is giving a portion of in-kind support for the event too and artists will be compensated for their work.
"It kind of hasn't sunk in, other than there was lots of gratitude from people yesterday," she said.
Rennie is hoping momentum gathered from this year's event will see it return to Carlow Arts Festival in future years.
The exhibition is located in Barry Hall in Carlow College, and is open from 11-6pm Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
