Made in Carlow art gallery hosts pop up in San Francisco 

SOME of Carlow’s finest artists had their work exhibited in San Francisco, thanks to the ingenuity of Maurice O’Reilly who runs the Made in Carlow art gallery.

Though Maurice has been based in Ireland in recent years, he spent most of his life in San Francisco. Last year, when he was back visiting his family and friends state-side, it was suggested that Maurice should bring art work by some of the artists that exhibit in his Carlow gallery.

The exhibition happened last month through the sheer determination of Maurice and the two others who are involved in Made in Carlow – musician Zoe Hayter and artist, Deimante Stankeviciute. The exhibition took place in the United Irish Cultural Center in San Francisco which was also hosting their annual summer camp for children. The three Irish visitors volunteered with the camp activities with Zoe giving music lessons and Maurice and Deimante gave art classes.

“Helping out at the summer camp was a lot of fun. These kids were really into their Irish culture. They knew how to write their names in Irish. Their parents are interested in keeping their culture alive.” For the art exhibition, they brought paintings by such artists as Mary Clare Nolan, Trudi Doyle and Gala Hutton, which were well received.

Maurice, Zoe and Deimante are now getting ready for the upcoming fringe arts festival and are looking for musicians of all ages and abilities to take place in a busking competition. 

“We’ve had the busking competition for the past two years and it’s gone down very well. People love music on the street, it creates a great vibe,” smiled Maurice.

To enter the competition, call into Made in Carlow on Tullow Street, or email whyweneedart@gmail.com