Situated a few doors down from another lovely gallery on the sunny side of main street, Clifden’s own ‘Left Bank’, we are very much a mainstream gallery. We showcase works by some of the best contemporary artists that Ireland has to offer, together with a number of fine European and international artists. We also participate in a number of shows and exhibitions around the country annually.
OUR ARTISTS
A Gallery is nothing without it’s artists.
A curator is only as good as the bank of talent they have to work with, and one doesn’t have to look beyond the borders of Ireland to find an endless supply of inspired Painters and Sculptors.
Notwithstanding, the odd foray outside of the 32 counties has tempted me over the years to add to our numbers with a few extraordinary, hand picked European and international artists.
Originally The Whitethorn was intended to be a Co-op. For various reasons that idea was shelved fairly quickly. However I like to think that we carry that ethos with us.
Of the Artist’s that we represent, some have come to us over the years, others I have pursued. I have been known to beg very occasionally, or at least to be very persistent if I felt that someone would fit completely with us!
All of this has culminated in a stable of talent that I am very proud to represent, and in most if not all cases to call friends.
That’s why The Whitethorn has gone from moderate beginnings in 2009, to a mainstream gallery with national and international recognition. It’s all down to you – our wonderful Artists.
Too many to highlight, or thank individually, but know that you all have my heartfelt gratitude for staying the pace, and making us a gallery to be reckoned with.
Onwards and upwards.
ANNE MERRINS
GALLERY OWNER AND DIRECTOR
Winner of the Award for “Water Colour of Exceptional Merit” at the Royal Hibernian Academy’s Annual Exhibition 1992.
Born in Dublin in 1961, Anne spent 15 years in Canada. She studied Art and Psychology at McGill University, Montreal. She returned to live in Ireland in 1990.
In a career spanning 35 years, she has participated in many group and solo exhibitions, both in Canada and Ireland.
Most notably:
- The Royal Hibernian Academy’s Annual Exhibitions
- Invited by the Royal Hibernian Academy to exhibit in the Banquet Exhibition 1994
- The Royal Ulster Academy’s Annual Exhibition
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Sales Gallery
In 2009 she opened ‘The Whitethorn Gallery’ in Clifden where, in addition to her own work, she exhibits the work of both well established and emerging artists from all over the world.
