The Gilbert Centre Art Group launched its exhibition on 1st March at the Spiralli Art Gallery in Market Square, Mallow. The exhibition will run until the end of May. The works of art are for sale. Tom Leahy held court, detailing how he made his to-scale, realistic cottage out of tea bags and other raw materials. Called the Tea House, it contains 800 tea bags in its construction and is for sale. All you have to do to become the proud owner of this beautiful model is to make Tom an offer he can’t refuse! He also has three paintings on display. A drawing by Martin Stelcik called Hands and Feet and an oil pastel by Patrick Mansell called Deep Blue Sea sold on the night and it is hoped that several other paintings will be snapped up before the exhibition comes to an end. Other artists exhibiting paintings are Betty Flynn, Anne Marie O’Keeffe, Neilus O’Flynn, Nora Carroll, and Claire King.

The Gilbert Centre Art Group is a group of artists from the North Cork area who come together on a weekly basis to develop their creativity. This vibrant group was originally formed by a group of people with disabilities but this has expanded to accommodate people from other walks of life.

Speaking on the night were Betty Flynn, one of the founding members of the original group, and Anne Burns the group’s tutor. Mags O’Connor is the service co-ordinator with the IWA and helped to organise the event.