Art of Down is a new colourful exhibition that presents a selection of works borrowed from Down County Museum. Since its establishment in 1981, the museum in Downpatrick has built up a strong collection of art, this selection reveals the talents of both amateur and professional artists.

Rather than concentrating on traditional landscapes or portraits works of contemporary art from the 20th century were selected which highlight the quality and range of Down County Museum’s collection. Among the artists whose work will be on display in Armagh County Museum are Colin Middleton, F.E. McWilliam, Richard Croft, and Tom Carr.

Exhibition ends 30^th March.

Image: Target by Philip McCartan. © the artist. reproduced with kind permission of NMD museums

Since the 1940s the museum has been collecting the art of George William Russell (1867–1935), known as AE and it now holds one of the finest collections of his work in existence. These remarkable paintings expressing AE’s imagination and artistic talent will be on display until 19th April.

Although born in Lurgan, Co. Armagh, he grew up in Dublin where night classes at the Metropolitan School of Art awakened his artistic talent. He was deeply inspired by Irish mythology and esoteric thought as well as a passion for agricultural co-operation. This amalgam of creativity and ideology is evident in his art.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the creative work of one of Ireland’s most intriguing artists, whose vision continues to resonate today.