Persistence and a firm belief that it is never too late have paid off for three Galway women who have just graduated after six years studying art.
Anne-Marie Burke, Elizabeth Kavanagh and Maura Flannery have not only completed the part-time diploma course at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology.
They have also put together their own exhibition, which was opened by their tutor, Fergus Delargy, in Galway's Logan Gallery last Thursday. All three have heavy family commitments but were determined to pursue their interest in art. Anne-Marie (42) works part-time and lives in Athlone, Co Westmeath, though she is originally from Galway. Her youngest daughter was two years old when she enrolled.
Maura is a mother of four who began painting 16 years ago, and who marks her 60th year at the same time as she graduates. Elizabeth (55), a close friend of Maura, is also a mother of four who began painting when her children were reared.
Water pollution is the theme of Anne-Marie's work, which incorporates unconventional materials to achieve a rich abstract surface, while the effect of time and the elements is the theme of Elizabeth's art.
The building boom in Galway is reflected in Maura's piece, drawing on plaster, lead, bitumen and glass to produce paintings which can be read as maps or as aerial views.
The women were taught by artists and tutors including Geraldine Quinn, Hugh McCormack, Dave Costello, John Brady, Fred Bazler, Terry Gravett and Fergus Delargy. Their show runs at the Logan Gallery, 4 St Anthony's Place, Woodquay, Galway, for three weeks until August 25th, open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday.