Ann Meldon Hugh exhibition in Toradh 2, Kells

An exhibition of new work by award winning sculptor Ann Meldon Hugh will take place at the Toradh Gallery 2 at Kells Courthouse and Tourism Hub from 25th June to 16th July.

Meath Arts Office in association with Hinterland Festival Kells presents ‘Fragile World’, a personal response by Ann Meldon Hugh to her environment and experience.

The exhibition features 30 stunning works in ceramic and bronze capturing the beauty and fragility of our world.

Ann Meldon Hugh was born in Dublin in 1952 and graduated from the National College of Art and Design in Dublin in 1975, specialising in sculpture. She currently lives in Co Meath and has been working as a full-time sculptor since 1989.

She has been commissioned to complete many public sculptures throughout Ireland. Ann works in bronze, stainless steel, stone and ceramic.

“The work in this exhibition in ceramic and bronze is a personal response to my environment and experience. As I grow older, I am increasingly struck by the beauty and fragility of the world around us and the looming dangers caused by climate change as a result of human kinds activities, and the devastating impact of war on the innocent," she said.

"I would describe myself as a figurative sculptor but recently I have been inspired by the nature surrounding me in the countryside where I live, so birds, hares and insects are reflected in my recent work.

"Clay is the medium I use most, sculpting and texturing each piece individually, colouring with oxides and glazes and firing each piece a number of times. I sometimes use gold and silver leaf and other materials to add another dimension to the pieces.

"I love ceramic clay, it is an endlessly versatile medium with exciting possibilities for form, texture and colour and there is always something more to discover and learn. It feels quite magical to harvest clay from the ground and then put it through a process with fire and heat that allows it to live on in perpetuity!” she said.

The exhibition will take place in Kells Courthouse Tourism and Cultural Hub and is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm (closed for lunch 1:30-2pm)

On Saturdays it is open from 9am – 4:00pm (closed for lunch 1:30-2:00pm).