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Norita Kelly and Margaret Lynch-Crowley.
Dervla Purcell and Catherine Gaine. Roberta Scott and friend.
Below: Rosemary Purcell and Tony Daly exhibition opening.
A Glittering gathering at Purcell Gallery on Main Street. Friday 24th October saw a glittering gathering in the new exhibition space at the Purcell Gallery on Main Street. Rosemary Purcell welcomed many old friends and new to what was a great night for all art lovers. The event was the opening of “Kerry Through the Eyes of a Dutch Master”, a collection of paintings by the late Joop Smits. An outstanding landscape painter, he lived for many years in the Tousist area and drew much inspiration from the beauty of the Beara landscape for the work in this show. Joop moved to Mallorca in 2008 but continued to visit and work here. He died in his native Netherlands earlier this year and this show gave a unique opportunity to see the evolvement of his work over the years Many of those attending the exhibition knew Joop and had a chance to reminisce about his years in Kerry and to view a variety of his different styles and subjects from misty mountains to majestic skies and summer days. Tony Daly, opening the exhibition, paid tribute to Joop’s artistic talent and spoke of how great a loss he is to the area He also expressed delight at having such an impressive new exhibition space in the heart of Kenmare. The new exhibition space, upstairs at the Purcell Gallery will be used to hold regular shows by well-known artists and Rosemary Purcell sees it as an important addition to the cultural life of Kenmare. The Joop Smits exhibition will continue until 31st December. The gallery can be contacted for any further information. 064 6679890 or arr@purcellgallerykenmare.com