Cork public invited for ‘last chance’ exhibition vote
As the gallery prepares to close for at least 24 months for capital redevelopment, a vote has commenced asking Leeside art lovers to choose which pieces they’d like to see at the Crawford’s Summer Exhibition.
From old favourites to the new artworks that stop visitors in their tracks, the gallery is asking the simple, yet difficult question: “If you could have a last chance to see one artwork from the collection, which would you choose?”
The selection for the ‘You Tell We Show’ exhibition is already open for submissions and will stay open until 27 May.
Much-loved works like ‘The Red Rose’ by John Lavery, Mary Swanzy’s ‘Samoan Scene’, Daniel Maclise’s ‘The Falconer’, and ‘Men of the South’ by Seán Keating have already been selected by curators for display. The public can add their own requests by scanning a QR code, which will direct them to an online form where they can submit their own personal choice.
There are over 3,000 works in Crawford Art Gallery’s collection, which forms a part of the publicly owned National Collection. “We really want your help to celebrate the collection,” says curator Dr Michael Waldron said.
“It’s the last chance to encounter Crawford Art Gallery’s collection on site in our storied building as we prepare to close for an ambitious redevelopment project, so we are using this exhibition to celebrate not only the artworks, but also the gallery-going public.
“As curators, we are always aware of visitors who come back time and time again to be captivated by a particular work of art that holds meaning or power for them. An object that brings joy, strikes a chord, or feels significant.
These moments truly bring the gallery to life and make our work so worthwhile.
“So please let us know which artworks from the collection you will miss and would like to see again! We can’t wait to hear from you,” adds Dr Waldron.To take part, members of the public can scan the QR code accompanying this article. For those who prefer a low-tech option, they can fill out a form at the welcome desk in the gallery. Voters can also opt in to sharing the story of why they want a particular artwork included, and these stories may be included on labels next to the artworks in the exhibition. It might be a special memory or a particular anecdote.
For voters wishing to refresh their memory, the online collection of Crawford Art Gallery’s artworks is available at crawfordartgallery.ie/online-collection.