Family memorabilia influences Oldcastle exhibition

Mary McDonnell, textile artist and painter, presents an exhibition of new work that draws on her interest in researching family genealogy and local history, at the Kraft Kaffee, Oldcastle. 'The Letter' centres on a cherished piece of family memorabilia, a letter written by Elizabeth Callery, native of Oldcastle hinterland, to her grandson, Mary’s father, Ray Cogan, congratulating him on his marriage plans. The letter has prompted Mary’s process of collecting other family archives to stitch together elements in the story of Elizabeth Callery’s life that took her eastwards to Kellystown, Slane.

This exhibition reflects Mary’s unique way of sharing her family archives, giving them a local history context, while expressing her connection to past and to place, using an experimental textile collage technique. The exhibition runs at the Kraft Kaffee until 30th November, opening hours Tue - Sat; 10am – 5pm.