Pulling the Currach at Clogher Head Painting

Diane Lavery 1929-2018 Moved from Wales to Ireland 55 years ago and settled in Kerry. Inherited artistic talent from both parents. Began painting professionally 1968 when she joined the Kerry Fine Art Society, also took part in the Junior Chamber exhibitions held in Tralee. Has since taken part in numerous national exhibitions and competitions, winning the Baumann Trophy in 1977 and 1978. Exhibited in the RDS, an award winner in the CDL Arts awards 1984, also the Irish Life Centre, Dublin 1992. First solo exhibition in 1983 and has held many sell-out exhibitions in succeeding years. Currently a large, privately-owned collection of her work is on permanent exhibition at Millstreet Country Park in Cork. She exhibited her work most recently in galleries in Cork, Kerry, Brittany and New York. Principle Subjects: Portraits, Land/seascapes and Rural Ireland. Art Promoter for the Kerry ICA (1977-1981). Taught art in the Intermediate School, Killorglin for four years. Best known for her 'Open Door' , 'Thatched Cottage' and 'Currach' series, with many works in Public and Private collections in USA, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Germany, France, Britain and Ireland. In July 1995 her painting of 'View of Maine Valley' was commissioned and presented to President Mary Robinson on the occasion of her visit to Castlemaine. Portraits have included Michael Mac Liammóir, Gay Byrne, Liam O Murchú, Brendan Kennelly, Brian McMahon, Sean McBride and the late Pope John Paul II. Writing poetry and children's novels has long been an essential part of Diane's life culminated with the recent publication of her books, "Mistéir an Tobar" and "André agus an Tarbh Iontach" (An Gúm), "The Greenville Mice" (BYG Press). Her poems have been published in fifteen Anthologies. Book Illustrator for the 'Guide to Butterflies of Killarney National Park' published by the Government Stationery Office. Artist, teacher, book illustrator, author and poet, her distinctive style and technique has seen this affable lady to the forefront of contemporary Irish Fine Art; her paintings are widely sought after at auction and private commission