Two artists from AGAP Art Group, Pat McKinnon (left) and Ginelia McLean (right) at the Exhibition in St Helen's Church Hall, Langside
Parishioners at St Helen’s, Langside had something different to talk about over coffee today as the parish hosted a charity exhibition by AGAP Art Group. The parish is the first to host the enterprise which is the brainchild of the group’s leader, Margaret Connelly and hopes to raise money for good causes.
The group, which meets weekly in the Larkfield Centre in Govanhill, is an offshoot from the beginners art classes which have been taught by Margaret Connelly since 2007, when AGAP was based at the parish of Our Lady of Consolation in Govanhill. Since then, a small group of people who attended the classes in chalk pastel drawing and acrylic painting have continued to meet with Margaret to continue their interest in art and their friendship.
“The artwork that is produced by the group,” explains Margaret, “can be put to a good cause if we have parishes willing to house a simple exhibition over a weekend. All of the money raised will go to help a designated charity – in this first instance, AGAP itself. By keeping the cost of the artwork low, starting at around £5, we hope that people will be encouraged to buy something to make a donation to a worthy cause and give the group an incentive to continue painting and drawing.”
Parish priest, Mgr Paul Murray, was delighted with the response to the exhibition and was amazed at how affordable were the works on sale: “Normally for an original painting, people expect to pay a lot more. We have seen quite a few sales over the weekend and we intend to leave the exhibition up in the hall until the end of the week.”
St Helen’s is the first parish to host the group’s exhibition and it is hoped that other parishes will consider having a similar one in their hall over a weekend to raise funds for good causes.
Margaret added, “As well as raising funds, we hope the exhibition encourages others to join the art group; it is free of charge and meets every Tuesday 1pm – 3pm at the Larkfield Centre, 39 Inglefield Street, Govanhill. Bring your own materials to work with and support is available to beginners. It is great fun and we do a lot of giggling!”
If you are interested in hosting an AGAP Art Group coffee morning/exhibition for a good cause or joining the AGAP Art Group, please get in call 0141 554 1333 or e-mail info@agap.org.uk