Exeter, NH (September 17, 2007)—From Wednesday, September 5 to Wednesday, October 3, the Lamont Gallery at Phillips Exeter Academy will present “From Ireland to Exeter,” an exhibit of works from the Kilkenny Collective for Arts Talent in Kilkenny, Ireland. The exhibit will feature works by artists Sinead Fahey, Karl Fitzgerald, George McCutcheon and Margaret Walker, members of the Camphill community in Kilkenny. An opening reception for the exhibit will be held on Friday, September 14, from 6:30-8:00 p.m., where several of the artists will be on hand to meet attendees. The Lamont Gallery is located in the Frederick R. Mayer Art Center on Tan Lane. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

Regarded as the father of KCAT, McCutcheon spent several years painting and building works using objects he found. He later began training in art and was one of the first to share studio space with local artists. Seven years later, this creative catalyst now leads the studio’s efforts in developing KCAT’s performance theater. Recently, McCutcheon completed a large-scale mosaic for a new medical center in Kilkenny.

Walker, who recently moved from painting, and has begun working with fabrics and fibers, says in every way, coming to the KCAT studio every day means a lot to her. “This is an outlet,” she says. “I knew nothing about art when I came here and I am still learning. For years I said, ‘I’m not able,’ but I am able to do a little bit now. Give me another 10 years, and I’ll be great.”

Fahey, who has developed a strong visual language with graphic undertones, was invited in 2006 to co-design a parade for 250 performers and an audience of over 60,000.

Fitzgerald is a painter who, because of physical challenges, uses great physical effort for each brushstroke. Having amassed a substantial collection of work that is influenced by the Irish landscape and seasonal weather, Fitzgerald’s art primarily highlights gradual differences in mood and atmosphere. Recently, he completed painting a series of glass panels for the quiet room of Carlow’s regional hospital near Kilkenny. 

KCAT was founded by the Camphill Communities of Ireland in 1996 to facilitate the artistic development of individuals with a range of disabilities. Since 2005, a permanent center has opened, and KCAT offers visual arts courses for people with all abilities and a course on theater performance. Camphill Communities is an international organization of intentional communities established more than 60 years ago, and made up of people of all ages who have disabilities. Camphill opposes the traditional idea of what it means to have a developmental or learning disability, and honors every member as special; recognizing the potential, contribution and dignity of each individual.

Each year, eligible PEA seniors spend the winter term living in Callan, Ireland, and working at Ballytobin, a Camphill community established in 1979 by Patrick Lydon ’68. The program “offers those in need of special care, a sheltered environment to meet their educational, therapeutic and social needs.” The students observe and assist experienced caregivers; attend an art course offered by KCAT; keep a journal that is submitted weekly to a PEA faculty member; and write a reflective paper on the experience of living, working and studying in this community. 

Lamont Gallery Director Karen Burgess Smith says she was first introduced to KCAT artists two years ago during a trip to Kilkenny escorting students to Ballytobin. “Meeting and spending time with the artists of KCAT was a wonderful experience. But even more valuable was being a part of the vital link between the students and the artists, with several of them being recognized internationally for their talents,” Smith says.

Additionally, two local artists from the Independent Services Network art program of New Hampshire, Sean Nolin and Michael Lamier, will display their paintings and drawings. ISN is a private, human services company serving children and adults with developmental disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and/or emotional handicaps.

Born in New York City in 1971, Nolin has lived in Concord, NH, most of his life. He graduated from Concord High School in 1992, where he attended its School of Culinary Arts and became a skilled baker. With the guidance of ISN’s art program director, Skye Cummings, Nolin’s works have become one of the program’s most popular—selling more than a dozen in 2006. Currently, he has works on display in offices and galleries in Manchester, Hollis and Northwood, NH.

Lamier is a native of Concord, NH. He graduated from Bishop Brady High School in 1970, and earned an undergraduate degree in 1976 from the Pratt Institute in New York City. In 1991, to further his artistic experience, Lamier spent one year in Southern France painting and drawing. Since college, he has worked as an art instructor and lecturer, and has had several exhibits throughout NH.

Gallery hours are Monday 1–5 p.m., Tuesday–Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., closed on Sunday. For further information, contact the Lamont Gallery at (603) 777-3461 or visit our Gallery webpage at http://www.exeter.edu/news_and_events/news_events_2985.aspx. For directions to Phillips Exeter Academy, call (603) 777-4330. A complete list of upcoming events is available on the Phillips Exeter Academy public events line at (603) 777-4309 and on our website at www.exeter.edu.

Phillips Exeter Academy is a coeducational, independent preparatory school that was founded in 1781 and originated the system of instruction known as Harkness teaching in 1931. In the spirit of its charter to foster both goodness and knowledge, students come from a wide variety of geographic, economic, racial and religious backgrounds. The diverse student body comes from approximately 45 states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands and 23 foreign countries.