Cautiously exiting lockdown on Thursday, July 2 2020 was significant and memorable for Hambly & Hambly as they unveiled the latest works of eminent Irish artist Rosie McGurran RUA, launching her new exhibition ‘The Importance of Elsewhere’.

The exhibition features unique pieces produced during lockdown charting the artist’s personal journey during this historic time.

This event is pioneering in launching the second phase of connecting over 1,500 members, artists and creatives virtually to the ‘Imagine’ network.

‘Imagine’, an online group and virtual gallery space, was initiated at the beginning of lockdown by Ciara Hambly, to celebrate the importance of the arts in sustaining hope in life, provide support and to form connection in a period of social isolation through the sharing of visual art, music and literature.

The concept attracted huge interest and is unique in its dynamic dual approach, embracing global opportunities for artists to exhibit their work virtually, thanks to support from a community of artists and Made in Trenbania, as well as those afforded by technology whilst respecting the beautiful distinctive privacy of the physical gallery space.

In one of the many gallery chambers, before the wonderful backdrop of a selection of Rosie McGurran’s original paintings, the international audience were welcomed virtually to the Hambly & Hambly Galleries and Cultural Hub by Ciara Hambly, Director and Gallery Owner and Noelle McAlinden Creative Adviser, Artist and Curator via a live video stream.

Fermanagh born Laytha, a duo featuring Philana Nolan on guitar and vocals, and Niamh Carney, vocals, played a setlist of their original songs, providing beautiful harmonies and soulful melodies to introduce the exhibition launch to an intimate, socially distanced and privileged audience.

The event continued with a pre-recorded recital of original poetry by acclaimed Fermanagh born poet Maria McManus.

This was followed by a bespoke interview with Rosie, conducted by Noelle and Ciara, which was recorded earlier in the day.

The evening climaxed with the online exhibition launch of ‘The Importance of Elsewhere’ which has now been viewed by thousands worldwide, securing sales and bringing international attention to Rosie.

Hambly & Hambly have a strong core ethos of celebrating the arts and artists in a spirit of collaboration, education and partnership.

It was an excellent opportunity for Hambly & Hambly to continue to put Enniskillen firmly on the global map of the arts, highlighting the beauty and talent of this creative region and highlighting it as a must-visit cultural destination.

“This is an exciting time for Hambly & Hambly, artists and the local and international communities when imagination, creativity, education and business will flourish,” commented Ciara.

Noelle said: “This has been an excellent opportunity at a significant time for some 1,500 Artists and creatives, to use technology to continue to connect, inspire and exhibit artists and creatives with new and existing audiences, internationally promoting not just the arts, the artists but indeed Fermanagh and the island town of Enniskillen.”

“Cultural collaborations continue to be the way forward in connecting the importance of arts, culture to business, education and health and well-being particularly at such a significant time emerging from lockdown,” she continued, adding: “Delighted to welcome Rosie back, as one of many artists from the Royal Ulster Academy, to Fermanagh and promote on an international platform for the arts alongside local, emerging and internationally renowned.”

Rosie commented that she is “delighted” to be exhibiting at the Hambly & Hambly Gallery in Enniskillen as part of the ‘Imagine’ initiative, both online exhibition and in the gallery.

“I am delighted to have been able to join an international audience via Zoom on the launch night and I am really enjoying getting to know Enniskillen and the county, it’s a beautiful place with great people,” said Rosie.

“I look forward to returning to facilitate masterclasses when it’s safe, and I’m grateful to Ciara Hambly for the opportunity and to Noelle McAlinden for the ongoing connections with the growing network of artists and new audiences,” she added.

Opportunities to visit the exhibition at the Hambly & Hambly Gallery can be facilitated in a safe and socially distanced manner by contacting the gallery directly.