The acclaimed "40 Days and 40 Nights" exhibition by Mayo artist Chris Doris has been chosen as the inaugural show at Westport's Custom House Studios.
While the newly refurbished Custom House, at Westport Quay, will not open officially until later this year, the fruits of Mr Doris's 40-day artistic pilgrimage on the summit of Croagh Patrick will be on public view until February 10th.
Officially opened on January 19th by Ms Annie May Reape, cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Mr Doris's unique project is a series of paintings, photographs and text compiled during his time as artist-in-residence with the council. The interactive nature of the project bridges solitary spiritual meditations with simple social interactions; more than 6,000 people climbed the Reek during his sojourn.
The vibrancy of Mayo's strong artistic community was apparent at the opening, attended by more than 150 people. Mayo County Council's Arts Squad, established by former arts officer, Mr John Coll, and now under the direction of Anne McCarthy, has proved highly successful in both the support of the arts and its accessibility to community.
Castlebar's Linenhall Arts Centre is undergoing major refurbishment, and the completion of the Custom House Studios proves the successful partnership and vision of Mayo County Council, Westport Urban District Council, the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands and the Westport Artists' Studio Group.
"40 Days and 40 Nights" by Chris Doris at the Custom House Studios, Westport. Open: Monday-Thursday and Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.