The traditional rivalry between Cork and Kerry is well-documented so it was an unusual twist to see an exhibition entitled "Cork for Kerry" - a group of artists from Cork had got together to help raise funds for Cill Rialaig, the artists retreat near Cahirciveen. Perhaps it was the equally well-known enmity between Cork and Dublin in action, but few of them made it up to the opening reception in Noelle Campbell-Sharp's Origin gallery on Harcourt Street on Tuesday evening. Painter John Adams represented the Corkonians. Until recently, he ran the Art Trail in Cork, a project bringing people on a tour of the city's galleries and studios which he initiated some years ago. He chatted with fabric artist Michelle Sweetman, and print artist Jacque- line Campbell. There were two models there - Neil O'Boyle who has recently become one of Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto's favourite models, having done his recent shows in Tokyo and Paris, and the aristocratic Hen- rietta Conyngham. Sculptor Eoin Byrne was there - he has plans to return to Paraguay, a country that greatly inspires his work. He chatted to sculptor Orla de Bri, who will shortly exhibit in the gallery herself, and as they posed for a couple of photos, joked that they would soon be asked to host the Eurovision together.
There was also a big showing of crafts people who were in town for the trade fair in the RDS - furniture-maker Paul Berg made the journey from Clare and ceramicist Judith Knipe arrived from Kilkenny, while wood-worker Emmet Kane also enjoyed the party.