About
The 2024 Portaferry Plein Air Festival attracted artists from across the island of Ireland who enjoyed three days painting "en plein air" alongside three of Ireland's talented invited artists. Colin Woodward, Paul O'Kane and Grahame Booth all presented demonstrations and went on to hold workshops over the course of the Festival.
Local artists, Sara Brown, Kate Rebbeck, Cecilia Stephens, Pandora Butterfield and Donald Nelson were also on hand to support those who needed a little help along the way.
An evening boat cruise topped the Festival off perfectly, with traditional Irish music, wine and a picnic whilst people sketched under the watchful eye of Donald Nelson.
The Festival culminated in an overall winner being announced by the Deputy Mayor of Ards and North Down, Cllr Hannah Irwin and Arts Heritage Manager, Emily Crawford, who after much deliberation decided that Victor Kelly's painting of "The Saltpans" represented the "essence of Portaferry".
Victor's painting is on display for you to see along with other work created by those attending the 2024 Portaferry Plein Air Festival.
The Festival received support from Ards and North Down Borough Council's Events and Festivals Fund 2024/25.
Next year's event takes place from Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June in Portaferry's scenic seaside setting and you can pre-register your interest at www.portaferryartsociety.com
