Pen Pal Pairs? I don't get it?

First things first, I think we should clear up any confusion for people about the title of the show. No it was not a misprint we refused to admit to and no we are not dyslexic and yes we understand the difference between pairs and pears. We simply wanted to have a play on words for the show. We could have called the show 'Pen Pal Pairs', which was the obvious first choice but we thought that was just too obvious and dull. We are aware that it is impossible for pears to have pen pals as they have no hands therefore not able to write a letter. We did not mean to offend any pears by this and we assure you that we at the Little Ghost Gallery support the pear community whole heartily. 

The ridiculous name of the upcoming group show has in way become an infectious little annoyance to people. We at the gallery love this. The reason for this is so you don't forget it and either apply with work and join in the fun and frolics or come and support the artists who do take part. Either way the Pears are coming to get ya. 

Now to make another little confusion clear the show has nothing to do with pears at all. So please don't think that the work on the walls will be selections of pears and nice watercolours of fruit baskets and still lives because the day that happens at the Little Ghost is the day we douse the place in gasoline and strike a match to it. Don't get me wrong or anything I don't mind a good still life I just think they are STD's of art galleries. 

So to sum it all up the word 'pears' in the title is a play on the word Pairs as in two of something and the show itself is not going to be about the fruit that is the pear. Its exactly like apple computers...they may have an apple on the front but they taste absolutely nothing like real apples. 

We are looking for all artists out there to apply to be apart of what will be a big show in June. The show is all about creating a piece of work with someone you have never met, using the Post. The first time you meet your creative partner is on the opening night of the show and here friendships will blossom and hopefully creative partnerships will be created. If you are a visual artist, a writer, a musician, an actor, a poet, a photographer or even a baker get involved and just send us some examples of your most recent work to littleghostgallery@gmail.com 

THE CLOSING DATE IS THIS FRIDAY THE 30TH of APRIL 

Spread the Word and be apart of something special! 

CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER

Well done to Mr Phil Evans who exhibited in the Little Ghost Gallery last week, we just found out that some of his previous work has been snapped up by the Waterford City municipal collection where he will be hanging out with renowned irish artists Jack B Yeats and Louis Le Brocquy. 

Phil's exhibition was a great success and we're recieving so much positive feedback from the show, it can only mean good things on the way for Phil. Anyone who didnt make the show can check out the pics online here  Feel free to drop us a mail if your interested in any of the work, thats if its left!

Pen Pal Pears Group Show - UPDATED Details and Brief

Pen Pal Pears – Group Show

The time has come for the Little Ghosts second big group show and we want you all to get involved. This is for all the creative's who want to dedicate themselves to new art and new friendships. 

Just so we can clear things up before you read on and think we are all about the typo's, The show is about artists working in pairs but we are calling the artists pears as in the fruit just for a play on words. Oh how bloody arty of us you must think, well yes, yes we are bloody arty and proud of our stupidity. 

Artists are selected and paired off to create a unique piece together. The catch is the artists only meet for the first time on the opening night of the show. The gallery brings two artists who may not know each other and have them create a piece together by using the Post. Their relationship is completely formed through the art piece they build together and without ever speaking or seeing one another meet for the first time at the grand opening.

Dear Artists, creative's and makers of all things,

The Little Ghost Gallery invites you to submit a piece of work to our second group show exhibition entitled “Pen-Pal Pears”. We ask you to create a piece of art, with a “Pen-Pal Pear” partner whom we will select at random for you. This person may turn out to be the love of your life, your arched enemy, or your future artistic partner.  They may live around the corner from you behind the shops, or in a busy city that never sleeps on the far side of the world. The rule is, you are not allowed to meet in person and you should communicate by using post or email if you must! You may create anything your hearts desire.

We encourage artists who are accepted for this show to really go by the brief and to work on pieces using the postal system and never to meet before the opening of the show. Going against this just takes the fun and magic away. The work can be as big or as small as need be. The way you create it by never meeting in person is what makes it so interesting and in a sense how you go about using the post is the art piece. 

Here is how to apply...

·        Send the gallery examples of your most recent work along with your contact details, postal address and website if you have one. We are only interested in your most recent projects or personal work. Email JPEG or PDF files to littleghostgallery@gmail.com. The deadline for work to be sent in is FRIDAYDAY 30th of APRIL 2010

·        The successful artist’s names will be placed into a hat. Each artist pair will be chosen at random from the hat . This artists pairs will be posted on The Little Ghost Gallery Blog shortly after. 

·        Each artist will then be given the postal and contact details of their “Pen-Pal Pear”. Both artists will have 4 weeks to collaborate and create a piece for the group show.

·        The work must be delivered to the gallery by Thursday the 27^th of May along with the title of the work, medium used, size and price.

·        The show will open on Friday the 4^th of June at 8pm.

Artists are responsible for the delivery and collection of their own work. The gallery will not hold or keep artists work after the closing date of Saturday the 12^th of June 2010.

The selected artists are asked to give a €20 donation to go towards the cost of the opening night and upkeep of the gallery; we are a non profit independent gallery and your donations are what keep the gallery going.

We can only accept artist applications that have met the brief guidelines.

Good luck and we hope to find you the perfect Pen Pal Pear.

Anne & Mick

littleghostgallery@gmail.com

www.littleghostgallery.com

00 353 85 1032909

THANKS KEVIN TUNNEY!!!

Id just like to thank Kevin Tunney a mate of Phil Evans who took some really nice photos down in the gallery. I have robbed one of his shots of our new sign outside and used it as our header so thanks Kevin!!! Looks sweeeeet!

Last Days of Phil Evans Show in Gallery

The Little Ghost Gallery was delighted to host the first solo exhibition for the talent that is Phil Evans. Unfortunately I was away on the night of the opening last Friday but from I heard it was a pretty sweet as night.
This all sounds like the show is done and dusted...hells no it ain't. There is two solid days left and whoever is reading this and has yet wandered down to the gallery, well I insist you do.
You have to see this show for the following reasons which have been officially written by the Government.

1. Phil's artwork makes your eyeballs feel like they are skateboarding. 
2. There is no stuck up, fancy pants, rip off ego art going on. Its straight up good fun and damn fine art. 
3. Phil once saved his girlfriends gerbils life. 
4. If you have never tried tea whilst viewing art in a gallery well Phil will sort it out.
5. There are hand made free gifts and the best business cards I have ever seen there for the taking. 
6. Phil tells a bad ass story about a fight you only hear about in guy football films. 
7.  The Little Ghost Gallery is actually clean and has a new old sign up which is worth any tourist photo opportunity
8. Phil is actually a rare breed of gentleman artist that is slowly becoming extinct. 
9. Phil holds the record for the longest break dance body pop in the world ever. He will only show it to a crowd of at least 20 or more but never 50 as he could easy kill a crowd that big with such a big body pop. 
10. . This is Phil's first solo show so it would be great to say hey I was at his first show back in the day. I kinda regret not buying something now that he is a huge name in the art world. 

That's just some of the 250 Government reasons outlined in the official Little Ghost Report about the show. We all know if the Government say so we must abide. 

There are 2 days left in the show and I went in today as Im just home from my travels and it was such a great space to walk into. Phil working away at his desk with nice tunes on and he is still putting out the work. Every artist knows what its like to have slow days and have no one in, its heart breaking so if your about Kilkenny do stop in. Everything in Kilkenny is a few minutes walk away, if you were in Paris or New York you would get trains and boats miles away to see some classical boring rubbish art just to get a photo to prove to yourself that you were there. At least here its less travel for better art. DEAL!!! 

I only got a quick look around at Phil's work today but on first glance it really grabs you. Like the idea of the mob that runs through the work, you  quickly become the colourful masked face looking back at you. You jump back n forth from the canvas to see how it was made or what's hidden beneath the detailed lines. Its really clever and different and we at the Little Ghost couldn't be happier to have Phil on our walls. 

Ill put up a better write up of the whole show once I have a better look at it and enjoy it with a cup of tea and a nice sit down. 

If you would like to hear more about the show and about Phil we will be on the radio with the lovely Edwina Grace on her show at 4.20. So tune into KCLR on 96 FM at 4.20 tomorrow to hear us have a wee chat and chomp down on some delish treats!!

The really sharp and sweet as photo I have uploaded here were all taken by Phil's mate Kevin Tunney. He got some great shots on the opening night and his angles and takes on the work really work well. Thanks Kevin! 

Ill just leave the post with a few more of Kevin's photos so we can infiltrate your mind and make you come down to see the awesome show. 

PHIL EVANS SHOW IS NEARLY OPEN!!!!!

I don't mean to be pushy or put peer pressure on anyone BUT if your not down to the Little Ghost Gallery on Friday night, Yes this Friday night, we'll come to your house and do a serious knick-knack on it or maybe if we have shared a Luke warm can of shandy we may even egg your house. Hellz yes that's a threat. Not a treat as I may have just misspelled it there but a very real treat..I mean threat. 

We're not usually this pushy when it comes to shows at the old gallery but this time we have a pretty hardy badger sheltering his work under our roof. A mister Phil Evans will take the gallery for a week and blow your God damn minds. I'm not kidding he has the gentle persona of a man who carries a Colt 45 strapped to his ankle. So you can understand why were in such a pickle here with this renegade artist. He pretty much called me up and said if I don't comply to his demands he will kill his girlfriends gerbil....I said to him like any good art gallery owner, "Kill the fuckin rat but make sure you take a photo before and after". I'm pretty sure that dead gerbil will be in the show so that's a must see right there. He also said if we the gallery don't have at least 50 people at his grand opening on Friday night that he will kill Anne. Now I don't know if this is true but I wouldn't like to chance it. I'm so freaked out and worried for my life that I'm going to Barcelona and Paris to see if they can help us get him out of our gallery. Just like in that film Braveheart but totally different. 

So if your in Kilkenny and you want to have a pretty awesome night on Friday night THIS FRIDAY COMING AGAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAHHH well then you know where to go. NOT THERE WHERE YOU JUST THOUGHT...The Little Ghost Gallery Yes that's right! 

Lets say about 8 ...would that be OK for you? Great! 8 It is so. Can you bring your own beer or wine?? Why yes yes you can. Are you allowed to dance to the awesome live tunes on the night....YES! Yes you are! Can you maybe meet the love of your life that night and fall deep in love and all thanks to the gallery where Phils show is on??? NO! Phil said that's not allowed, also he said no cats allowed and bring sandwiches, the kind at 21st's. 

Also if your in Dublin and sick of it and realise yeah I'm gonna live a little THIS FRIDAY, maybe I dunno, go to Kilkenny, stop in have a pint, be at the Little Ghost Gallery for like ... I dunno...8. Maybe even ...I dunno ...buy a painting. Yeah maybe don't be so stingey all your life and buy something that's beautiful and unique unlike that car you drive or that hat you wear. Phill made us say that, we never speak like that. 

We'll since I'm so upset I best be off, but remember, Joe's is just around the corner from the gallery and so is every pub in Kilkenny and a Halal shop so what more do you need to have a good time. Dead Gerbils? Phil has it covered! 

Here is what Phil has to say in his own words about the show - 

PHIL EVANS – ARTISTS STATEMENT



"I could never get my head around mob mentality. I've never been quite sure where my attitude for this comes from, but as far back as I can remember I could never understand why people would succumb to the ideas of a larger group even if they didn't share the opinion of that group. The people who inspire me most are those who don't regard the opinion of "The Mob" and just pursue the course that feels most natural to them, which is often following their passions.
As a human in Irish society today there are many seemingly inescapable clichés that go unquestioned. I found by using a very simple character in all of the works for this show that I could put some of these various common scenarios into a slightly ridiculous context, and therefore make these scenarios more questionable. Media, advertising, dress codes, fame, txt speak, idols, music, sport, public movement and opinions are some of the ideas that seemed most apt for me to illustrate what I was trying to get at, which is that there is no harm in questioning anything you do. Just because everyone else is doing something it does not mean you are obliged to participate also. "The next big thing" will be yesterday’s news in no time. Who says you need to spend your evenings in front of a flat screen HD ready TV? Who says you don't? Who says you need to ride around on a skateboard or spend hours on end scribbling to get the most out of your day? Do whatever floats your boat, or don't."




PREVIOUS SHOWS


“The Scrum Tilly Lush” produced, directed, shot and released short film in association with WESC and Nike SB. The film was shot on location in 11 cities around Europe, and premiered in 6 cities alongside exhibitions of artwork incorporated into the film. Jan 2009

“Human Pyramids art collective” group show- displayed short film and acrylic portrait on canvas entitled “Gibbo” at the “Ghetto Gloss” gallery on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. Sept 2009






‘Toys of Christmas Past’ - artist group show – Little Ghost Gallery grand opening. Dec 2009

‘Projected Weekends’ - The Digital Hub - Thomas St., Dublin. “A Tale of 3 Cities”, Dec 2010

“Pop won’t eat itself” featured artist in group show for SOMA gallery, Lombard St, Waterford. Jan 2010

“Little Picture Show”, in the Crow St gallery, Temple bar, Dublin. Feb 2010

"Central Zine’s 10 year anniversary exhibition", group show, at the Marlaska Gallery, Gran Canaria. Feb 2010

WHAT WERE ALL ABOUT!

The Little Ghost

Gallery – Studio

The Little Ghost gallery is a charming little nest tucked away in what used to be an old grain store. The gallery’s intimate size offers both creative’s and visitors alike to experience a more welcoming and charming side to visual art.

The gallery encourages openness towards the artists and visiting public and feel art can be enjoyed a lot more in cosy surroundings with a cup of tea in hand. The gallery intends to make you feel at home with the art on display. The aim of the gallery is to display and sell artists work in a humble setting that rejects the stiffness and lifelessness of typical art galleries.

The gallery acts as both a working studio and exhibition space for the artist. Depending on the artist in residence the studio can be open to the public and you will be able to glimpse a show in creation.

The frequent launch nights and show openings are always a huge attraction. The gallery transforms into an engaging social event with live music and projected visuals that always makes for a great party.

The Little Ghost gallery / studio is an independent space for independent artists. The gallery acts as a non commercial unit that facilitates artists endeavours by providing them with a compatible studio and exhibition space.

For more information on upcoming shows and gallery opening times please visit our blog –


which your on now......sorry we'll update some stuff soon...here don't steal our thunder we're on a roll here....

If you would like to enquire about renting the gallery – studio space please contact us at

                                                 
                                                 littleghostgallery@gmail.com

UPCOMING SHOWS

UPCOMING SHOWS

Pen Pal Pears – Group Show

Artists are selected and paired off to create a unique piece together. The catch is the artists only meet for the first time on the opening night of the show. The gallery brings two artists who may not know each other and have them create a piece together by using the Post. Their relationship is completely formed through the art piece they build together and without ever speaking or seeing one another meet for the first time at the grand opening.

The Big Sleep – Group Show

COMING IN AUGUST

Details will be posted on the Little Ghost Gallery Blog soon.

The Pen Pal Pear Group Show COMING SOOOOOOOON!!!!!

We are proud to announce that we have not yet typed up the new brief for the new Little Ghost Gallery Group show entitled 'The Pen Pal Pear Group Show' or TPPPGS show for short. But we are about to type the vrief up and when we do we shall sent it hence forth to every artist in the world ever. We hope to send it tomorrow. Its gonna be a show yal will wanna be a part of!

Phil Evans & The Little Ghost

From the 26th of March until the 2nd of April Mr Phil Evans will be taking over The Little Ghost Gallery with his first solo show which he has been working away on into the wee hours. Phil is a good friend of the gallery having exhibited with us before in the "Toys of Christmas Past" show, now he is going to completely take over the place and do his own thing.

Phil says the show is "A tongue in cheek look at having to supposedly comply to mob mentality in many aspects of life and society today. I'm going to have a lot of new work on display that I've been flat out on for the last while. As well as that, Bray beat bustawill be providing smoove grooves on the night and also debuting his first album, good show. There's a few extra little treats in store for the night in question to make it different from the usual well trodden opening night stuff, but you'll have to turn up to find out!"

I don't know about you, but I'm going to be dancing my pants off to Luke's serious tunes and more TUNES, now come party the night away with us square pants! Then look over the road to our nearest B&B and fall in the door.

Eleanor Reilly - I asked for a Puffalump - 2009 - Toys of Christmas Past Exhibition

This is Eleanor Reilly telling us the story of how she longed for a Puffalump for Christmas but instead she was given a duvet. Lousy!
Sound parents right there. A duvet...whats that saying to a child? ' Enjoy the gift of warmth and comfort because normally we let you sleep by the door'. I dunno I think this piece is really shocking and seriously heart breaking. If Barnardo's or the ISPCC get wind of this it might be the last piece we ever see made by Eleanor before she is locked away in an adult foster home.
If we look closely at Eleanors art and her attention to detail we can clearly see it was her parents influence she became such a great artist. Its evident that her parents never gave Eleanor the luxuary of toys, computer games, television or even crayons or colouring pencils judging by the detailed pencil work we see here. Eleanor had to grow up in a furnitureless room with just a duvet ( plain too) and a pencil and paper as entertainment. Shocking! Over the years eleanor was so bored she befriended four really sound dustmites. One of these mites who we will name Joe for legal reasons was a skilled artist. He spent years training Eleanor how to craft tiny versions of the things she loved but did not have. One of the strongest example of this microscopic craftswomanship is in this piece. Just look at that little Puffalump. That is pure talent and skill, the kind only an artistic dustmite can train you in.
Eleanor was banished from her home after a few years. She had "accidentally" crushed Joe (the dustmite,who her family grew to adore) and used his fine textured hair as spokes of a miniture bicycle in some piece depicting some foreign country she pretended she went too.
Once Eleanor was set free of the shackles of stinginess of her parents she became emersed in all things creative. She would go to art shows and flirt with the wine. She would hunt artists she admired and use their mojo as inspirational glue. She would be given the key to the city that she built for the dustmites out of Rice Krispies and guilt.
The Little Ghost Gallery has fostered Eleanor as one of their own. Its a great feeling as an artist to come across someone who you know by the depressed look on thier face that they have dedicated their life and soul to their art. We in turn dedicate our friendship and time to this truely gifted and special artist. To find out more about Eleanor and her love life just click HERE. If you are a mourning dustmite please feel free to abuse her as she feeds of negative energy to make such pretty work, just like an Incubus does!

LITTLE GHOST ARTISTS STUDIOS FOR RENT

The Little Ghost Gallery is looking for new artistic neighbours. We are hoping to build up an artist community in and around the area of the Coach Road on the way up to St Canices Cathedral and Dean Street. This area has many properties to Let and many empty office and shop front that we feel are going to waste. This is where we feel the artistic community can step in and create an established artistic ghetto of sorts.

There is a great studio space beside the gallery up for rent and we are hoping to get artists in make a creative atmosphere. The room is split into 3 spaces. One large, medium and small. There is a storage closet and the small room to the front could be used as a dark room if its needed. Its a cosy little space and and looks out onto the hill up to Canices Cathedral.

The space is ideal for an artist studio and would comfortably house at least 3 - 4 artists. The space is unfurnished but Im sure there would be a skip you can steal from somewhere. There is Gas heating and the electicity can be run off a meter if it suits you better than a bill.


Kilkenny is becoming a great place to set up shop as an artist. Since the new by-pass went in Dublin is less than an hour and a half away. Its 20 min from Thomas Town and 10 min form Bennetsbridge. Perfect. If your an artist wanting to set up a new artist collective with a few other artists this space would be perfect and you have a gallery next door, what more do you need?


If you or someone you know would be interested in renting this space please contact us at the Little Ghost Gallery by emailing us at this address. Please pass this email on to any you know who may be interested.

Skeleton Dance by Sara Antoinette Martin

When someone as nice as Sara Antoinette Martin sends a piece like this to us in the Little Ghost all the way from her studio in New York, you realise that there are so many people in the world that you need to personally high 5.

I was doing the Secret Wars showdown before Christmas in Dublin. Our team was up against the skilled OFFSET team and I was a bit buzzed at the fact that folk such as Tara Mcpherson and James Jean were in town giving talks and might very well pop along and kick back with us. Didnt think Tara Mcpherson would actually jump up and start juicing her maker on the the OFFSET board but she did and well that was just awesome. After the show I thought I might go up n chat to Tara about the gallery and ask her would she like to put some work in sometime and make new friends in a little Irish town. I realised once we got to partying that the last thing I wanted to do was wreck the head of someone who I admire with shite talk and she was bombed with same ol same ol so Instead I fondled a mans beard in front of her and scattered.

But after this I emailed her causeIts farrrrr more polite these days. She couldnt get work over as the timeline was too tight and she was busy out but she said her friend Sara might be interested. Low and behold Sara is thee Sara. The Frida Kahlo of today without the unibrow and broken back and frog like man on her arm.

Was a pleasure to hang this in the gallery and I was a bit bummed it sold so quick as I really wanted it. Thats the last time I ignore the greed part of my brain.  I did get a lovely signed print of "Unfinanced Love" for Christmas from my lady faced lady. Gonna carry it under my arm everywhere I go.

We hope to see more of Sara's work on the wall of the Little Ghost and have her over for some hot whiskeys and a cuppa cha someday.