Council Chairperson Celebrates Opening of Ash Gallery in Newcastle

The Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Cathy Mason, has visited the newly opened Ash Gallery in Newcastle to mark the opening of this new and innovative studio focusing on local artists.

After over 25 years working as freelance artists Trudy Burke and Rosalind Murphy decided to join forces and have opened a working gallery and studio space in their hometown of Newcastle.

The new gallery showcases their own creative works, past and current, and they plan to host creative and specialised workshops in their respective disciplines, such as watercolour, acrylic, glasswork and a variety of sculptural techniques.  Trudy’s husband, local sculptor, Alan Burke has also joined the venture.

The Ash Gallery is featured in the Council’s Make It Local promotional campaign, which highlights local products across the district, Cllr Mason visited the gallery and viewed the locally produced artworks.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Cathy Mason said, “It is wonderful to see this new business in Newcastle promoting the works of local artists and providing valuable studio space to facilitate the development of the work of local artists. I wish the artists every success with this new venture and encourage people to visit the Ash Gallery and support local creative industries.”

Follow Ash Gallery on Facebook @theashgalleryandstudios to view their collection of works and to find out more about upcoming studio events and workshops.