AN APPRECIATION OF IRISH ART

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Appreciating Irish Art - Patronage, Politics and Power: Three Hundred Years of Irish Paintings

Presented by noted Irish art historian, Elizabeth Martin

Today's Irish art market is rife with discriminating collectors and viewers who flock to galleries, museums and auction houses that predominantly feature Irish art. Notably paintings by George Barret, Jack B. Yeats, Sir William Orpen, Sir John Lavery and Louis le Brocquy, amongst others, continue to grow in stature.

On Friday May 12th, 2006, The American Ireland Fund hosted a captivating evening of art, wine, music and dinner at the magnificent home of Adrienne Fontanella and Peter Culhane in Los Angeles. Located in Pacific Palisades, the Culhane's home is perched high in the hills, overlooking five acres of olive trees with views of the Pacific Ocean.

Friends of the Fund gathered for a special presentation by art historian, Elizabeth Martin, principal of Elizabeth F. Martin Fine Art, based in New York. Ms. Martin introduced the group to an overview of Irish art, with special reference to those outstanding paintings that visually document the social, political and artistic history of modern Ireland. Guests were given a guided tour through three hundred years of Irish art, highlighting those artists who have produced some of Ireland's most glorious paintings that reflect the unique history of colonialism, revolution and artistic triumph.

Following this splendid piece, dinner was served on the terrace under the stars, as the fog rolled in from the Ocean. Italian opera music wafted its way outside and the effect was magical. The Culhanes were joined by an enthusiastic group of supporters including Anne and Jimmy Murphy, Michele and Conor Shalloe, and Margaret Hayhurst. Locals, David Price and Dolores and Jack Keshtkar, from Pacific Palisades were there too.

Also present were Janet and Michael Feeley, Claudia and Gerry Fox, Allison and Bill Butler and Julie and Dan Murphy. It was fun to see Jackie and Peter Prophit, Karen and Richard (Dr.) Mettel and Debbie and Tom Lomis. The American Ireland Fund Regional Director, Marjorie Muldowney, praised Elizabeth Martin for her witty and dazzling lecture, while the CEO of The American Ireland Fund, Kingsley Aikins regaled all with a string of stories and an update on the work of the Fund.

A night to remember and one to look forward to again with the Culhanes next year.