The ‘Art of Friendship’: bringing togetherness into Longford

The Art of Friendship exhibition launched on Saturday, November 29 in Longford Library. With pieces made by local and Ukrainian artists. Organised by the Little Steps for Ukraine in Longford, this effort is to provide gifts to children back in Ukraine. All proceeds made by the purchasing of pieces will go to this cause.

The pieces are now displayed in the library until the end of the week, and are viewable during the library’s opening hours. Opened by well-known local auctioneer John Farrell, the event received plenty of support from both artists and the community. Artists included Shelley Corcoran, Cait Farrell, Nicole Forster, Anna Kostina, Cherniakova Tetiana, June Belton Hanna Butusova and Alla Shmygovska.

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In response to the exhibition’s launch, Tiernan forwarded a comment made by a Ukrainian lady who was present at the event:
“The day was emotionally really warm. Longford people are very kind – more than €2,200 from these pictures to support our children back in Ukraine. So kind. Nice words, beautiful music and the local apple juice after – like in my youth in the countryside. Everything was really warm and nice. Thank you.”

Tiernan Dolan, who was behind making the event possible, had a few words to say.

“I was just thrilled with the amount of money that was made. It far exceeded expectations. I would like to thank all of the artists. I’d like to thank the library, John Farrell who launched it, and Eamon Ó Ceallaigh who provided hauntingly beautiful and appropriate music. And everybody who supported the event.

PICTURES | Longford library launches the Art of Friendship exhibition

“The end result is that some or many children in Ukraine will have a special Christmas this year because of the generosity of Longford people. For example, there are seventeen gifts in the post today, so it’s already started. I’m very grateful and very thankful for all of the support.”

He added that the launch was a lovely event and he is very happy with how it turned out.

Everyone is welcome to continue viewing the pieces by the end of the week, so it is encouraged to visit Longford Library when the opportunity arises to appreciate the hard work that all the artists have done.

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The Little Steps for Ukraine in Longford, has sent over 2,000 gifts to individual children who are suffering as a result of the ongoing missile and drone attacks on civilian targets. They send boxes with clothes, books, small toys, and warm messages directly to children in Ukraine.