Works by artists Charles Lamb and Pádraic Reaney are currently on show in Casla as part of a special exhibition Laochra na hEalaíne (Heroes of Art).

But there’s just a brief window in which to see the joint show at Ionad an Oireachtais, Casla, (H91 XP6E) as it finishes this Friday.

Charles Lamb (1893-1964), who was originally from Armagh and made An Cheathrú Rua his home, captured Conamara in his paintings from the 1930s to the 1950s; the sea, the shore, boats and harbours, as well as portraits of local people, their way of life, their clothes, and the way they carried themelves.

About 20 of Lamb’s paintings, which haven’t been publicly exhibited for nearly 50 years feature in this show.

The paintings of Pádraic Reaney, who is originally from An Cheathrú Rua, offer an insight into a changed landscape –  Western islands that once hummed with life are now deserted, with derelict houses and villages. These images are beautiful and lonesome at the same time.

Laochra na hEalaíne  is a rare chance to see a joint show by two artists who have turned their gaze on the West of Ireland in their own unique ways.

The work can be seen from 11am–4pm in the unusual and light-filled gallery in Casla until this Friday, December 1, as part of the Oireachtas 1983-2023 festival.

Pictured: Céibh an tSrutháin le Charles Lamb agus Fínis le Pádraic Reaney.