In 2008 while the gallery is closed for refurbishments, we have a very exciting programme planned for the Friends of the RHA with both national and international events planned.

We will begin the year with a weekend trip to Cork with William Gallagher, Education Officer and a long weekend stay in New York with guided tours of some of the worlds most inspiring art collections, provided by Patrick T Murphy, Director RHA.

Visits to Mayo/Sligo, Donegal and a visit to the Royal Academy Summer Show, London, are planned for later in the year, please check this website for further details.

Friends of the RHA, Trip to Cork
Friday 7 - Saturday 8 March
Day 1, Friday 7: Museums & Galleries in Cork City
Guided tour of the Crawford Municipal Art gallery permanent collection, visit to the Fenton and Vangard galleries, to view exhibitions by Billy Foley and Michael Canning respectively. Afternoon: Visit to Lewis Glucksman Gallery, UCC to view The Eternal Now, Warhol and the Factory '63 - '68 exhibition.
We also hope to visit the National Sculpture Factory and that evening attend a screening at the Triskel Arts Centre, a venue taking part in the Cork French Film Festival.

Day 2, Saturday 8: Studio Visit - Eilís O'Connell ARHA, 2pm
Eilís O'Connell ARHA will welcome the Friends of the RHA to her studio in Inniscarra, where we will see some of her working processes. Largely recognised for her large-scale public commissions, such as the Secret Station for Cardiff Bay Art Trust, Vowel of Earth Dreaming it's Root, London Docklands Corporation and Isle of Dogs; and Pero's Footbridge for Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Eilís makes use of a varied range of materials. Places limited on a first come, first served basis.

Image: Eilis O'Connell ARHA, Resin Stone (Eyeries), 2008, clear cast resin, edition of 30, 12.5 x 24 x x15 cms (h x w x d)


Friends of the RHA, New York Trip
Friday 2 - Sunday 4 May
Introduction to the art sights of New York with Patrick T Murphy, RHA Director, Development Officer Rebecca Gale and Michelle Considine, Friends Co-ordinator.

Includes visit to Chelsea, the centre of the New York art scene where there are over 200 art galleries housing work by upcoming and established artists. We will visit some of the most important art galleries in the word along with some exclusive private collections.

Please register your interest with Rebecca or Michelle and we will make further details of the trip available to you.

Places are limited and €200 per person is required to reserve a place on a first come first served basis. Final date for booking is Friday 28 March 2008.

Image: Jasper Johns, Flag, 1954-55, Encaustic, oil, and collage on fabric mounted on plywood (three panels), 107.3 x 154 cm, The Museum of Modern Art, New York Gift of Philip Johnson in honour of Alfred H. Barr, Jr.© 1996 Jasper Johns/Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY