The Easter Studio Painters Exhibition officially opened on Thursday 2 April at Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, marking the start of a vibrant and expansive exhibition which continues until Saturday 25 April 2026.
The Easter Studio is the home and creative hub of Omagh-based artist Gerry Bradley. A frequent exhibitor at Strule Arts Centre and a familiar face within Omagh’s arts community, Gerry has been exhibiting locally for around four decades. His influence and commitment to nurturing artistic development were clearly reflected in the breadth and quality of work on display.
The Easter Studio Painters first exhibited at Strule Arts Centre in 2018, when the group comprised six painters alongside Gerry. This year’s exhibition features work by 18 painters, offering visitors an impressive variety of styles and subject matter. On display are landscapes, seascapes, portraits, still life, floral pieces and figurative compositions. An ‘Icon’ also features within the exhibition, described by Gerry as “not in the traditional sense”, reinforcing his belief that surprise and experimentation remain vital elements of artistic practice.
The landscape of Omagh town is celebrated through a range of artistic approaches, while several of the portraits on display resonate strongly through their familiar subjects. Speaking about the exhibition, Gerry commented that “the dynamic of a large group show such as this always brings a strong sense of visual excitement, not only within individual works, but through the comparison of styles, techniques and approaches. Variety really is the spice of life.”
The consistently high standard of work on show reflects the guidance and encouragement provided within the Easter Studio. Studio patrons have benefited from Gerry Bradley’s experience and expertise, developing their own skills to impressively high levels. As one patron was recently overheard remarking, “The bar gets raised to a high level when you come in here.”
While some artists exhibiting this year are relatively recent members of the group, others have been working under Bradley’s mentorship for more than a decade. Reflecting on this, he said: “That is the nature of painting — it is an ongoing voyage of discovery. While I may share expertise with my painters, it is their enthusiasm and determination that continues to energise me and urge me forward, even when creativity may be waning. For that, I am very grateful.”
The exhibition was officially launched last night by Cllr Barry McElduff, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, who praised the group’s ongoing contribution to the local arts scene. He described the spring exhibition as a vibrant reflection of talent and passion and reaffirmed the Council’s pride in supporting creative initiatives that continue to enrich community life across the district.
The Easter Studio Painters Exhibition runs until Saturday 25 April, Monday to Saturday from 9.30am, at Strule Arts Centre. Admission is free and all are welcome.
For further information on the exhibition or Strule Arts Centre’s programme of events, visit www.struleartscentre.co.uk or contact 028 8224 7831, email strulearts@fermanaghomagh.com
