DISPLAY: Johnny McGuire and Declan Mulvany pictured outside Killarney Art Gallery where the Texaco Art Competition winner’s painting will go on display next week. Photo: Michelle Crean

By Michelle Crean

His creation was so stunning that it won the Texaco Children’s Arts Competition outright - and now the people of Killarney will be the first to view Casey Etherton's work.

The young talented artist recently won first prize in the 16 – 18 years category but was denied the competition’s usual reception and exhibition in Dublin due to the current COVID restrictions.

From next week, Killarney Art Gallery will be the first in the county to display Casey's winning work 'Kevin In The Pink', which features his neighbour Kevin Farrell on canvas.

However, friends and family in Kerry are determined to let Casey’s success shine in his home county including Killarney man Johnny McGuire who helped organise the local exhibition which the public can view from the Killarney Art Gallery window.

Not only that but a number of other art galleries around the county have generously made space available in their windows for the award-winning work including Dingle on February 8 – 13, Kenmare from the 15 to 20, The John Hurley Gallery, Denny Street, Tralee 22 – 27, and the Olive Stack Gallery, Listowel from March 1 to 6.

"It’s an amazing opportunity for me to have my work shown like this,” Casey said. “I hope it encourages people to paint, especially during these tough times.”

“I would like to offer my congratulations to Casey; it is wonderful to see such talent here in Kerry,” said Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr. Patrick Connor-Scarteen. “Credit must also be given to the great support from the community to host this tour – artists are a crucial part of our society and the value of their work is immeasurable.”

Johnny McGuire added that "it's great to see such talent in Kerry".

"I was thilled to see that someone from Kerry won the overall competition. I'm really looking forward to seeing it in reality."

Since winning the competition Casey has been studying for his Leaving Cert and compiling his portfolio for future arts studies that he hopes to pursue. Before this lockdown he went back to his old primary school, Scoil Crohan Naofa in Caherdaniel, where he received an award and drawings done by the schoolchildren, a new generation inspired by creativity.