HOLLYWOOD GLITZ IN ORIGINAL WORK BY GOREY ARTIST
Graphic artist and illustrator Katie Maeve Williamson has indulged her love of classic movies in an exhibition of original works entitled The Hollywood Collection which is continuing at the Gaslamp Gallery in Gorey until the end of June.
The exhibition was inspired by movies such as Singing in the Rain, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Great Gatsby and My Fair Lady and Katie added glamour and glitz to the official launch by having a red carpet and champagne.
The 26-year old Gorey artist who has a degree from the National College of Art and Design in Dublin has been a fan of Gene Kelly, the dancing and singing star of ‘Singing in the Rain’ since she was a little girl.
when she started working on the current exhibition, she wanted to ensure she wasn’t infringing any copyright regulations even though her pictures are original interpretations so she tentatively decided to message Gene Kelly’s widow Patricia Ward-Kelly.
‘His widow has a Facebook page promoting his legacy and his charities and I received a notification to say that she typically replies within an hour. I decided to chance my arm and get in touch. I said how much I loved Gene and I told her about the exhibition. I was really surprised when she replied. She was so nice and supportive. She gave me lots of information and advice.’
‘I sent her some images and she messaged me before the launch of the exhibition wishing me luck. I told her how much it meant to me. She travels in America promoting her husband’s legacy and she’s hoping to come to Ireland because of Gene’s Irish roots,’ said Katie Maeve.
In January of this year, Katie Maeve was commissioned by BT Ireland to illustrate a piece which was presented to President Michael D Higgins at the opening ceremony of the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition. She is also an accomplished song writer and graphic designer.
Her next collection will be of Hollywood musicals.