Paul Bell : Exhibition of Paintings
The Theatre Club Gallery of The Braid Arts Centre
Wednesday 31st March to Monday 26th April
Open 10.00am – 10.00pm daily except Sundays
The Braid Arts Centre is proud to welcome local prolific Artist Paul Bell to The Theatre Club Gallery
Paul Bell was born in 1968. He studied Art and Design at Newport College, graduating with a first class honours degree from the University of Wales. He is a regular contributor to the Royal Ulster Academy and the RHA. His paintings are much sought after for their strong physical resemblance to their subject matter, both in aesthetic and analytical terms. His passion to understand the internal make-up of his subject is ever present in the sculptural quality of his portraits, whether human or animal.
One could almost walk past a Paul Bell painting: its very being is so real that it would be easy to confuse the art with the reality. It is only that the wonder of how these cows could possibly gaze from an interior wall that we accept that this is a recreated existence. We are astonished by such everyday sights, which, through the artist`s choice, present themselves into everyday space.
The physicality of these images reflect the physicality of the personality behind them. Paul is a painter of extreme diversity both in terms of application of paint and the narrative behind. However, what has to be admired most is his symbolic interpretation of what he sees and his confident, yet straightforward approach which so skillfully represents itself on canvas.
Paul's work is in collections throughout the U.S.A., U.K. and Eire.
Exhibition open daily: Free admission
Ad Hoc Theatre Group Presents:
Culture and Comedy come to Ballymena, Hi!
Wednesday 7th April - 8.00pm
The AHTG brings three new plays to the stage, plus interviews with three local celebrities. Each of the plays is a Victorian Melodrama featuring well known fictional characters. Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson come face to face with the picture of Dorian Gray, Frankenstein creates a most unusual monster and Sweeney Todd helps Mrs Lovett produce some exciting new dishes. This is a show for all the family and promises to be a great night out.
Tickets: £5
County Antrim and Derry Country Fiddlers Association
Fiddle School Gala Concert
Thursday 8th April – 8.00pm
The Theatre – The Braid Arts Centre
Featuring:
Leslie Craig - Accordion
Rose Murray – Keyboard
Michael Sayers – Singer
Ceol na gCapall
MC- Malachy Duffin
Come along this evening for the first appearance in The Braid Arts Centre of the fantastic Antrim & Derry Fiddle School – a Gala Concert of all the best in traditional music and lots more
A huge, fabulous line up of fiddlers like you’ve never heard before!
Tickets:
Adult £4
Children £2 (under 18’s)
Family ticket £10 – 2 adults and 2 children
The David McWilliams Tribute Stage
Featuring The Ronnie Greer Blues Band and The Stonehouse Blues Band
Friday 9th April – 8.00pm
Come along tonight to a night of tribute to Ballymena’s own David McWilliams. Guitar legend Ronnie Greer has been at the centre of the local Blues music scene for over 40 years, tonight he is joined by Alan Hunter, Colm Fitzpatrick, Errol Walsh and John McCullough – expect the best in blues & jazz by these seasoned performers.
The Stonehouse Blues Band was formed through a love of the blues when 4 guys came together to play the music they loved. With each member having over 20 years experience each, the band are the BT Blues Club resident performers.
From blues, rhythm and blues, classic rock and soul – all played with a distinctive style. A great night out for music lovers !
Tickets : £8.00
Ballymena Busking Day
Saturday 10th April – from 10.00am to 4.00pm
A full day Busking Trail featuring local musicians and members of Ballymena Chamber Orchestra.
Follow the Busking Trail from The Braid Arts Centre at 10.00am to The Peoples Park from 11.00am to 2.30 pm, and the Fairhill Centre all afternoon
The best of classical and modern music from a host of talented musicians
Please give generously to the musicians!
Pet Portrait and Pet Awareness Day at the Park
Saturday 10th April in The Peoples Park
11.00am to 1.00pm
A morning of entertainment and education for children, featuring giant chalk drawing sessions on the paths of the Park, Pet Portrait Painting, Face Painting, Plus the mid antrim animal sanctuary will be in attendance with an information stand containing tips and advice on pet ownership for all ages!
Ballymena's Bag Lady will also be there with her ASAP Pledge and Bag and Bin Advice.
This will be a fab way to spend the morning – so come along and join in – remember to wear old clothes !
Dogs are welcome but must be on a lead and accompanied by an adult.
Home Sweet Home
Saturday 10th April – 8.00pm
A solo work devised and performed by local Actress Mary Frances Doherty
In Home Sweet Home, Mary Frances clicks her heels together 3 times to create a magical experience juxtaposed with the harsh reality of what reallyhappens when we’re in our home. Sharing stories with her invited and unexpected guests, this enchanting homemaker offers a range of sweet treats that will be hard to resist.
Tickets £6.00
All events in the Festival are promoted by Ballymena Arts Partnership