Pat Cronin Foundation Art Exhibition:
7th April – 3rd May, 2021
Montsalvat, Barn Gallery
I will be contributing a large framed print of a frog for this event. This will be available for sale at the event, with proceeds going to the charity. I am humbled at the opportunity to have an image in the montsalvat gallery and to be able to contribute. I would like to thank Totally Reptiles for trusting me and allowing me to use this beautiful little creature as a subject. If you want to see the image you’ll have to attend the event, I’d love to see you there.
Background of the event:
The Pat Cronin Foundation is holding an art exhibition to raise awareness of our messages in the wider community. We believe reducing violence in our community and Ending the Coward Punch through cultural change is a responsibility for all of us. When we say ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ we need to make sure we present our message to the whole population of that village. Art has the power to be tremendously engaging. Works of art often lead people to really think about deeper issues. Artworks cause most people to pause, and reflect even for a very brief time, and have an emotional experience. The experience, and emotions, are then linked to that piece of art and what it represents and in this way the viewer takes the emotion and message with them. For these reasons we believe that art created to raise awareness for our cause will work very well. An artwork can be the trigger for an emotional reaction that can lead viewers to act. Visual images resonate with some people more than words, which is something that artists are aware of. Artists use the power of their work to express themselves, make statements, or, communicate their support for a cause, and in this way persuade and inform others to take up that cause also. This exhibition will raise awareness for the important cause of the Pat Cronin Foundation and engage the community with local artists and showcase their talents to a wider audience. Secondly, the exhibition will raise funds for the Pat Cronin Foundation through exhibiting and selling beautiful pieces of art from local artists that honour Pat and reflect the vision and values of the Foundation. By inviting local artists who support our cause to express that support through art, we believe that we can communicate with people and engage them as supporters moving forward – call them to action – to spread the message in ways particular to them. This may be talking to their children, referring a school for a presentation, or deciding to attend a Pat Cronin Foundation event.
Pat’s story:
in April 2016, Pat went out for a quiet night and he was punched from behind whilst assisting a mate. He was later taken to hospital and two days later the agonising decision to turn off his life support system was made. Pat was enormously popular and had a deep love for his family and friends. His death has left a gaping hole in the Cronin family’s lives and caused devastation amongst not only them but also his friends and the broader communities in which the Cronin family have been involved. The Pat Cronin Foundation honours Pat by providing an optimistic voice to awareness, education, and research about the coward punch. Helping people feel empowered to make change through wise decisions.
