Cork artists receive awards from West Cork Arts Centre

West Cork Arts Centre has announced the winners of its 40th anniversary awards presented as part of Uillinn.

The awards were created to recognise artistic excellence and to provide support to artists at various stages of their careers. Since the exhibition opened on May 31, nearly 600 members of the public have cast their vote for their favourite artwork.

The Morgan O’Driscoll Fine Art Auctioneers Award, offering €1,000 each to two artists for works of distinction, were awarded to Sophie Longwill and Ben Reilly.

Ms Longwill, a glass sculptor, was recognised for 1000 Fleeting Moments, a meditation on the passing of time composed of 1,000 individually flame-formed glass leaves. Mr Reilly’s winning work, Peter the Painter, is a sculptural piece made from salvaged materials such as wood, rubber and wax.

The Uillinn Studio Award, a four-week residency in 2026 with a €500 stipend, was awarded to Pauline Conroy, an artist whose mixed-media works delve into human stories using a wide range of materials and techniques.

The Cnoc Buí Exhibition Award, a solo show in Union Hall in July 2026, went to Nadette Charlet, whose paintings explore the feminine voice in patriarchal societies, often inspired by her time in India.

Additionly, artist Mona O’Driscoll was randomly selected to receive an art hamper, supported by Strand Framing, Cathal O’Donovan’s Bookshop, and Wild Atlantic Framing.

During what was a first for the centre, the public was invited to participate directly in the judging process, alongside a jury of representatives from Uillinn, The Blue House Gallery, Cnoc Buí, and Working Artists’ Studios.

Ann Davoren, director of Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre said: “The level of public engagement was exciting. We have always believed in the power of community, and it was heartening to see the people of West Cork and beyond respond with such enthusiasm.

“These awards reflect not only artistic achievement but also the relationship between the artist, the Uillinn, and the community we serve.”

The Uillinn / Angle exhibition closes on July 3, ahead of Grá, a summer 2025 exhibition featuring works from Crawford Art Gallery’s collection.