The Pursuit of Happiness, a stunning new exhibition by local artist Eddie Rafferty, opens to the public on Saturday 17 June. Featuring prints, drawings, paintings and collages the exhibition depicts the people and places that Eddie has encountered at home and abroad, particularly in South Africa where he worked as an artist in residence.

‘In Pursuit of Happiness – Summer Holidays & Little Treasures’ – Saturday 17 June: 10am – 12pm, £5
Children will have fun experimenting with drawing, painting & monoprinting techniques inspired by the current exhibition, producing two pieces of fabulous finished artworks to take home. Each child should bring a landscape holiday photo and any personal object that evokes happiness! Suitable for 7 – 11 years.

‘Place and Personal Treasures’ – Saturday 17 June: 2pm – 4pm, £8
Inspired by the themes and techniques used in the Pursuit of Happiness exhibition, participants will be encouraged to use their personal expression to create wonderful works of art based on a particular object that evokes a sense of happiness and a photo of a place that is of special significance. Suitable for adults.

Father’s Day Workshop – Sunday 18 June: 2pm – 4pm, FREE
The gallery will be holding a special Father’s Day drop in workshop giving children the chance to create a fabulous Father’s Day card or prove Dad is the best with a tremendous hand-made trophy.

Toddler Tuesday – Tuesday 20 June: 11am – 12pm & 2pm – 3pm, FREE
Artist Deborah Malcomson will lead an imaginative arts masterclass aimed at children aged 2 -5 years. Taking inspiration from the current exhibition, Eddie Rafferty: The Pursuit of Happiness, this fun and friendly workshop is guaranteed to bring out the little artists’ imaginative creativity.

Guided Gallery Tour – Saturday 24 June & Wednesday 28 June: 11am, FREE
Join our gallery guides on a guided tour when they will share some of the fascinating stories behind Eddie Rafferty’s exhibition, The Pursuit of Happiness. No booking needed, meet at the information desk.

Eddie Rafferty: themes, sources and influences – Tuesday 25 July at 7.30pm

Rafferty’s work responds to the personal narratives of the people he meets in ‘outsider’, often marginalised, communities in Northern Ireland and South Africa.

This illustrated talk will look at the work of various artists who have influenced him – from the photography of Victor Sloan and the drawing of Egon Schiele to the distinctive paintings of South African artists Marlene Dumas, William Kentridge and Sam Nhlengethwa.

Cost: £5 or £3 for Friends of McWilliam Members on presentation of Friends card.

Eddie Rafferty: materials and techniques – Tuesday 15 August at 7.30pm

A close look at some individual works from the exhibition will reveal Rafferty’s use of a range of techniques and materials, from drawing, etching and painting to the use of collage, newspapers, photographs and found objects.

Cost: £5 or £3 for Friends of McWilliam Members on presentation of Friends card.

To book a place or for further information please contact us:
T: (028) 4062 3322 • E: info@ femcwilliam.com • W: www.femcwilliam.com • Or follow us: Facebook.com/femcwilliamgallery; @fegallery