The Dodder Art Club are a group of active retired people in the area who came together to develop artistic skills in a sociable and relaxed environment. The members who have been practising their drawing and painting since 2022, formed the club last year, with many of them starting out as complete novices, while tapping into their creative flair as time went on.
The group of 14 members, work with a variety of mediums, including acrylics, watercolours, pastels and pencil and all sessions are led by an experienced teacher. They showcased their first art exhibition weekend in the spacious, well-lit Sandymount Community Centre back in October and family, friends and visitors were in awe at the sheer talent captured by all the members which was displayed on the art stands made by Pat Duffy. This vibrant, engaging and inclusive event honoured both the artistic achievements of retirees and the vitality that they continue to bring to the community. Anne Casey, who is the chairperson of The Dodder Art Club thanked everyone involved for all the support, help and dig outs, saying, “it was wonderful to be part of a team where everyone is so prepared to get stuck in and get the job done,” also adding “it is a great example of what the group was able to achieve over the past two years.”
Special thanks went to the Aviva Stadium Community Fund, Dublin City Council and the Culture Committee of the Sandymount Community Centre who all helped make the exhibition possible.
It just goes to show that art has no age limits and promises a rather new and exciting chapter full of possibilities which offer the opportunity for an enriching adventure after retirement.
The Dodder Art Club runs from Sandymount Community Centre on a weekly basis and there is a two-year waiting list! To get your name down or for more information on the group, email dodderartclub@gmail.com.
