Audio By Carbonatix
Blake Ovard couldn’t be more supportive of the Irish and Celtic heritage if he were a shamrock-emblazoned jock strap. For two years now, he and his wife, Anne, have operated Gallery O at 817 Exposition by the skin of their teeth and, ostensibly, with a little green-tinted streak of luck and possibly more green beer than they’d care to admit. A watercolorist and wood-carver, Ovard has made it his mission to expose Dallas to traditional and out-of-the-ordinary Celtic art, including works by as many local artists of the ancient persuasion as he can find. Ovard recently remodeled his space so Exposition Park pedestrians can get a better look at his varying exhibitions, and, again this year, he’s sponsoring an art contest that coincides with the North Texas Irish Festival held at nearby Fair Park.
Ovard says he’s pleased with the entries selected for this year’s exhibition, which opens at Gallery O on Saturday and then moves to the fairgrounds for the festival March 3 and March 4. “We’ll have about a dozen artists,” Ovard says, “and I’m glad to see them branching out from traditional media.” He says Austin’s Carmon Deyo will be exhibiting painted silk with a Celtic flair, and local painter Tracy Patterson’s abstract, illusionistic oil painting of Celtic mythological images will be on view. “A number of the participating artists will be here at the opening,” Ovard says, “to talk about their work, and the importance of keeping the heritage alive.”
When news happens, Dallas Observer is there —
Your support strengthens our coverage.
We’re aiming to raise $30,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to you. If the Dallas Observer matters to you, please take action and contribute today, so when news happens, our reporters can be there.
