Ashley Curran’s Journey: Featured in the Tyrone Herald and New Works Accepted into Jim McKee's Gallery

I’m thrilled to share some exciting updates about my recent artistic milestones! As a local artist based in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, I have been fortunate enough to have my work featured in a two-page spread in the Tyrone Herald, showcasing my handcrafted metal sculptures and creative process. To add to the excitement, several of my pieces have been accepted into Jim McKee’s Gallery in Donaghmore—a prestigious moment for me as an emerging artist in the local and national art scene.

Tyrone Herald Feature: A Milestone for Local Art

Being featured in the Tyrone Herald as Artist of the Week is truly a proud moment for me. The article provides an in-depth look at my journey as an artist, from my beginnings as a metalworker to creating one-of-a-kind sculptures that merge industrial materials with artistic vision. The feature highlights how I transform items like chains, nuts, bolts, and spanners into creative masterpieces, often taking inspiration from the rich engineering heritage of Tyrone and the stunning local countryside.

This news feature has already brought new eyes to my work, with readers connecting to my pieces through my Etsy shop and social media. If you haven’t seen it yet, head over to the Tyrone Herald or check out the online article to dive into my creative world and learn more about the inspiration behind my works.

Sculptures Now on Display at Jim McKee's Gallery

In even more exciting news, several of my handcrafted pieces have been accepted for display at Jim McKee’s Art Gallery in Donaghmore. This marks a significant step in my career, as having my works featured in a well-known local gallery brings an entirely new level of visibility. Jim McKee, an established name in the Irish art world, saw potential in my metal sculptures and has invited me to showcase my limited-edition creations in his gallery.

Visitors to Jim’s Gallery can now view several of my newest sculptures, including:

• Heart of Steel – A powerful representation of industrial artistry using motorcycle chains, bolts, and nuts.
• Nailed to Eternity – A bold piece featuring welded nails and a stunning Irish oak base.
• Abstract Celtic Cross – Inspired by the famous Donaghmore Cross and made from a salvaged lug wrench.

The Significance of Showcasing in Donaghmore

Donaghmore is known for its artistic culture, and having my work displayed there is a true honour. Each piece featured in the gallery comes with a certificate of authenticity, and these are limited-edition artworks, making them real collector’s items for those interested in metal sculpture and industrial art.

What This Means for the Future

These recent achievements have fueled my passion for continuing to expand my artistic practice. I look forward to working on more unique, hand-welded metal sculptures, experimenting with new materials, and connecting with art lovers and collectors both locally and internationally. This moment is just the beginning, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my community, as well as the opportunities to grow in the Irish art scene.

If you’re in the Donaghmore area, I invite you to visit Jim McKee’s Gallery and see my pieces up close. For those unable to make it in person, you can also explore my work here at AshleyCurranArt.com

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I look forward to sharing even more exciting updates soon!