AN ART exhibition in memory of Dylan Costelloe Clohessy, late of Lissycasey and Kilmaley will be presented for the first time in Ennis this week.
Dylan’s mother Edelle Costelloe unveils the special collection titled ‘Brushtrokes for Dylan’ at the de Valera public library in Ennis from Friday November 28th and it runs until Friday December 19th.
Created in Dylan’s memory, the exhibition features Edelle’s expressive abstract paintings, portraits, minimalist landscapes, and line drawings. It is both a tribute and an act of compassion.
All proceeds will support The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and homeless services in Dylan’s name, reflecting a commitment to community and wellbeing.
Edelle explained, “The exhibition also reflects Dylan’s compassionate spirit. He had hoped to do charity work helping the homeless in Sydney, but sadly didn’t get the chance. In honour of that wish, I chose to support homeless services as part of this exhibition. The De Valera Library was the perfect venue, as it also supports local homeless projects and community wellbeing. It also highlights Clare County Council’s strong support for communities and local artists, making this collaboration especially meaningful”.
A self-taught contemporary artist and life coach, Edelle works with Clare County Council. “I grew up in the countryside, where solitude and nature nurtured an early love of drawing and making. At 16, I won my first art competition, a formative moment that stayed with me even as life took me in other directions”.
Edelle revived her love of art during lockdown while redecorating her home. Encouraged by her family, she began to share images of her artwork on social media and received a positive response. This reaction inspired her to continue developing her work.
She later won the overall prize in a UK based art competition with a self-portrait. Edelle says this experience validated her voice and vision.
Dylan was Edelle’s only son was a great supporter of his mother’s work, encouraging her to her her talents publicly.
Dylan had been living and working abroad and had a deep passion for health, fitness, and helping others. Dylan died following an accident while travelling in Bali.
The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust supported the process of returning Dylan home to Ireland, including arranging travel and handling paperwork, coordination with embassies, consulates, and funeral services. Their assistance eased the practical burdens during an extremely difficult time. The decision to support the Trust and homeless services through this exhibition reflects both Dylan’s compassion and the community support that surrounded his family.
In memory of her son’s passing and as a tribute to his compassionate generous nature Edelle created an exhibition of 32 contemporary paintings which reflects her own personal artistic style. She competed these paintings in 12 months while also working with Clare County Council and running her own life coaching business.
“Every day after work I was continuously creating so I did something like 32 paintings in a year while working full-time,” she said.
The exhibition includes a portrait of Dylan as a fitness instructor which Edelle hopes will display Dylan’s dedication and passion to his work.
Edelle told The Clare Echo; “the portrait of my son Dylan is a powerful tribute to Dylan. His dedication, discipline and spirit live on through every bold line. This silhouette honours not just his form but the strength of his presence and legacy”.
The exhibition also includes work inspired by music, hiking, and local landscapes, including the Cliffs of Moher and Motton Island. Her minimalist landscapes are based on personal memories and places meaningful to her and her family, such as the Cliffs of Moher and Motton Island.
The collection features model-inspired portraits created entirely from the artist’s imagination.
The exhibition launch and preview will take place on Thursday November 27th from 13:30 to 15:00 and will be officially opened by Junior Minister, Timmy Dooley (FF). Mayor of Clare, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) and Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) will be in attendance along with County Librarian, Helen Walsh.
