May 2009
"You Lucky Thing" Book launch
The launch of Helen O’Leary’s latest publication You Lucky Thing will take place in Sligo Central Library, Stephen Street at 7pm on Wednesday 27th May. The launch will be the concluding event of Sligo’s Bealtaine Festival programme. Helen O’Leary was commissioned by Sligo Local Authorities in 2007 to produce an artwork based on the theme of Luck. The commission is part of Unraveling Developments, a series of public art commissions by Sligo Local Authorities.
You Lucky Thing is primarily a book of photographs of lucky objects, rituals, habits and sayings, uniquely local and Irish. Many people in Sligo kindly shared their objects, stories and family traditions for this book. Luck in some way has touched all of our lives making it a fascinating subject. Helen O’Leary has an amazing ability to visually capture the quirky and distinctive character of our every–day environment and landscape. You Lucky Thing will make you smile.
Helen O’Leary is Professor of Fine Art at Pennsylvania State University and divides her time between Ireland and the U.S. She has exhibited paintings, collages, and sculptural objects in Ireland, Australia, India, Belgium, China, and the US over the past 18 years and has been the recipient of many awards. She has previously published two books of photographs taken in Ireland.
Free copies of the book will be available at the launch. For further information, please do not hesitate to contact,
Sligo Library Service, Stephen Street, Sligo. E: sligolib@sligococo.ie T: 071 9111850
Mary McDonagh, Public Art Officer, Sligo Arts Service, Development Centre, Cleveragh Road, Sligo. E: mmcdonag@sligococo.ie T: 071 911 1822
