A TRIBUTE exhibition, which will raise funds for The Fishermen’s Mission, will open in Kilkeel Library on 24 February. In memory of Kilkeel couple, the late Harris and Lyn Green, the pieces on display have been created by their daughter, Heather Green. Heather’s artwork is based on photographs taken at Kilkeel Harbour, and this exhibition, entitled ‘Industry’, includes a number of pieces reflecting her views on the local fishing industry.
Encouraging people to call in and view the work which will be on display, Heather said she hopes as much money as possible is raised for the charity which provides emergency and welfare support to fishermen and their families. Looking back on her childhood in Kilkeel, Heather, whose late father was a seaman, both merchant and fisherman, said: “It’s funny, growing up you never appreciate the lifestyle that was afforded, with the fullness of fun of living in the Mournes and enjoying the industrial community that worked so hard to give us all as children a good life.”
She explained that when her parents were in ill health it was then that she realised the closeness of the community and the many offers of support that came forward, but also how there was “one charity that stood out.” “The Fisherman’s Mission, based in Kilkeel, help so many and in so many different ways,” she said. “From making a homely place to relax for fishermen far from home, to advice and assisting those in need in the community, to the personal touch.” Acknowledging the support her family received from the Mission during her parents’ ill health, Heather said that this is the prime reason for her latest exhibition. “My work is based on photography of Kilkeel Harbour and depicts my surreal view in an abstract version of how I see the place I come from,” she said, adding that the local fishing community should “be proud of how they have dealt with the negative affect of so many changes and restrictions”.
Heather added: “I don’t claim to understand all of these, but I know that a fisherman’s work is hard. There has been so much loss of life at sea with so much heartbreak. The sea is a friend and a foe.” All pieces on display will, at the end of the exhibition, be donated to Kilkeel Fishermen’s Mission for auction. Heather also spoke of her admiration for another key local organisation in Kilkeel – the town’s lifeboat station, and the role it plays in saving lives at sea.
