Deputy Mayor, Cllr Padriag Conneely and Mrs Marie Carrol, St James Road Mervue, one of the residents involved in the exhibition.

A unique exhibition of portraits of Mervue residents is now on show in City Hall.

The exhibition, titled 'Mervue Portraits', features a number of Mervue residents. It was commissioned by Galway City Council under the Department of the Environment's Per Cent for Art Scheme.

The portraits are the work of award-winning, Kinvara-based artist Christopher Banahan, who is one of Ireland's leading portrait painters. He was chosen by Galway City Council to undertake a project to capture in oils the residents of Loughnane Terrace, St James's Road and Quinn Place, Mervue. The commission arose from renovation work undertaken by the Council's Housing Dept. Under the Per Cent for Art Scheme funding was available for an art project associated with the reconstruction work.

Uniquely the subjects of the paintings will be given their portraits to keep as family heirlooms.

According to artist Christopher Banahan: "This approach was unique as usually in housing developments a commissioned piece would be an external monument on a roundabout or common. However, offering any resident who would like their portrait done was a way of dividing up the funds and giving the householders a more inclusive aspect of being involved in the process. The portraits also act as a time capsule, capturing the character and personalities of the estate for future generations to see."

The exhibition, which was opened in City Hall by Deputy Mayor, Cllr. Padraig Conneely, is on show until Christmas.

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