Geraldine O'Reilly facts for kids

Geraldine O'Reilly (born in 1956) is a talented Irish artist. She is known for her amazing paintings, drawings, and printmaking. Geraldine is also a member of Aosdána, which is a special group for Ireland's most important artists.

Early Life and Education

Geraldine O'Reilly was born in 1956 in a place called Rathwire, in County Westmeath, Ireland. She grew up in the nearby area of Killucan.

Studying Art

Geraldine went to the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in Dublin. This is a very famous art school in Ireland. She finished her studies there in 1982.

Artistic Career

Geraldine O'Reilly has had a busy and successful career as an artist. She has received many awards and her work is shown in important places.

Awards and Memberships

In 1989, Geraldine received a Fulbright Scholarship. This is a special award that helps people study or teach in other countries. She was also part of the Women Artists Action Group. This group worked to support women artists.

Geraldine is a member of Graphic Studio Dublin. This is a place where artists can create prints. She was even the head of this studio in 2008. In 2004, she was chosen to join Aosdána. This shows how important her art is in Ireland.

Where Her Art Is Displayed

You can find Geraldine O'Reilly's artwork in some of Ireland's most famous museums. These include the National Gallery of Ireland, the Irish Museum of Modern Art, and the Chester Beatty Library.

Themes in Her Art

Geraldine's art often explores interesting topics. She looks at women's history and the story of people moving from one country to another, which is called emigration. She also paints landscapes, but her landscapes show how people have used and changed the land over time.

She uses special techniques like etching and lithography to make her prints. These are ways of creating images by carving or drawing on a surface, then using ink to transfer the image onto paper.

Teaching Art

Besides creating her own art, Geraldine has also taught art to others. She has taught at places like Ballyfermot College of Further Education and the Royal Hibernian Academy. She even taught art at Arbour Hill Prison and the National Gallery of Ireland.

Personal Life

Geraldine O'Reilly lives and works in Rathwire Lower, which is part of Killucan in County Westmeath.