Boyle Arts Festival is honoured to announce the establishment of the Barry Feely Sculptor Award this year, created in partnership with the Feely Family and Feelystone, in memory of Barry Feely and his extraordinary contribution to the arts in Boyle.
Barry was a founding member of Boyle Arts Festival and played a pivotal role in the festival’s growth and success. As both a dedicated committee member and Chairperson for many years, he helped shape the festival into a celebrated platform for the arts. His commitment to the arts, particularly the visual arts, also led to the establishment of the Boyle Civic Art Collection in 1990, alongside Fergus Ahern, creating a lasting cultural resource for the community. Barry was involved in many voluntary endeavours because of his love for Boyle.
A master craftsman in stone, Barry began his career at the age of 15 in the family business, Feely & Sons. Throughout his life, he championed and supported generations of sculptors, providing space, expertise and resources as the business expanded at its Greatmeadow premises. Today, Feelystone is led by Barry’s sons, Finbarr and Shane Feely, continuing a remarkable family tradition that spans ten generations.
Sponsored annually by Feelystone and the Feely Family, the Barry Feely Sculptor Award will celebrate and support the work of an emerging to mid-career sculptor, working in any medium, whose work is selected for exhibition in the Main Exhibition at King House. Through this award, Barry’s passion for craftsmanship, creativity and artistic excellence will continue to inspire future generations of sculptors.
