The late West Sligo-born artist Fred Conlon was remembered by family, friends, former students and colleagues in IT Sligo library recently during the unveiling of a sculpture by the renowned artist to mark five decades of IT Sligo.
Influenced by the landscape of his beloved Sligo, the sculpture is named “Casadh Na Gaelai” or “Turning of the Moon”, was generously donated to the institute by Fred’s wife Kathleen and family.
Installed in a courtyard outside the institute’s library, the sculpture is an artists’ copy in bronze of an original piece made of granite, located in Shekina, Co. Wicklow.
A native of Killeenduff, Easkey, Fred Conlon was a former lecturer at IT Sligo and initiated the sculpture department in the fledgling Art Department when he joined in 1972.
Over the next 15 years, he inspired the next generation of artists, generously sharing his talent, knowledge and skills.
In 1987 Fred took early retirement from the college to pursue a full-time career as a sculptor until his untimely illness and death in 2005.
Dr. Chris O’Malley, vice president, research, Innovation and engagement at IT Sligo, recalled the late Fred Conlon and his contribution to art, particularly sculpture.
