Has GRAPE Just Been Squashed…?

Circle in the round…

ith both the summer shindigs and the Christmas market, the Greystones Art & Photography Exhibition has expanded over the past seven years to being an integral part of the town.

And now, after all those years at the helm, and as a the face of GRAPE, Jody Connaughton is handing in his badge.

In a statement released this morning, Connaughton thanks all those who have helped grow the market over the years – but also points the finger at those who would apparently want to stunt that growth.

Here’s Jody’s statement in full…

Following several unanswered requests to meet with Tidy Towns to discuss ongoing issues relating to the operation of the GRAPE exhibition, it is with great regret that I must announce my immediate withdrawal of participation in organizing this event.

This decision has not come easily and I will sorely miss this event, as it has become a part of the harbour and town during the summer.

GRAPE started in 2011 and was an idea of mine that was floated past Greystones Tidy Towns as a fundraiser for them. To date I understand that it has been a great fundraiser only coming second to the family fun day. This fact alone leaves me in disbelief as to why they will not meet with me to hear my concerns.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the exhibitors who came down participated over the last 7 years. I would also like to thank Dave O’Reilly & John Harrington (Tidy Towns), and Pat Killilea, who tirelessly turned up every week to help put the fence panels and exhibitors in place (and put them away afterwards) each week. I would like to acknowledge Greystones Tidy Towns provision of insurance for the event but unfortunately this is where their participation as a whole fell short.

Finally, I would like to thank all of the customers who came by to look, comment and purchase from all of the artists, photographers and crafters who set up shop at the harbour over the last 7 years.

Here’s hoping differences can be resolved, given just how big a part of a Greystones weekend GRAPE has become. You can go explore previous outings right here.