Local exhibition born from lockdown sketches attracts visitors to Omagh Library
An exhibition of colourful cartoons and caricatures by an Omagh-based artist drew smiles and steady footfall during a 10-day run at Omagh Library. The quirky display showcased a collection of work the artist describes as inspired largely by a lifelong love of films and music.
The artist is identified in coverage as Piero McGartland, though some notices also reference the name Piero Cardarelli. The show presented humorous and distinctive caricatures of actors, musicians and well-known movie characters, drawn over several years and displayed together for the first time.
“I just love to draw.”
Those four words, used by the artist in conversation with local media, summed up the approach visible throughout the exhibition: bright, characterful illustrations intended to entertain. According to the artist, the practice of drawing cartoons and caricatures began during the Covid-19 lockdown, when, faced with prolonged periods at home and a steady stream of negative news, he took up a sketch pad and started to draw.
He told the Tyrone Herald that his first attempts were caricatures of famous actors and musicians. What began as a pastime quickly developed into a sustained creative endeavour. “I first opened up a sketch pad and started to draw during lockdown,” he said. “I needed something to do and did my first couple of caricatures of famous actors and musicians. I looked at them and thought, ‘These aren’t half bad,’ and I’ve been drawing constantly ever since.”
- Exhibition length: 10 days
- Subjects: actors, musicians, iconic movie characters and pop-culture figures
- Origins: began during Covid-19 lockdown as a creative outlet
The collection on display was described as spanning several years of work and emphasising colour and humour. The artist told reporters that, while he has tried more serious portraiture, it is the lighter, pop-culture-based illustrations that bring him the most enjoyment.
In addition to his visual art, the artist is a familiar presence on the local music scene in Omagh, and he said both music and drawing offer complementary outlets for his creativity. “Whether it’s drawing or playing the guitar and singing, I just love being creative,” he stated.
What the exhibition offered local audiences
Visitors to the library had the opportunity to inspect a large body of work in one place and to see how the artist translates personality into exaggerated but affectionate caricature. The exhibition material—described in local reporting as a collection of colourful and comical illustrations—was designed to appeal to a broad audience, drawing upon widely recognised faces from film and music.
The show’s popularity underlines a local appetite for community arts events that are accessible and light-hearted. Library-based exhibitions often provide towns with an informal cultural hub, and this display joined other recent activities aimed at encouraging local engagement with the arts.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue | Omagh Library |
| Duration | 10 days |
| Focus | Caricatures and cartoons of actors, musicians, movie characters |
Local reaction, as reported, was broadly positive: the exhibition drew smiles and laughter from visitors during its run and offered a reminder of how amateur and semi-professional artists can find new audiences by presenting work in public spaces.
While the event highlighted an individual’s creative journey, it also illustrated wider patterns that emerged during the pandemic. For many people, prolonged periods at home led to rediscovery of old hobbies or the beginning of new projects. In this instance, those early lockdown sketches developed into a public exhibition that resonated with townspeople and showcased a personal blend of visual art and musical involvement.
The exhibition has now closed following its 10-day showing. Local arts organisers and library staff frequently stage similar displays, providing platforms for emerging local talent and offering residents accessible cultural events within the centre of Omagh.
The library exhibition will be remembered both for the light-hearted nature of the artwork and for underscoring the continuing role of local venues in promoting community creativity.
