Omagh painter and poet brings her colourful world to Derry for gallery and website launch

AN Omagh-born artist is preparing to introduce her paintings and poetry to a wider audience with a two-day pop-up gallery in Derry city centre.

Brunella Sherry, known to friends and family as Bee, will showcase a selection of her original paintings, fine-art prints and poetry at the Richmond Centre on Friday 30 and Saturday, October 31.

The event will also mark the official launch of her website, www.brunellasherrypainterandpoet.com, allowing people to explore and purchase her work online.

Brunella's paintings are characterised by expressive colour, an instinctive approach to composition and a fascination with nature, light and emotion. Rather than working to a rigid formula, she often allows a painting to develop spontaneously, responding to what emerges on the canvas.

Her creative interests developed at an early age and continued through her university years in Belfast and subsequent time in London, where she worked in the creative and fashion industries.

She is also the daughter of the late Irish country singer Brian Coll, although Brunella has followed her own artistic path through painting and poetry.

The Richmond Centre exhibition follows an initial two-day public showcase earlier in October, during which visitors were invited to view her work and share their impressions.

Brian Coll, who is Bee’s twin brother and is assisting in the planning and delivery the launch, said: "The response from people who stopped to look at Bee's work has been very encouraging. What struck me most was how differently people connected with individual paintings. Some were drawn to the colours, others to the memories or emotions they brought to mind.

"We wanted to give Brunella the opportunity to present her work properly, in a gallery-style setting, and invite people to discover the artist behind the paintings."

The pop-up will feature original artwork alongside a selection of professionally produced prints, Christmas cards and poetry. Visitors will also be able to explore Brunella's new website and learn more about her creative journey.

Brunella Sherry's mini-gallery and website launch takes place at the Little Derry Pop-Up Shop, Level 3, Richmond Centre, Derry, on Friday 30 and Saturday, October 31.

Further information: www.brunellasherrypainterandpoet.com