Working Artists Roscommon (WAR).

Working Artists Roscommon (WAR) was formed in 1990 as a local association for full-time artists within the county. The founding members were Noel Molloy, Frances Crowe and Anne Rigney Lally. They were later joined by Batty O'Brien and Honor Fitzgerald. They called the group WAR (Working Artists Roscommon) and Frances Crowe was elected Chairperson. Dympna Molloy and Joseph Cunniffe joined and Batty O'Brien left. The group set up shop in Edenville House, Roscommon with the support of the owners, Roscommon County Council. Their first exhibition together was in the crypt of St. Peter and Paul's Church, Athlone as part of Athlone 300 in 1991 and an exhibition was staged in Roscommon Town as part of the Junior Chamber Summer Festival. The artists began exhibiting at various events throughout the county, including Boyle Arts Festival, and throughout the country. In 1994 they exhibited in The Irish Life Centre, Talbot St., Dublin under the title "Heartlands".

In the late 1990's the Group disbanded. Most of the original members are still active artists within the county.

The following material relating to WAR is in Roscommon County Library, Local Studies collection.

Scrapbook of newspaper articles about the founding of the group.

Helen Sarsfield's Diploma thesis on WAR. A collection of biographies and ephemera. A postcard for "Bag Pieces, Ampersand 5" at City Art Gallery Exhibition, Dublin 1996. WAR artists Frances Crowe, Joe Cunniffe, Honor Fitzgerald, Ann Rigney Lally, Dympna Molloy and Noel Molloy exhibited.

Illustrations Not to Scale.