The Methodist Modern Art Collection Comes To Ballymena | Churches Art Trail

The Methodist Modern Art Collection comes to Ballymena and as well as exhibiting at The Braid Arts Centre, there will also be a Churches Art Trail with nine local churches involved.

This is the first time in it’s 55 year history that this event will be welcomed anywhere in Ireland, and fantastic news for the town as The Methodist Modern Art Collection comes to Ballymena for it’s first ever visit. Thanks to the partnership between the Ballymena Church Members Forum, Mid & East Antrim Borough Council & the local churches we can have an opportunity to see this exhibition of art up close.

Methodist Arts Coll leaflet

The Braid Arts Centre are exhibiting the collection in their theatre, which will be transformed into an art gallery for the event, from 10th May through to 18th June 2015. There’s also going to be an opportunity to see selected pieces in the churches listed below as the exhibition makes it’s way around the Churches Art Trail over 2 weekends in May –  from Friday 22nd May through to Monday 25th May and then on Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st May.

Churches involved in this event are:

  • Ballymena Methodist Church
  • Gracehill Moravian Church
  • All Saints Parish Church
  • Wellington Presbyterian Church
  • St Patrick’s Church of Ireland, Ballymena
  • West Presbyterian Church
  • St Patrick’s Church of Ireland, Broughshane
  • High Kirk Presbyterian Church
  • First Ballymena Presbyterian Church

For full details of The Churches Art Trail click here for a comprehensive list of events.

All of the churches taking part will be running a variety of events to coincide with the exhibition. These include floral displays, music & singing, short talks, times for reflection and not forgetting  tea, coffee and scones being served at many of the open times.

This collection was started by a Methodist layman and art collector, who along with a Methodist minister, wanted Methodist people to have an appreciation  and understanding of contemporary art and what it could bring to illustrate the Christian story. The collection has steadily grown since then and has visited many towns and cities giving people of all denominations an opportunity to see this for themselves.

To find out more about the exhibition, the artists and what it’s about click here

Click here to read what the local church leaders who will host the Churches Art Trail have to say about it.

This is a unique opportunity to see an amazing collection of paintings as The Methodist Modern Art Collection comes to Ballymena. Entry is free and all the churches involved will give you a very warm welcome.