Seven Offaly artists donate work for sold-out children's charity art sale

The Jack and Jill Children's Foundation has announced that its much-loved Incognito art sale has sold out, raising a remarkable €217,425 for the charity.

Now in its eighth year, the fundraiser in 2024 involved the biggest Incognito collection to date, with 3,345 original postcard-sized artworks, all generously donated by over 1,200 artists from Ireland and all over the world.

The artists all go 'incognito', with their signature only on the back of the canvas.

The identities of the artists have now been disclosed, and this year's event featured contributions from seven Offaly artists: Denise Cronin, Ella Curley, Olive Cuskelly, Hazel Greene, Sheila Hough, Frances McDonnell and Deborah McWilliams.

The sale attracted interest from over 44,000 visitors to the Incognito website from Ireland and worldwide.

Successful purchasers come from around the globe including Australia, the UK, Germany, Canada, The US, Spain, Italy, Switzerland and Luxembourg, as well as Ireland.

The Jack and Jill Foundation said the money raised from the art sales would support over 12,000 hours of in-home nursing and respite care, and end-of-life care, to over 400 children with complex medical needs who are currently under the charity's care right across the country.

Deirdre Walsh, CEO of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, said the Incognito initiative was all about community and translating art into a currency for care.

"We want to extend a sincere thank you to every single artist and art lover involved in making Incognito 2024 such a great success for the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation," she said.

"I hope those who were successful in securing a piece of art will enjoy it for many years to come and take pride in the fact that their contribution has helped towards providing more than 12,000 hours of in-home nursing care and respite support to over 400 families caring for children with complex medical needs across Ireland."