Pigs on Parade: Clontarf Artists Create Unique Pigs for Jack and Jill Foundation

Local Clontarf artists Donna Cooney and Frank O'Dea were recently selected to create a unique pig for 'Pigs on Parade', a major fundraising event for Jack and Jill children's charity.

The 'Pigs on Parade' campaign is well underway, with pigs located in iconic locations around the City. These beautiful pigs which have been designed by artists, designers and celebrities nationwide are truly beautiful pieces of art and are now available to be purchased. The money raised from this campaign will support home nursing care for the foundation's 300 sick children.

The local artists Donna and Frank both have their studios in Clontarf.

Ms. Donna Cooney's pig, titled "Angela the Flying Pig”, was hiding out in the Huge Lane Gallery and has now joined Frank O' Dea's Pig in the CHQ Building. 

There are 100 Pigs altogether and they are available to purchase via online auction.

Ms. Cooney: "I gained inspiration for this by looking at the sun sets from Clontarf Promenade over Dublin Bay. This is where I live and work from, and naturally inspires much of my work. I love the idea of flying pigs and remember as a child the album cover of Pink Floyd's ‘Animals’ with the flying zeppelin pig. In my research I discovered that the concept of flying pigs has grown in popularity in modern culture, with flying pig designs used for weather vanes, jewellery and garments.”

"Piggin for Gold" by Frank O' Dea (pictured above) was inspired by gold mining in County Monahan, and a spot of bother St. Maeldoid had with a pig. Frank is also the owner of Balla Ban Art Gallery in Dublin’s Westbury Mall.

Clontarf businesses have the option to sponsor one of these unique pigs and keep them in Clontarf. The pigs would look lovely outside your shop front or in the foyer of your business. Online you can bid on any pig of their choice. 

There the top golden pigs will be sold at a live auction in the Doubletree by Hilton on the Burlington Road, which takes place on Saturday the 21st March 2015. Tickets to the event are €125 each (or a table of 10 for €1,250) and can be purchased from the Jack and Jill Foundation Office on (045) 894538.