Children’s artworks on display at Junction 14 services

What’s on display?

Twenty one of the best entries are on display for the 72nd running of the Texaco Children’s Art Competition, but this isn’t just a few paintings and drawings hanging in an alcove — the popular service stop has converted a big chunk of public space into a temporary gallery, with the entries transformed into 1.5-metre, window-sized displays.

As Texaco puts it: “The result is an exhibition that can be enjoyed as part of everyday life, whether stopping for a coffee, meeting family, taking a break from the road or simply passing through.”

Did you say this is the 72nd running of the competition?

Yes, the Texaco Children’s Art Competition has been running since 1955, and according to Texaco: “is widely regarded as the longest-running sponsorship in the history of arts sponsoring in Ireland and has provided generations of young people with a platform to express themselves through art.”

Opening the exhibition, Liam Fitzpatrick, Director of Junction 14 Mayfield, said:

“We are delighted to once again welcome the Texaco Children’s Art Exhibition to Junction 14 Mayfield. These young artists have produced an exceptional collection of work, and it is wonderful to be able to share their creativity with the many people who visit us every day. Junction 14 is very much part of the local community, with families, workers, commuters and visitors from Kildare, Laois and much further afield passing through our doors.

"We hope that people will take a moment during their visit to stop, look at the artwork and enjoy the incredible talent on display. It is particularly special to see an initiative with such a long history continue to bring art into everyday settings and make it accessible to people of all ages.”

As it happens, the Fitzpatrick family has connections with Texaco that run slightly further back than the Art Competition itself — in fact, it dates back to 1954 and includes other Texaco service stations in Naas and Monasterevin.

How long does the exhibition run for?

The exhibition at Junction 14 Mayfield will run until 1 November.

James Twohig, Director of Ireland Operations, Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand, said: “The Texaco Children’s Art Competition has always been about providing young people with an opportunity to share their creativity, and there is something particularly special about seeing their work displayed in a place where it can be enjoyed by so many people.

"We are delighted that Junction 14 Mayfield is once again providing this platform for the winning artists. We extend our thanks to the Fitzpatrick family and all the staff at Junction 14 Mayfield for helping bring this exhibition to the local community and to the thousands of people who pass through here each day.”