Donegal artists play hide and seek for Incognito and Jack and Jill Foundation

Sixteen Donegal artists have generously donated their art for Incognito, Ireland’s biggest online art sale, in aid of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation.

Among the local artists who have taken up their brushes for a great cause are Martin Mooney from Ramelton, Bernie Anderson from Ballybofey, Vanessa Marsh from Redcastle, and Veronica Buchanan and Catherine Dobson from Buncrana.

What’s different about the Incognito art sale is that buyers have absolutely no idea of the artists behind the artworks, until after the sale has closed. Now in its eighth year, Incognito 2024 features the work of over 1,200 artists, with more than 3,300 original postcard-size artworks priced at €65, no matter who the artist is, on show online. Buyers now have three weeks to peruse and pick their favourite pieces before the sale goes live on Wednesday, April 24.

Among the stars taking part in 2024 are iconic model and actress, Jerry Hall, comedian Colin Murphy, fashion designers Don O’Neill, Heidi Higgins, Helen Steele and Simone Rocha, milliner Philip Treacy, jewellery designer Chupi Sweetman, radio stars PJ Gallagher and Jim McCabe, singer Brian Kennedy, TV royalty Thelma Mansfield, and award-winning architect Hugh Wallace.

For Deirdre Walsh, CEO of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, the support of the Donegal art community and the wider public in raising vital funds for its work is crucial: “This year once again we are amazed at the high standard of art by Incognito artists and the diverse selection of styles. We are very grateful for the support of those Donegal artists who have joined in the excitement that is Incognito and want to help raise money for Jack and Jill. The Incognito art sale quite literally turns art into a currency for care.”

For Anne Reilly, Jack and Jill Liaison Nurse Manager for Donegal, Incognito means that local families can continue to receive much-needed support: “Monies raised from Incognito go to fund in-home nursing care hours, respite support and end-of-life care provided by the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation to ten Donegal children from birth to six years of age.

“These include children with a range of highly complex medical conditions, whose parents are caring for them at home, where they belong. Jack and Jill is a lifeline for these families in offering mum or dad a break to spend time with their other children, run out for the messages, grab a coffee with a friend, or catch a nap, safe in the knowledge that their child’s complex medical needs are being looked after. We are privileged to be there, in the family home, and at the invitation of the parents, giving what support we can to these incredible families, who face such immense challenges with love, hope and courage.”

For further information and to see the Incognito collection, visit the Incognito website and to check out the work of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, visit the Jack and Jill site