Anonymous Art Sale in Aid of Mayo Hospice
Anonymous Art Sale in Aid of Mayo Hospice
Thursday 22 October 2026 | 7–10pm
Custom House Studios + Gallery, Westport
Custom House Studios + Gallery invites artists, makers and the wider community to come together for a special fundraising art sale in memory of Margaret Adams, our former Chairperson and a remarkable advocate for the arts and for Westport.
Margaret was the first Chairperson of Custom House Studios when it was established in 2002 and remained at the helm for 23 years, until her passing in February 2025. She was a passionate and committed champion of the Custom House, helping to realise the vision of transforming the historic building into a home for artists and a place where creativity could be shared with the community.
As Town & County Councillor Margaret also devoted decades to public life. The betterment of Westport and its surrounding communities was central to her work. Her commitment, energy and belief in the importance of the arts have left a lasting legacy.
This fundraiser brings that spirit of community together once again.
Artists and members of the public are invited to contribute an original artwork on a 16 x 20 cm primed board, supplied free of charge by Custom House Studios or can donate an unframed original artwork. The finished works will form a unique anonymous art sale, with every artwork priced at €50.
But there is a twist...
You won't know who made it until you buy it.
The name of every artist will remain hidden until the artwork is purchased. Once you have chosen your artwork and made your €50 purchase, you will discover the identity of the artist behind your piece.
You might find yourself taking home, work by an established artist, an emerging artist, a local creative, a friend, a neighbour — or someone whose work you have never encountered before.
The only thing you know for certain is that every €50 purchase helps support Mayo Hospice.
All proceeds from the sale will go to Mayo Hospice, in recognition of the exceptional care and support Margaret and her family received.
We invite the people of Westport, Mayo and beyond to join us for an evening of art, community, discovery and remembrance.
Come along. Choose a piece. Support Mayo Hospice. Discover the artist.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
For Contributors
We are inviting artists, makers and members of the community to take part.
You don't need to be a professional artist. Everyone is welcome to contribute.
1. Collect your board
Custom House Studios will provide you with one 16 x 20 cm board on which to create your artwork.
Boards can be collected from:
Custom House Studios + Gallery
The Quay, Westport
2. Make your artwork
Create an original artwork on the board
Or
Contribute a separate piece of unframed work without using the board option.
You can work in whatever medium or style you like, provided the finished work is suitable for hanging in the gallery.
Paint. Draw. Print. Collage. Mixed media.
3. Keep your identity secret
Please don't sign the front of your artwork.
The identity of every contributing artist will remain anonymous during the sale.
The artist's name will be on the back of the artwork and invisible and revealed to the purchaser only after the artwork has been bought.
4. Return your artwork
Finished artworks should be returned to Custom House Studios in advance of the event so that we can catalogue, prepare and hang the collection.
Artwork return deadline: 4 pm October 19th
5. Come to the sale
Join us at Custom House Studios on:
Thursday 22 October 2026
7–10pm
Every artwork will be priced at €50.
Choose the piece that catches your eye, purchase it and take it home — then discover who made it.
FAQ
Who can take part?
Everyone! We welcome professional and emerging artists, local artists, studio artists, community members, art lovers and anyone who would like to make something for this special fundraiser.
You don't need to be an established artist or a member of Custom House Studios.
How much does an artwork cost?
Every artwork is €50.
The aim is to make original art accessible while raising as much as possible for Mayo Hospice.
How does the anonymous element work?
Artists Sign the back of the artwork.
Artists do not put their names on the front of their artworks.
When someone purchases an artwork, the artists name will be revealed.
So you discover who made your artwork only after you've bought it!
Can I choose which artist I want?
No — and that's part of the fun!
You choose the artwork based on what you respond to, without knowing who created it.
You might discover a new artist or find that you've bought a work by someone you already know.
Can I buy more than one artwork?
Yes.
There is no limit to the number of artworks you can purchase, subject to availability.
Can I buy an artwork before the event?
No. The artworks will be available to purchase during the fundraising event on 22 October, 7–10pm.
Can I take my artwork home?
Yes. Once you have purchased an artwork, you can take it home with you and discover the artist's identity.
What size are the artworks?
All artworks will be made on board supplied by Custom House Studios.
What medium can I use?
Artists are welcome to use their preferred medium, provided the finished work is suitable for exhibition.
Do I have to be an artist to contribute?
Absolutely not.
This is a community fundraiser, and we would love to see contributions from people of all levels of experience.
The project is about participation, generosity and coming together to support Mayo Hospice.
Where do I collect my board?
Boards can be collected from Custom House Studios + Gallery, The Quay, Westport.
Collection dates/times: September 15th onwards
When do I have to return my artwork?
All artworks must be returned on or before October 19th, in advance of the sale so that they can be catalogued and installed in the gallery.
Where does the money go?
100% of the proceeds from the art sale will go to Mayo Hospice.
The fundraiser is being held in recognition of the care and support Margaret received from Mayo Hospice.
Margaret's family, artists and the staff of Custom House Studios wish to acknowledge the exceptional care she received and to help support the continuation of specialist hospice care for families throughout Mayo.
Why are you holding the fundraiser?
This is a way for the Custom House community and the wider community to come together to remember Margaret and celebrate her contribution to the arts in Westport.
It also allows us to give something back to Mayo Hospice in recognition of the care provided to Margaret.
Do I need to know anything about Margaret to take part?
No.
You can simply make a piece of art, contribute it and be part of the event.
For those who knew Margaret, however, the fundraiser provides an opportunity to remember her and celebrate the considerable legacy she left at Custom House Studios and in the wider community.
