Since its opening as the Laois Arthouse there have been many residencies involving collaboration between artists and the public, enriching and deepening the understanding and appreciation for the work of artists. Some highlights include Sitting a portraiture project with Nick Miller, En Plein Air with Jock Nichol and Painting and Drawing in Light, Mood and Movement with John Keating. There have been dozens of exhibitions, talks, workshops and events. The Laois Arthouse is about making the work of artists accessible to the public and giving valuable opportunities for artists to create new work. The involvement of sociologist Professor Mary Corcoran enriched the project and documented what living in Stradbally means to the home owner. Townscape is the result of Mary Burke engaging wholeheartedly with the subject matter and creating this new body of work. As we progress with exhibiting Townscapes in the Dunamaise Arts Centre, the Irish Architectural Archive, Maynooth University and back to Stradbally town, it will be interesting to see what the public make of these paintings. We look forward to the conversations that will ensue and to sharing a selection of Stradbally homes with the wider world. Muireann Ní Chonaill Arts Officer and Curator of Townscape 3