The death has occurred of painter, printmaker and Aosdána member John Kelly at his home in Dublin at the age of 74. Mr Kelly, who was a member of the Royal Hibernian Academy, participated in numerous national and international group exhibitions, famously winning the first prize at Cagnes-sur-Mer in 1977.
He received the Oireachtas Waterford Glass Award in 1975, the Oireachtas Douglas Hyde Gold Medal in 1992 and the Irish Exhibition of Living Art Carroll's Award in 1980.
He was elected to Aosdána, the affiliation of creative artists in Ireland, in March 1996.
Yesterday, Minister for Arts John O'Donoghue said that Mr Kelly "made a major contribution to the arts in Ireland".
Mary Cloake, director of the Arts Council, said that Mr Kelly was a skilled printmaker who did a great deal to advance the art of printmaking in Ireland both by his example and by his teaching.
"He made work of enduring quality. A gentle and learned man, he was also a gifted and loved teacher. Our deepest sympathy is extended to his wife, Máiread, and daughters at this time."
As a member of the Royal Hibernian Academy, Mr Kelly exhibited his work at their annual exhibition.
His work is held in public collections including that of the Arts Council, Dublin City Gallery, the Hugh Lane gallery, Trinity College, Bank of Ireland, Dublin City University and the Gordon Lambert Collection.