2014: TALENTED TEEN PENCILS IN GALLERY DEAL AFTER SKETCHES GO VIRAL. Irish Independent. February, 2014
Transition year student, Sarah Ryan, has secured an deal with an art gallery after one of her pencil portraits of broadcaster Ryan Tubridy caught the attention of curator Frank O'Dea. The sixteen year old sent the detailed sketch to 2FM last week but had "no idea" how popular it would become. The image has received over 5000 likes since 2FM posted it on their Facebook page. "I was in school and started getting all these calls and texts" Sarah told the Irish Independent. I definitely didnt expect an art gallery to get in touch. Its all so unexpected". Sarah who attends Loretto College Wexford is now discussing the details of an upcoming exhibition at Dublin art gallery Balla Bán. "There's so much to think about, like pricing and all that, she said, "Its a lot get your head around but its very exciting". Balla Bán curator Mr O'Dea believes Ms Ryan has a "fantastic future ahead of her" and is confident her sketches will sell well.