BOSTON, Oct. 15, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Lenox, MA-based bronze sculptor, Andrew DeVries,(www.andrewdevries.com) learned from Stephanie Abrams, nationally syndicated radio travel show host of "Travel WITH Stephanie Abrams" and "Traveling Feet," of the recent official twinning of Lanesborough, MA and Lanesborough, Ireland, which resulted in a gift from Ireland's famed sculptor, Michael Casey to the U.S. twin-town. DeVries called Abrams, "offering to hand-deliver one of his wonderful sculptures to Lanesborough, Ireland. I pounced on his offer and contacted friends in Ireland to organize meetings for Andrew with Irish artists and to introduce him to inspiring places along his route," Abrams explains.
DeVries' bronze sculpture, 'Shaker Angel,' creates a symbolic bridge between the Lanesboroughs. "The Shakers' indelible print on Berkshire County is evidenced here at Hancock Shaker Village," DeVries notes. "To complete the connection, I put an ancient Irish symbol found at Newgrange in the Boyne Valley (www.discoverireland.com) on the angel's wing. On October 21st, I will meet Lanesborough, Ireland's townspeople and Michael Casey, whose bog oak sculpture was given to Lanesborough, MA," DeVries notes.
Abrams put her travel expertise to work planning DeVries route through Ireland. "It's the least I could do!" Abrams explains. "The shortest air route is from Boston to Shannon, so Andrew will be over the ocean in about 5 hours where he's renting a car from Dooley Car Rental, (www.dooleycarrentals.com) the only independent car rental company in Ireland with folks that know Ireland and are right there to serve travelers! Then off to Glenlo Abbey (www.glenlo.com), County Galway for comfort and pampering in a former abbey in 5-star luxury. The largest arts festival in Europe, the Galway Arts Festival, takes place there. This puts Andrew on the path to Connemara where he'll be meeting with local artists. Brian Bourke, whose family owns the inspiring Glenlo Abbey is also arranging visits with local artists for Andrew."
DeVries travels to Lanesborough next to present his sculpture and continues to Glaslough, County Monaghan to historic Castle Leslie (www.castleleslie.com) including visits with the local artists in Monaghan. Dublin's Temple Bar section is next on the itinerary. "The Morgan Hotel's (www.themorgan.com) sleek decor and creative whimsy in Dublin's 'happening' neighborhood is the perfect place to get inspired," Abrams notes. "Paul Fitzpatrick, the hotel's owner, is organizing visits with Irish artists for Andrew. I've selected the Carry Gerry Country House (www.carrygerryhouse.com) for Andrew's last night in Ireland. It's only minutes from Shannon airport and is a charming, idyllic country estate. The grace and charm of the owners, Gillian and Niall Ennis, and Niall's culinary skills as a chef make for a memorable last night in Ireland!"
"This trip marks the beginning of the cultural exchange resulting from the Lanesboroughs' twinning!" Abrams notes.
Travel news, tips, and broadcasting information can be found at Abrams' award-winning website, www.sabrams.com.