Artist honours RNLI crew with powerful portrait exhibition
Oriel y Parc hosts tribute to bravery and community spirit
AN ARTIST born and raised in St Davids has paid tribute to the town's RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew with a striking series of portraits now on display at Oriel y Parc.
Rosalyn Siân Evans' latest collection, titled Thalassic, explores the human relationship with the sea and includes five charcoal portraits of RNLI volunteers in action during a lifeboat training exercise. The exhibition runs until 29 June and is open to the public.
Evans, who grew up near the Pembrokeshire coast, said the RNLI had been a constant presence in her childhood.
'I grew up close to the coast where the sound of waves and the call of the lifeboat were part of community life,' she said. 'At school, many of my friends had crew members in their families and we all knew the code: one maroon for the coastguard, two for the lifeboat.
'That early awareness stayed with me – a quiet respect for those who volunteer to face danger, simply to help others.'
Although the subjects in the portraits are unnamed, Evans said the drawings represent the spirit of coastal rescue – courage, sacrifice, and solidarity.
'They do not serve for recognition, but out of deep commitment to others. This work is a gesture of thanks,' she said.
St Davids RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, John Williams, said the station was proud to see its crew honoured in such a moving way.
'We are profoundly honoured by Rosalyn's work. She has beautifully encapsulated the dedication and sacrifice of our lifesaving crew, and her contribution has been truly invaluable,' he said.
The exhibition can be viewed at Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre, St Davids.
Pictured above:
The five charcoal drawings on display at Oriel y Parc, St Davids (Pic: Rosalyn Siân Evans)
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