The University of St. Thomas Center for Irish Studies Cultural Outreach Forum will sponsor a lecture by Irish historian and author, Sinéad McCoole, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 27, in Cullen Hall, 4001 Mt. Vernon.

McCoole’s lecture, titled “No Ordinary People: The Role of Irish Artist John Lavery, Hazel Lavery and Other Women in Irish Revolutionary Politics 1900-1923,” will explore the role of Irish artists and culturally active women in the evolution of Irish heritage and socio-political development.

In the first decades of the twentieth century, Ireland saw an explosion of cultural activity in the Irish language, writing, drama, music and art. Those who participated in the Easter 1916 Rising, the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War were at the forefront of creating a new culture for Irish people. Among those participants behind the scenes were Sir John Lavery and his American wife, Hazel, as well as many other colorful Irish women.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Lori Gallagher at 713-525-3592 or irishstudies@stthom.edu.

The University of St. Thomas Center for Irish Studies Cultural Outreach Program is funded in part by a grant from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance.