Together Again
Creative Spark
7th October – 6th November 2021
The exhibition will bring together new works completed during the Residency Programme 2020-2021 in the media of printmaking, performance, mixed media and painting.
The artists involved in the 2020 – 2021 Programme at Creative Spark were Niamh Hannaford and Tara Carroll (Dublin) and Jennifer Slater (Louth). Together Again is Creative Spark’s seventh residency programme exhibition at An Táin Arts Centre. Creative Spark have also invited artists from the past seven years to be part of the exhibition including Robert John Paterson, Illaria Demonti, Cróna Gallagher, Ameilia Steely, Mary Claire Kehoe and Fiona Marron.
The Creative Spark Residency Programme is supported by Create Louth and the Arts Council of Ireland and was established to support artists through offering studio space, research time, resources and creative opportunities they may not otherwise have in their own studio or practice. To date the residency programme has supported 37 artists over seven years.
A supporting exhibition of work by Creative Spark Print Studio members will run concurrently at the gallery, The Dundalk Edition. This will be a collection of Prints using traditional techniques inspired by Dundalk’s history, stories and architecture.
Opening launch: Wednesday 6th October at 7pm and online at 8:30pm on our Facebook page.
Bewitched
Suzanne Carroll
9th September – 2nd October 2021
Suzanne Carroll is a visual artist specialising in drawing and painting. Suzanne’s practice involves the mining of forgotten or hidden historical archives. Questioning her findings through a contemporary lens, her paintings explore themes of place, time and female identity.
Suzanne is graduating in June from NCAD, with a Joint (hons) degree in Fine Art and Critical Culture.
Suzanne is in residence in the Basement Gallery studio during July, August and September 2021. Follow her progress on Instagram @suzanne_carroll_ #antainartists
Online opening launch: Wednesday 8th September at 7pm on our Facebook page.
Hands Across the Border
Irish Patchwork Society and the Northern Ireland Patchwork Guild
31st August – 4th September 2021
“Hands Across the Border” is a cross border initiative involving the Irish Patchwork Society and the Northern Ireland Patchwork Guild. It consists of biennial exhibitions rotating between the two organisations. In this, the 30th year of the partnership, the Irish Patchwork Society hosts the Exhibition “Hanging Together Again” with work from members of both organisations.
The Irish Patchwork Society was founded in 1981 and this year we are celebrating our 40th Anniversary. The Northern Ireland Patchwork Guild celebrated their 40th Anniversary in 2019.
Online opening launch: Monday 30th August at 7pm on our Facebook page.
Sweeney’s Descent
Various artists
15th July – 28th August 2021
A contemporary take on the legend of Buile Shuibhne (Mad King Sweeney), who was driven insane by a monk’s curse. Orbiting around Sweeney King ‘a digital poem’ that incorporates words, images and an ambient soundtrack, the exhibition includes 2D and 3D work, painting, textiles, installation, film and performance. The digital poem is a collaboration between poet Tony Bailie, artist Maurice Burns and musician Mark Skillen and the exhibition features work from the Co. Armagh-based Shore Collective.
Live online launch: Wednesday 14th July at 7pm on Facebook Live.
Chrysalis
North Louth Artists
18th June – 10th July
North Louth Artists have assembled work completed during the lockdown, as the butterfly prepares to emerge from its chrysalis, they celebrate emerging from lockdown with colour and form in their individual styles and mediums, reconnecting with each other and with their many loyal customers.
List of artists exhibiting: Ciara Agnew, Derek Bell, Sandra Bell, Gerry Clarke, Patrick Conyngham, Siobhan Conyngham, Paula Eigenheer, Robert Kelly, John O’Connor, Omin, Rosemary Warren, Irene Woods and guest sculptors Anna Campbell and John McLoughlin.
Opening launch: Thursday 17th of June at 7pm on Facebook Live.
The Labyrinth in the Basement Gallery
Ulrike Liebetrau
11th May – 5th June
“The Labyrinth in the Basement Gallery” is designed for visitors to get lost in art. I create a magical space that is filled with multisensory, interactive experiences. The pieces are inspired by the beauty of nature, made with the left-overs of our wasteful society and are designed to spark thought, conversation and action around the three big R’s: Reduce – Reuse – Recycle. The different rooms have their own individual themes that flow into each other and are accompanied by subtle sounds. Pieces invite the visitors to feel, explore the space and to discover their own creativity.
Ulrike graduated as an Occupational Therapist in 2006 at the “medizinische Bildungsakademie” in Zeitz, Germany. She received a scholarship for gifted students and graduated in 2008 as a Sensory Integration Therapist. Since 2011 Ulrike is creating light sculptures and recycled art projects for Irish festivals, local music events, community projects and theatre.
Opening launch: Wednesday 12th of May at 7pm on Facebook Live.
A Day in Dundalk
Various artists
9th March – 3rd April 2021
Launched on Tuesday 9th March at 7pm, on our Facebook page, with an interview with our Director Paul Hayes and Margaret Roddy from the Argus Newspaper.
In association with The Argus Newspaper, ‘A Day in Dundalk’ was a photography exhibition by An Táin Arts Centre, which captured a snapshot of daily life in Dundalk and the surrounding areas on Friday 19th of February 2021 as we navigated the lifting and re-implementing of Covid-19 restrictions.
We asked the public to join us and take a photo which captures their life in lockdown, to be included in this photographic exhibition. The images were curated into an online exhibition viewable on An Táin Arts Centre’s virtual gallery. A selection was printed in a featured article in the Dundalk Argus.
Ghost Light: Scéalta ón Lú Trí Sholas
Maeve Clancy
20th December 2020 – 10th January 2021
‘Ghost Light’: Scéalta ón Lú Trí Sholas (Stories of Louth through light) is an exhibition of images using cut paper, card and light displayed in the windows of An Táin Arts Centre, depicting scenes from stories taken from the collection of the National Folklore Archive. Visual artist Maeve Clancy will fill the windows of An Táin Arts Centre with a visual interpertation of stories collected by Dundalk school children in the 1930s, where tales of myth and legend sit beside stories of superstition and magic. The work will be on display and lit up at dusk every evening for all to see and read from the street.
In the seven days leading up to the launch of the exhibition, local actor Paudie Breen will perform a story from the collection which inspired the project on An Táin Arts Centre’s facebook page. The first story will be performed on Sunday 13th of December at 7pm and every night thereafter until the launch on Sunday 20th December. Join us each night on Facebook Live.
Exhibition Launch & Artist Talk | Sunday 20th December at 7:00pm Live from An Táin Arts Centre, an online event with the artist in conversation with Director, Paul Hayes. Full details here.
Maeve Clancy creates work for children and adults using cut paper, pop up, story and drawings. She has worked on music videos for singer Lisa Hannigan, mounted solo exhibitions and writes both fictional, documentary and historical comics. Past commissions include a pop up book for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 international advertising campaign, a large scale installation at a National Trust property in Somerset, UK and a solo exhibition at Corte Eremo, Mantova, Italy.
The Ghost Light is a long-standing theatre tradition that has become particularly poignant this year. By leaving a single bulb burning on stage whenever a theatre is dark, we light the way for friendly spirits, keeping them happy and contented. The light is also a symbol of our intention to soon return to the stage. For us, the light represents creativity, collaboration, and community; an energy that can never be dimmed. Despite a year of lockdowns and closures, a light will always shine in An Táin Arts Centre – ever ready to welcome our players, our audience… and our ghosts!
Through this visual arts project with Maeve Clancy, we are evoking the spirit of the Ghost Light to connect with our community at a time when we have to be apart. We share a visual interpretation of folk stories of Louth, passed down through generations, in the tradition of storytelling by the fireside, legend and light spilling out through our windows, shadows of stories dancing on the street below.
Silver
Bridge Street Studios
26th November – 23rd December 2020
Watch the live launch, recorded on 26th November HERE
Watch a preview video of the exhibition HERE
The artists of Bridge Street Studios present ‘Silver’ an exhibition celebrating the 25th Anniversary since the Studios were founded here in Dundalk. Joined by some founding members and in collaboration with local poet Barbara Smith ‘Silver’ will be a diverse and eclectic mix of ceramics, drawing, mixed media, painting and textiles capturing the creative spirit that has been fostered and nurtured since the Studio’s inception.
‘Silver’ was due to be exhibited in An Táin Arts Centre’s Basement Gallery, but due to current restrictions, the gallery is closed to the public. The artists will now be showcasing their work in the windows of vacant shops and premises in Dundalk, bringing some creative flair to the town centre. Over 45 pieces of artwork in total will be displayed, created by 11 artists.
Silver extended
Bridge Street Studios
8th – 19th December 2020
As an extension to the 25th Anniversary celebrations of Bridge Street Studios, the artists are delighted to be showing some pieces in our reopened Basement Gallery at An Táin Arts Centre. There is a range of work available including paintings, prints, ceramics and textiles. The artists and makers participating are Mary Cowan, Sarah McKenna, Fiona Quigley, Caóilfionn Murphy O’Hanlon, Rachel Tinniswood, Orla Barry and Orlaith Cullinane.
Together – Apart
St Brigid’s School
10th – 21st November 2020
Virtual Launch | Tuesday 10th November at 11:30am
Join us live launch from St Brigid’s School, in conversation with CEO/Director Paul Hayes.
Watch the stream on Facebook Live here
View virtual gallery HERE Part 1 & Part 2
St Brigid’s School community have been apart yet together during the COVID crisis. Creativity flourished in kitchens, gardens and living rooms. Sharing creativity in virtual spaces, we stayed together. Celebrating our success and keeping safe apart we were as always together, a community of talented resourceful leaners.
Hold Steady
Creative Spark
10th October – 7th November 2020
The Basement Gallery is currently closed due to Covid restrictions.
You can view a virtual tour and artists interview of exhibition HERE.
View the full price list with images HERE.
View virtual gallery HERE
The exhibition will bring together new works completed during the residency programme 2019-2020 in the medium of printmaking, weaving, mixed media and painting. The artists involved in the 2019 – 2020 Programme at Creative Spark were Naoimh Larkin (Down); Annie June Callaghan (Fermanagh); Riley Waite (California); Jane Campbell (Louth); Niamh Hannaford and Tara Carroll(Dublin)
Hold Steady is Creative Spark’s sixth residency programme exhibition at An Táin Arts Centre. Residency programmes are established to support artists through offering studio space, research time, resources and creative opportunities they may not otherwise have in their own studio or practice. To date the residency has supported 35 artists over six years.
A supporting exhibition of work by Creative Spark Print Studio members will also open at the gallery on the same evening.
The Thriving Flower
Etaoin O’Reilly
5th – 26th September 2020
View the live-streamed tour & artist talk of the exhibition HERE.
Ceramic artist and facilitator Etaoin O’Reilly is An Táin Arts Centre’s artist in residence for 2020. Etaoin is a graduate of NCAD (2014), and of the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland’s Ceramics Skills and Design Course (2016). She is also a former artist in residence at NCAD (2016) and LSAD (2018). Etaoin hopes to explore the fading industry and skills of bone china factory workers, with an exhibition of new works planned for the month of September.
A Drawing A Day
Els Borghart
25th July – 22nd August 2020
View the piece from the exhibition on our Instagram HERE.
A Drawing a Day focusses on the idea of journaling through drawing in response to the Covid-19 crisis. Artist Els Borghart lives and works in Drogheda and her drawings are a creative response to the impact of social distancing and isolation as the new normal. During the artist’s An Táin Arts Centre Instagram take-over in May 2020, quick one hour drawings explored visually how this narrative evolved over the course of 31 days. This exhibition of work marks An Táin Arts Centre’s return to the Basement Gallery following the closure of the building on March the 12th 2020.
Els is a founding member, co-director and curator with ELS + DECLAN and EDDE Art. She exhibits regularly in Ireland and Belgium. Her work was shortlisted for the renowned Zürich Portrait Prize 2019 by the National Gallery of Ireland and subsequently became part of the Belgian State Art Collection.
This Time, These Days
Leanne Mullen
6th July – 16th August 2020
A series of new pieces commissioned by An Táin Arts Centre, exhibited outdoors throughout Dundalk’s town centre. We were asked to stay at home. An observation of how our days have changed us. Journeys not taken, no contact with families, colleagues and friends. An honest reflection of unfiltered, unedited images looking out at the world. The portraits belong together as a series, one work. They tell a part of a story of these days.
How We Live Now: A Virtual Exhibition
Various artists
19th June – 17th July 2020
‘Cyanopsia’, Sean McGuill, 2020
An online exhibition exploring these strange days, presented in a virtual gallery setting.
The Artists: Ciara Agnew, Orla Barry, Patrick Conyngham, Siobhan Conyngham, Mary Cowan, Orlaith Cullinane, Marty Garland, Declan Kelly, Alistair Livingstone, Geraldine Martin, Sean McGuill, Sarah McKenna, Grainne Murphy, Omin, Anna Marie Savage.
Artist Zoom Talk: Friday 19th June at 8pm.
Launch + Artists’ Talk: Friday 19th June at 8pm
Glowing Works That Make the Heart Sing
Louth Craftmark
27th Feb – 14th March 2020
Patricia Murphy was an internationally exhibited artist from Blackrock, County Louth, whose work included paintings, public art, installations and contemporary rugs. She passed away in 2018. Patricia was an influential member of Louth Craftmark. This exhibition is inspired by her vibrant and exhilarating artwork.
“My work is about energy as expressed through the idea of light, weather and elemental things”
Exhibition to be opened by curator, Hilary Morley.
Preview reception: Wednesday 26th February at 7pm
Taisce Lú: A Curator’s Choice
Louth County Council Collection
21st November – 21st December 2019
2nd Janauary – 15th February 2020
Curated by Claire Halpin
An opportunity to view a selection of artworks from your county collection, which have been donated to, or purchased by Louth County Council, to support artists creating work. This exhibition will draw new connections and links in form, media and concept across the diverse range of works in the collection, while giving viewers an opportunity to make their own connections and responses and to revisit familiar artworks.
Preview reception: Thursday 21st Nov at 7pm.
Same & Different
St Brigid’s School
6th – 16th November 2019
This exhibition explores the concepts of self, diversity, community and achievement through a wide variety of images. Ideas and representations of self and of other are created across a wide range of media. Each year the talents of the pupils explode into the gallery space in an exciting and affirming display. St Brigid’s is marking its fiftieth birthday, continuing the delivery of quality education and with pupils enhancing the life of our community – “Same and Different”
Opening reception: Thursday 7th November at 7pm.
Beneath the Surface
Creative Spark
10th October – 2nd November 2019
Inspired by a quote from David Lynch, “I learned that just beneath the surface there’s another world, and still different worlds as you dig deeper. I knew it as a kid, but I couldn’t find the proof. It was just a kind of feeling. There is goodness in blue skies and flowers, but another force–a wild pain and decay–also accompanies everything.”, the exhibition will bring together new works completed during the residency programme 2018-2019 in the medium of printmaking, animation, mixed media and painting. The artists involved in the 2018 – 2019 Programme at Creative Spark were David Callan (Louth); Alistair Livingstone (Down); Anthony Corrigan (Louth); Antonia Pina (Chile); Ilaria Demonti (Italy) and Eimhín Farrell (Monaghan). A supporting exhibition of work by Creative Spark Print Studio members will also open at the gallery on the same evening.
Preview reception: Wednesday 9th October at 7pm.
Anticlockwise
Dundalk Youth Theatre & M.A.D. Youth Theatre
2nd – 5th October 2019
A variation of art work from young people across 9 youth projects will be on display to celebrate the completion of the first phase of the PEACE IV funded Anticlockwise programme.
Join us as we celebrate the achievements of 132 young people from Dundalk, Drogheda, Ardee, Omeath, Meigh and Killean.
We Acknowledge the support of Louth County Council. Anticlockwise programme is a project by the European Union’s PEACE IV programme, managed by one special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) Preview reception: Wednesday 2nd of October at 7pm.
Artist in Residence Open Studio
Rozzi Kennedy in collaboration with The Birches Day Care Centre
6th – 28th September 2019
Rozzi Kennedy is an emerging artist from South Armagh and a proud graduate of the painting department at Limerick School of Art and Design. She has exhibited in selected, curated shows within Ireland and her drawing ‘Devil Shack’ was purchased by Limerick City Gallery of Art. Her first solo show – a series of paintings and collages rooted in her South Armagh landscape was exhibited during 2018 at The Alley Art Gallery, Strabane, with support from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland SIAP awards.
She is keen to develop a community-engaged practice. During the residency, Rozzi’s plan is to collaborate with people living with dementia and potentially their loved ones to produce art in a safe, social and comfortable environment where participants can express themselves openly. She hopes the process will evoke some great memories and emotions.
Closing reception: Wednesday 25th September at 7pm.
A Far Place
El Harrington
1st – 31st August 2019
A journey of making from earth materials to ceramic object, exploring our relationship to landscape through natural and native source materials and their transformation in ceramics processes. This exhibition of sculptural ceramics is part of An Táin Arts Centre’s emerging artist series.
Preview Reception: Wednesday 31st July at 7pm.
‘Secret Places’
Michelle Rogers
13th June – 20th July 2019
Inspired by Patrick Kavanagh, Secret Places is a series of paintings by Dundalk born artist and activist Michelle Rogers about the places where we feel completely united with nature, private places, places of personal magic, sometimes shrouded in myth and sometimes the place we escape to in order to feel ourselves alive. The exhibition will be opened by Seamus McDermott (Patrick Kavanagh expert) and John Noonan (Poet).
Preview Reception: Wednesday 12th June at 7pm
‘EDGE’
North Louth Artists
17th May – 1st June 2019
40 years since its foundation, Dundalk Photographic Society is recognised as one of the best photographic clubs in the world, with awards too numerous to mention. The domestic and international success of the club, both collectively and as individual members, augers well for the future of photography in Dundalk, in County Louth and the bordering areas. This exhibition presents members’ recent work, with approximately 120 images in total on display. These will be judged by an international photographic expert prior to the official opening.
Preview Reception: Thursday 16th May at 7pm.
‘Dundalk Photographic Society 2019’
27th April – 11th May 2019
40 years since its foundation, Dundalk Photographic Society is recognised as one of the best photographic clubs in the world, with awards too numerous to mention. The domestic and international success of the club, both collectively and as individual members, augers well for the future of photography in Dundalk, in County Louth and the bordering areas. This exhibition presents members’ recent work, with approximately 120 images in total on display. These will be judged by an international photographic expert prior to the official opening.
Preview Reception: Friday 26th April at 7pm.
‘Concerning the Others’
Various artists
5th March – 6th April 2019
Concerning the Other is a collaborative art project which brings together ten artists to create a hundred collaborative artworks. The concept for this project is that in these days of uncertainty, mounting racism and intolerance, artists can take a lead in promoting diversity and showing concern for minorities and for refugees from areas of conflict.
Ten selected artists responded to and took account of each other’s work in a collaborative process which took place over ten weeks in 2017. The collaborative nature of this project is particularly relevant in these turbulent times and it resulted in surprising and engaging artworks.
The Artists: Brian Fay, Claire Halpin, James Hanley R.H.A, Joanna Kidney, Eoin Mac Lochlainn, Miriam McConnon, Kate Murphy, Ben Readman, Gail Ritchie and Susanne Wawra.
Preview Reception: Saturday 2nd March at 2pm.
‘Leinster Printmakers’
Leinster Printmaking Studio
10th January – 16th February 2019
‘Temerere 1’ – Don Braisby
The Leinster Printmaking Studio is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2019. To mark the occasion the studio has invited all members past and present, as well as guest printmakers who had participated in previous exhibitions, to take part in a major touring exhibition. The theme is open so as to allow participants demonstrate their influences, inspirations and personal style. Studio members include Margaret Becker, Amelia Peart, Alice Beresford, Pamela de Brí, Val Hennigan and Michele Sweetman. Invited artists include Lars Nyberg, James McCreary, Alice Hanratty, Constance Short, Geraldine O’Reilly, Brian Lalor, Brian Barry and many others.
Preview Reception: Wednesday 9th January at 7pm.
‘Drawing Breath’
Leanne Mullen
10th November – 22nd December 2018
‘Self Portrait’
An exploration of our relationship with plastic; through the clothes we wear and the food we eat. A collection of portraits through drawing, paint and clay. Artist Leanne Mullen was shortlisted and Highly Commended at the 2017 Hennessy Portrait Prize. She also recently featured in the Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year and reached the 2018 semi-finals.
Preview reception: Friday 9th November at 7pm.
‘Editions’
North Louth Artists
1st – 3rd November 2018
North Louth Artists continue to celebrate their 50th Anniversary in this pop-up exhibition of works on paper, print and sculpture. Artists include: John O’Connor, Ciara Agnew, Derek Bell, Siobhan Conyngham, Gerry Clarke, Ominous Omin, Robert Kelly, Patricia Murphy, Irene Woods, Paula Eigenheer, Sandra Bell, Rosemary Warren, Patrick Conyngham and Alva Gallagher.
Preview reception: Wednesday 31st October at 7pm.
‘Diversity – Jigsaw of Colour and Rainbow of Difference’
St Brigid’s School
10th – 25th October 2018
St Brigid’s School present their annual exhibition, created across a wide range of media. This whole school endeavour is an amazing team effort in the exploration of diversity. This year’s title encapsulates the ethos of the school and celebrates the range of talents the pupils bring to their community and the world.
Preview reception: Tuesday 9th October 7:30pm.
‘Artist in Residence Open Studio’
Sean McGuill
3rd – 29th September 2018
‘Assumtion’
Sean McGuill hosted an open studio in September 2018, displaying some work in progress and artwork made during his Summer residency. Sean McGuill is a visual artist from Bellurgan who recently graduated from Limerick School of Art and Design with a degree in Printmaking abd Contemporary Practice. His work has been exhibited in a number of locations across Ireland as well as internationally. He has been selected for various awards including the John Shinnors Selection at the 2017 LSAD Drawing Awards and was shortlisted for the 2017 Hennessy Portrait Prize. His practice is based on themes relating to visual culture and mass media, working with a variety of processes including printmaking, painting, drawing and collage.
‘Horizon’
Creative Spark
2nd August – 1st September 2018
‘Sharks Will Go Hungry Tonight’
‘You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore.’ – William Faulkner An exhibition of printmaking, photography, mixed media and painting from the Creative Spark Residency Programme 2018 with supporting exhibition of work by Creative Spark Print Studio members. Featuring Mark O’Gorman (Dublin); Robert John Paterson (Ontario, Canada); Ciaran Dunbar (Louth); Petra Berntsson (Louth) and Cróna Gallagher (Leitrim)
Preview reception: Wednesday 1st August at 7pm.
‘Just Like Soho’
Bridge Street Studios
8th June – 21st July 2018
The artists of Bridge Street Studios declare their eclectic relationships with their space, place and each other with a dynamic and diverse exhibition of work in ceramics, textiles, painting, jewellery and mixed media. Artists include: Orla Barry, Rachel Tinniswood, Mary Cowan, Sarah McKenna, Fiona Quigley, Orlaith Cullinane, Bróna Carty, and Caoilfionn Murphy O’Hanlon.
Preview reception: Thursday 7th June at 7pm.<
‘North Louth Artists’ 50th Anniversary’
10th – 26th May 2018
North Louth Artists celebrate their 50th anniversary with a major exhibition of paintings and sculpture. Artists include: Patricia Murphy, Ciara Agnew, John O’Connor, Rosemary Warren, Gerry Clarke, Irene Woods, Derek Bell, Siobhan Conyngham, Paula Eigenheer, Patrick Conyngham, Barry Finegan, Sandra Bell, Alva Gallagher and Frances Lambe. The exhibition will be opened by Dr Marie Bourke, former Head of Education, National Gallery, Dublin.
Preview reception: Wednesday 9th May at 7pm.
‘Dundalk Photographic Society 2018’
14th April – 28th April 2018
‘Gliding in on Lough Neagh’ by Conor McEneaney (Winner, 2017)
Dundalk Photographic Society’s annual exhibition continues a strong tradition and reputation for producing some of the most highly regarded fine art, contemporary and traditional photographic works. The competition element of the exhibition will this year be judged by Vicki Boulter from the UK.
Preview reception: Friday 13th April at 7pm.
‘Everyday Stories’
Various Artists
3rd April – 7th April 2018
A storytelling & illustration project highlighting the impact of the 8th Amendment through personal testimonies. The exhibition comprises of stories from eight Irish women, illustrated by Irish-based artists. It is accompanied by an online project at www.everydaystories.org
“I sometimes can’t believe I actually had to do this, I had to leave my baby in another country. How cruel it is that we had to do this, it actually leaves me speechless.” – Tracey’s Story
“It was not a decision I made lightly or with little thought, although I felt then (and still do) that it was the only choice I had that would lead to a positive outcome.” – Paula’s Story
“I had always thought of myself as ‘pro-life’ but when it came down to it, I had to put the needs of my family first and so my partner & I decided that a medical abortion was the best option for our family.” – Róisín’s Story
- Dundalk 4 Choice ‘Ask me anything’ session – Friday 6th April, Basement Gallery, 5pm – 9pm
- Everyday Stories listening session – Saturday 7th April, Basement Gallery, 1pm + 3pm
‘Holding True Ground’
Lisa Fingleton
20th February – 31st March 2018
The artist Lisa Fingleton is passionate about ‘being the change’ she wishes to see in the world. She works and lives on an organic farm in Kerry, creating art, growing food and trying not to get too overwhelmed by climate change and the huge environmental issues of our time. This current period is being called the ‘Anthropocene’, a time in which human activity is the dominant influence on climate and the environment. She asks how humans can change our behaviour, so that we can live in a more connected way with other life forms on this planet?
The title image for the exhibition is ‘She made a nest from the hair on my head’. Fingleton describes how she left a pile of hair out in the garden and years later found a nest with her hair ‘literally interwoven into the very fabric of nature. This interconnectedness with the land around us, is the core essence of this exhibition and my work”. She believes that the personal is political and that change must start in our own homes, gardens and fields. Much of the work is about growing food and living sustainability. Why are we relying on food that travels around the world, to be eaten by us, when we have the perfect soil and rain for growing on this island? She quotes Madeline Mc Keever the founder of Brown Envelope Seeds who reminds us, that “In 1840 we fed 8 million people on the island of Ireland”.
One very practical action she took was the 30 day local food challenge where she ate only local food for the month of September. She believes that eating local not only means better health for the consumer but also sustainable support for rural economies and farming communities. Currently “only 1% of Irish farms grow vegetables, the lowest in the EU”[1]. Holding True Ground responds to the specificity of the gallery as an ex prison and articulates connections between freedom, hunger and food. The hangman was called ‘Brian a muck’ (Brian of the pigs) and he lived in a lane behind the gallery called Squeeze Gut Alley!
The exhibition is simultaneously funny and deadly serious. Fingleton presents a sumptuous, visual feast of drawings, found objects and films. Ideas and seeds are propagated, fertilised, pruned and nurtured before harvesting. Fingleton revels in the random, dynamic intersection between humans and nature and is unafraid to challenge perceived natural orders.
[1] Source: Agriland headline based on Eurostats report, Oct 2016.
Preview reception: Saturday 17th February at 7pm.
‘Mark Bourke 2018’
Mark Bourke
11th January – 3rd February 2018
Dundalk-based artist Mark Bourke explores the unchartered territories of the mind and in particular, the images stored there. Early childhood memories from TV, film and books also act as influences. This exhibition of painting is part of An Táin Arts Centre’s emerging artist series.
Preview reception: Wednesday 10th January at 7pm.
‘Rosemary Exhibition 2017’
Rosemary Warren
17th November – 22nd December 2017
‘High Noon’ – Rosemary Warren
In this exhibition, Rosemary investigates the effects of light on visual art. She explores how light can transformed the tone, form and mood of a subject and how, when used imaginatively, can enable to conveyance of emotions and the creation of atmosphere. In the process of working on this subject, landscapes, people, boats and flowers have emerged as the most dominant themes. The paintings are in both watercolour and acrylic.
Preview reception: Thursday 16th November at 7pm.
‘St Brigid’s School Student Art Exhibition‘
7th November – 11th November 2017
Following on from last year’s hugely successful exhibition, this is a wonderful opportunity for you to see the creativity and flair of the St Brigids School Students again. Each student in the school will exhibit their own individual piece of art alongside some really interesting group exhibits. On display will be samples of drawing, painting, printing, silk screen printing, weaving, constructions, clay pieces, papier-mache as well as samples of junior certificate and Fetac artwork. Expect colour, pattern, texture and above all, to be dazzled! All proceeds in aid of St Brigids School.
Preview reception: Tuesday 7th November at 7:30pm.
‘Stretch’
Creative Spark
12th October – 4th November 2017
‘Out Too Far (Wishing Too Many Things)’ – Thomas Brezing
Creative Spark, Dundalk presents an exhibition of work from the Creative Spark Residency Programme 2016-2017 (supported by Create Louth). The artists involved in the 2016 – 2017 Programme at Creative Spark were Michael Stafford (Louth); Thomas Brezing (Dublin); Olga Danilova (Russia); Chiara Leto & Giulia Vetri (Italy) and Hazel Egan (Dublin). The exhibition will bring together new works completed during the residency programme in the medium of printmaking, mixed media and painting. A parallel exhibition of work by Creative Spark print studio members will run adjacent to the exhibition.
Preview reception: Wednesday 11th October at 7pm.
‘Daoine de Dhún Dealgan’
Neil McArdle
3rd October – 7th October 2017
A photographic and visual media exhibition showcasing images and stories of migrants who now call Dundalk their home. Neil Mc Ardle is coordinator of the ‘Fáilte Isteach’ group in Dundalk – local volunteers working to bridge the gap of inter-cultural divisions through mutual storytelling.
Preview reception: Monday 2nd October at 7pm.
‘Follow the Stream’ Roseann Berrill
1st September – 30th September 2017
Roseann’s work tends to be somewhat improvised, working and experimenting, having one thing leading into another with free association. A wash of colour and ink, a pen line, strategically placed embroidery. The tactile quality of her work is as important as the visual qualities. Themes of her work include preservation, memory, behaviours, social acceptance, living in a media dominate world, and many more.
Follow Roseann’s progress on Instagram @rosieberrill
‘A Home Truth’
Hosted by Trócaire, in association with Development Perspectives
29th – 30th August 2017
Trócaire’s ‘Home Truth’ installation sheds light on Israel’s destruction of Palestinian homes, and the impact this has on the lives of those affected. This interactive exhibition is created from household items and other artefacts, representing the remnants of a home that has been destroyed.
‘Chain of Pulses’
Aileen Hamilton
20th July – 26th August 2017
Aileen Hamilton investigates themes of displacement, dis-location and our relationship with a changing landscape. The interplay between 2D and 3D environments is an integral part of Aileen’s process where she moves back and forth between depth and flatness, her drawings growing out of the wall and interacting with the architectural space.
Preview reception: Wednesday 19th July at 7pm.
‘Hidden Dundalk’
Neil Waters & Inga Kazokaite
15th June – 8th July 2017
A town full of secrets, symbols and serpents. Dundalk has a dark, esoteric history. The composition of this is hidden in plain sight all over the town, its narrative etched into buildings and facades. This exhibition attempts to document the secrets and symbolism through a collection of photographs that highlights the black magic that surrounds us all. Hidden Dundalk is part of An Táin Arts Centre’s emerging artist series.
HIDDEN DUNDALK TOUR – 8th July | Artist led tour of Hidden Dundalk. Meet at An Táin Arts centre at 11am before taking a tour of the town. This free tour is suitable for all ages.
‘Exploring Louth’
North Louth Artists
18th May – 3rd June 2017
North Louth Artists will display a variety of compositions ranging from vibrant abstract, well observed landscape to photo realist still life paintings on the theme of exploring different aspects of County Louth. Bronze sculpture will also feature in this exhibition. The artists in this group work in a variety of mediums – oils, watercolour, acrylics, pastels, inks and tempera as well as carborundum and Giclee prints. Participating artists include Sandra Bell, Gerry Clarke, Irene Woods, Patricia Murphy, Paula Eigenheer, Siobhan Conyngham, Derek Bell, Patrick Conyngham, Ciara Agnew, John O’Connor and Rosemary Warren with guest artist printmaker Robert Kelly.
Preview reception: Wednesday 17th May at 7pm.
‘Dundalk Photographic Society’s Annual Exhibition 2017’
22nd April – 6th May 2017
‘Bad hair day’ by Conor McEneaney
Dundalk Photographic Society has a strong tradition of and reputation for producing highly regarded photographic fine art, and contemporary and traditional photographic works. Annually, Dundalk Photographic Society exhibits a collection representing their membership’s season of work, generally regarded as a reference point to where photography is at on the island of Ireland. This year’s competition shall be judged by one of France’s most esteemed and successful fine art photographers, Mr Christophe Kiciak.
Preview reception: Friday 21st April at 7pm.
‘Faceless, Nameless, Voiceless’
Hannah Martin
13th April – 15th April 2017
Artist Statement: “‘Faceless, Nameless, Voiceless’ is a textile-based exhibition showcasing work based on the events of Magdalene Laundries, and mother and baby homes. The women of these institutions were always less; faceless, nameless, voiceless. Brainwashed into believing they were criminals, shamed until eternity. Prepare to embark on a trip through a symbolic laundry environment, rendering eerie compositions through a psychological fourth dimension. Each piece symbolises events, quotes and stigmas around Magdalene Laundries. The piece ‘796’ includes seven embroidered babygrows – each one representing a hundred children discarded in the mother and baby home in Tuam, Co. Galway. Representing the women and children of these laundries, ‘Faceless, Nameless, Voiceless’, aims to give them the voice that they deserve, the voice they never had. They deserve to be respected. They deserve a voice. They are not Fallen Women.”
Hannah Martin is a student at the National College of Art and Design, Dublin. ‘Faceless, Nameless, Voiceless’ is a temporary pop-up exhibition hosted by An Táin Arts Centre, and is presented as part of the artist’s coursework and studies.
Preview reception: Wednesday 12th April at 7pm.
‘Bringing in the Catch’
Patrick Conyngham
2nd March – 8th April 2017
Whether trawling the depths of the subconscious or skimming the surface, Conyngham brings together a wide variety of exploratory paintings in this new collection of work. Using colour in an intuitive way, from bold large works to smaller more sensitive pieces, these symbiotic and energetic paintings push the limits of the medium and haul the viewer into their midst.
>Preview reception: Wedneday 1st March at 7pm.
‘Laoch na Laochra’
Dara Vallely
12th January – 18th February 2017
Laoch na Laochra is an art exhibition by Dara Vallely based on a book published by Gael Linn in 2015. The paintings portray the heroism of the legendary Cú Chulainn, legendary warrior of Ulster. During his short but heroic life, magic, romance, betrayal and violence mark every twist and turn. In the epic story of the Táin, the Cattle raid of Cooley, Cú Chulainn vigorously defends Ulster. The paintings reflect this energy, they are vibrant in colour and energetic in style, drawing on traditional Irish art and international modernism to produce a compelling visual narrative.
Preview reception: Wednesday 11th January at 7pm.
‘On the Way/Onderweg’
Els Borghart & Declan Kelly
17th Nov – 17th Dec 2016
The creative Belgian-Irish duo Els Borghart and Declan Kelly have been working and travelling the world together for over 10 years. Both artists find constant inspiration in their many journeys and adventures often having similar starting points for new bodies of work: The world in transition with its many in-between spaces and changing identities. The historic and current context of Ireland, with its history of migration and immigration, combined with their common search for a home, raises questions about the identity of a nation, as well as the identity of the individual, and this in the context of the past, the present and the future. Those questions formed the inspiration for this exhibition, which they approached through their personal perspectives, reveries and challenges.
Preview reception: Wednesday 16th November at 7pm.
‘Breathing Space’
Creative Spark
29th Sep – 5th Nov 2016
Part of ‘Unknown Solider’ – Jennifer Quigley
Creative Spark Residency Programme Exhibition 2016 (funded by Create Louth) with supporting exhibition of work by Creative Spark Print Studio members.
The artists involved in the 2015-2016 Programme at Creative Spark were Desiree DeRuiter (Canada), Una Curley (Monaghan), Seán Cotter (Louth), Jennifer Quigley (Louth) and Mary-Claire Kehoe (Wexford)
Preview reception: Wednesday 28th September at 7pm.
‘St Brigid’s School Student Art Exhibition’
20th Sep – 24th Sep 2016
On display were collographs, screenprints, papier mache crafts. clay pieces and constructions, aswell as a showcase by Junior Cert and FETAC groups. The students also had help from NCAD students and school staff. All proceeds went to St Brigid’s School.
Preview reception: Thursday 22nd September at 7pm.
‘Mi Camino a Través del Arte’
Úna Curley
25th Aug – 17th Sep 2016
In this exhibition Úna Curley shares a six year journey of self-discovery through art. Her work is influenced by her background in communication and personal development, as well as her concerns for the environment and the worryingly fast pace of consumption and subsequent waste. Using mainly repurposed textiles for their rich narrative, the pieces are quirky and instantly recognisable, but always thought provoking. Through her labour intensive work she explores our relationship with time, materials and heritage.
Preview reception: Wednesday 24th August at 7pm.
‘An Introspective’
Michael Stafford
23rd June – 6th August 2016
In this exhibition the Dundalk based artist changes direction from post-modern geometric forms with contradictory imagery to a free- form process of picture making.
An Introspective is a series of new works playing with surrealism with pop sensibilities. This is an exploration of the mind and of experimental painting. Each work is autonomous. The imagination is exalted with non-existing landscapes, faces and ambiguous narratives.
‘I must create a system or be enslaved by another man’s’, William Blake www.michaelstaffordartist.ie
‘Visions of Louth’
North Louth Artists
26th May – 11th June 2016
Working in oils, watercolour, acrylics, bronze, glass and ceramic, and in styles varying from super realist to pure abstract, fourteen artists explore their native county and each presents their vision of Louth in colour, form and texture. Artists featured: Ciara Agnew, Derek Bell, Sandra Bell, Gerry Clarke, Patrick Conyngham, Siobhan Conyngham, Paula Eigenheer, Alva Gallagher, Frances Lambe, John O’Connor, Eilish O’Mahony, Patricia Murphy, Rosemary Warren, Irene Woods.
Preview reception: Wednesday 25th May at 7pm.
‘Dundalk Photographic Society’s Annual Exhibition 2016’
23rd April – 14th May 2016
Dundalk Photographic Society is one of the leading camera clubs in Ireland. They have won the Irish Photographic Federation National Club Championship in three successive years from 2012 – 2014. Included in this year’s exhibition are photographs that have won awards at national and international salons and exhibitions. The exhibition was judged by Mr Vittorio Silvestri, President of the Northern Ireland Photographic Association.
‘Sense of Place’
Leanne Mullen, Declan Honan and Rosie Martin
5th March – 16th April 2016
Three Louth-based artists examine what is meant by a sense of place in this new group exhibition. Place can be the building itself, the people within, it is the natural enviroment we inhabit. We observe permanence of place and the changes that happen. The exhibition was opened by Francis Verling, Creative Business Consultant on Friday 4th March.
‘Oradour, Elegy for a Town’
Paul Woods
16th Jan – 20th Feb 2016
The tragedy of the destruction of the town of Oradour-Sur-Glane in France and its 642 inhabitants is still to this day surrounded in controversy as to why this event occurred and in this particular place. The exhibition “Oradour, Elegy for a Town” by Paul Woods explores the haphazard and illogical process of warfare resulting in the clinical and barbaric destruction of innocent people in their environs. The imagery of warfare and conflict throughout history is filled with powerful, and very often abstract and unsettling depictions. In this exhibition Paul Woods explores the frightening scale and enormity of the civilian casualty figures in WW2, which has a special poignancy in the light of recent conflicts. The exhibition was opened by Neil Richardson and Stéphane Aymard on Friday 15th January www.paulwoodsart.com
‘Establish Change’
Louth Craftmark Designers Network
11th Nov – 19th Dec 2015
‘Establish Change’ was an exciting exhibition of contemporary craft and art. The works on exhibit provided an intriguing mix of fine art installation, ceramics, textiles, leather, painting, jewellery, printmaking and sculpture. The exhibition, organised by Louth Craftmark Designers Network, featured 14 craftspeople, designers and artists based in the North East. Louth Craftmark Designers Network is a group of makers and visual artists based in and around County Louth which promotes and supports its members through accessing funding, networking and collaborative projects. The exhibition was planned to coincide with the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI) led initiative ‘Irish Design 2015’.
‘Come to the Edge’
Creative Spark/Create Louth residency exhibition
2nd Sep – 17th Oct 2015
The Creative Spark/Create Louth residency exhibition with supporting exhibition of work by Creative Spark Print Studio members. The artists involved in the 2014-2015 Create Louth Residency Programme at Creative Spark were; Omin (Co. Louth), Anna Marie Savage (Co. Down), Fiona Marron (Co. Monaghan) and Amelia Steely (USA). www.creativespark.ie
‘Otherworldly’
Orla Barry
2nd July – 15th August 2015
Orla Barry’s practice explores symbolism through nature and animals. She works with acrylic paints and paper on canvas. Orla combines images with pattern; contrasting bright and dark colours with metallic hues. Specific images are chosen for their representational significance.
Orla’s work exists in juxtaposition to modern life and consumption. It embraces the beauty of the natural world expressing its atmosphere of magic and enchantment while drawing influence from sacred art, mysticism, surrealism and fairytales. Inspiration for this exhibition has come from her most recent residency at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre. The fairytale aspect of the centre’s building and interiors and surrounding scenery appealed to Orla’s style of work and resonate with the essence of her paintings as their own individual mystical worlds. Orla Barry graduated from Dublin Institute of Technology in 2007 and is based in Bridge Street Studios, Dundalk. www.orlabarry.com
‘Palette of Louth’
North Louth Artists
23rd May – 13th June 2015
North Louth Artists presents ‘Palette of Louth’, an exhibition by Co. Louth’s leading artists and sculptors. Included were paintings in oils, acrylics and watercolour, with bronze and ceramic sculptures.
‘Dundalk Photographic Society Exhibition 2015’
11th April – 8th May 2015
Dundalk Photographic Society were the Irish Photographic Federation National Club Champions holders in 2015. Included in this year’s exhibition are photographs which have won awards at the national and international salons and exhibitions. The exhibition was judged by a distinguished photographer from the U.K.
‘I’ll be your Mirror’ (The Album Sleeve Project)
Brian Hegarty
26th Feb – 4th April 2015
The vinyl record is more than just a by word for cultural nostalgia. It has the capacity to trigger memories and convey emotion in the most personal way. It is weighted with symbolism, not just as a twentieth century artifact but also as a holder of many of life’s accumlated experiences. Love, loss, identity, ideology, all of life’s ingredients filtered through the treble and base of a turntable, an amplifier and speakers. This exhibition from Drogheda-based artist Brian Hegarty, I’ll be Your Mirror, was first shown in the Cartridge Gallery in Lapua, Finland in October 2014. I’ll Be Your Mirror is an ongoing process that will see new works added each time the collection is shown, culminating in a final version of the project to be exhibited in the Ashford gallery in the Royal Hibernian Academy Dublin in 2016.
‘In Search of Place’
Eimear Murphy & Eileen O’Sullivan
15th Jan – 14th Feb 2015
Eimear Murphy and Eileen O’Sullivan’s In Search of Place explores ideas of belonging and questions how places carry traces of humanity.
O’Sullivan’s work is concerned with the personal. Subjects include family, the familiar and everyday objects. Starting with the representational, her work often develops into the abstract as a result of experimentation and careful editing. Murphy’s works explores the domestic environment, where she concerns herself primarily with the traces people leave. Source materials come first hand from houses under construction, her work stems from the transitional nature of these spaces.
Eimear Murphy and Eileen O’Sullivan are currently completing their degree in Fine Art Painting in the National College of Art and Design, Dublin.
‘Double Back’
Ciaran O’Sullivan
29th August – 31st Oct 2014
‘So Early, So Tired’
An exhibition of new paintings by artists Ciaran O’Sullivan. This was O’Sullivan’s second solo show in the Basement Gallery, with works including both figurative and portrait paintings. Although he works within the traditional genre of life painting, the techniques and methods used are far from traditional. Amongst the colours and textures of thick oil paint, we find figures within the scene, sometimes hidden, sometimes not. Each piece has its own mood or theme but the interpretation of such is often left up to the viewer.
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