Louth artist Bearnard Durnin to exhibit work at national showcase in Dublin
Bearnard, who has been passionate about drawing since childhood, will not only have his artwork displayed in the RCSI's historic building on St Stephen's Green, led a live art demonstration on Thursday morning (17th July), giving the public a chance to witness his creative process firsthand.
'When I was younger, I drew dinosaurs, cars, and jeeps from my memory and imagination,' Bearnard recalls. That early talent led him to complete a FETAC Level 5 course in Art and Design and, more recently, to explore acrylic painting in a weekly art class with local artist Susan Farrelly.
Inspired by movies, superheroes, and vehicles, Bearnard works mostly in sketchbooks using pencil and pen but has recently started producing large-scale canvas pieces. He previously exhibited his work in Ardee and has already sold copies of his art while holding on to his originals.
Speaking about the opportunity to take part in the Connecting Artists programme, Bearnard said:
'Being involved in this programme has been a great opportunity for me to meet other artists and be part of a community where my art will be appreciated and accepted. I look forward to showing my artwork to a larger audience at the Royal College of Surgeons in July.'
The Connecting Artists programme, now in its fourth year, was developed by Connections Arts Centre, a not-for-profit social enterprise that provides inclusive training and exhibition opportunities for neurodivergent people and individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Programme Manager Lis Lien praised this year's cohort:
'This year we were delighted to open the programme to include neurodivergent artists as well as those with intellectual disabilities. The diversity of perspectives and creative voices has been truly inspiring. Bearnard and his peers have worked with dedication over the past 10 weeks, and we're so proud to see their art take centre stage at RCSI.'
The Connecting Artists 2025 Exhibition is free and open to the public, with talks, art for sale, and a chance to meet the artists. Advance booking is required via the Connections Arts Centre website.
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