Latest news with #ConnectionsArtsCentre
Irish Times
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
In pictures: Breaking barriers through art
An exhibition opened this week to showcase the artwork of talented artists from the neurodivergent community or with intellectual disabilities. RTÉ broadcaster Miriam O'Callaghan officially opened the 2025 Connecting Artists Exhibition at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) in Dublin. Our pictures show them displaying their creative talents as many proud family members and friends look on in the hallowed surroundings of the RCSI's wood-panelled College Hall, with its high decorative ceiling and Minstrel's Gallery. The contemporary artists' framed works were placed on easels around the hall, their modern styles in striking contrast to the traditional portraits on the walls. READ MORE The show marks the culmination of an intensive 10-week mentoring programme delivered by Connections Arts Centre. Now in its fourth year, the programme supports creative development and visibility for the artists involved. The exhibition remains open until 3pm today (Saturday). Entry is free, but advance booking is recommended to secure a spot. The nine artists involved this year are: Rachel Connell; Martin Carolan; Claudia Williams; Evan McLoughlin; Marta Soltysek; Pamela Kavanagh; Bearnard Durnin; Ava Lawlor and John Heavey. Artist Evan McLoughlin from Blackrock, Co. Dublin. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill Artist's from left; John Heavey from Rathmines, Dublin, Rachel Connell from Castlepollard, Co Westmeath, Claudia Williams, Newport, Co Tipperary and Pamela Kavanagh, Lucan, Dublin. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill Artist Martin Carolan from Lucan, Dublin. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill Artist Rachel Connell from Castlepollard, Co Westmeath with her brother Daniel and mother Deirdre Clogher. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill Artist Rachel Connell from Castlepollard, Co Westmeath. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
Irish Independent
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Louth artist Bearnard Durnin to exhibit work at national showcase in Dublin
Bearnard Durnin has been selected as one of just nine artists from across Ireland to take part in the Connecting Artists 2025 Exhibition, hosted by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). Running from Wednesday 16th to Saturday 19th July, the event celebrates the work of neurodivergent artists and those with intellectual disabilities. 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.
