New artist in residence for Athlone's Abbey Road Studios

Abbey Road Artists’ Studios, operated by Athlone Arts & Tourism alongside sister site Luan Gallery, is delighted to announce the arrival of a new artist in residence, Katie Lynch.

Katie is a visual artist and theatre practitioner based between Athlone and Galway. Katie graduated from Limerick School of Art & Design in 2023 with a BA in Fine Art Painting.

Her interdisciplinary work blends painting, performance and audiovisual media, drawing on Irish folklore, literature and local archival footage. Katie creates playful, surreal environments through scriptwriting, prop-making and improvisational workshops.

Referencing amateur theatre, her work explores uncertainty, humour and transformation — often through characters caught in metaphorical storms. Katie is an associate artist with Helium Arts, designing inclusive workshops for children and adults with complex health conditions.

She is currently developing The Jester’s Odyssey, a touring project combining storytelling, installation and live performance, alongside a new body of mixed media paintings and prints using natural and found materials.

The studios offer a dedicated space in Athlone for local and visiting artists whilst supporting professional contemporary artists in a welcoming environment which facilitates peer interaction and great work. Abbey Road Studios serves as a destination hub for creative people and organisations looking to expand their artistic endeavours alongside other professionals.

For more information on Abbey Road Artists’ Studios, contact info@luangallery.ie - while more information about Katie’s art is available @katielynch.art on Instagram.