Community art exhibition opens at Luan Gallery

Garden to Gallery, a vibrant new exhibition that brings visual art, nature and heritage together in a celebration of community collaboration and creativity is opening this week in Athlone

The exhibition will be on display from Thursday, October 2, until Sunday, October 12 in the Boardwalk Gallery at Luan Gallery.

The Garden to Gallery exhibition showcases work created by members of the public, participants from the local community group Active Age, and service users of St Hilda’s Services, who took part in a series of visual arts workshops held across May, June, and July.

Beginning with a guided tour of the Historical Garden at Athlone Castle, participants explored the folklore and history of native herbs, flowers, and vegetables before using these plants as inspiration and raw materials in their artistic journey. Under the guidance of professional artists, participants learned to create natural dyes and pigments with sustainable artist Niamh Butler, explored eco-friendly printmaking techniques with visual artist Hilary Kinahan, and engaged in a therapeutic watercolour painting session led by art therapist Tara Mulvihill.

The result is a rich and diverse exhibition of prints, paintings, and expressive artworks that reflect a deep connection to the local environment and the creative spirit of the community.

Garden to Gallery is a collaboration between Athlone Castle, Luan Gallery, and Abbey Road Artists’ Studios - and is proudly supported by Creative Ireland and Westmeath County Council Arts Office.

Information on the exhibition and accompanying upcoming events can be found at luangallery.ie and on Luan Gallery’s social channels @luangalleryathlone on Instagram and Luan Gallery on Facebook.

Garden to Gallery will continue until Sunday, 12th October. Admission to the gallery is free for groups and individuals. Tours for schools and groups can be arranged by contacting the gallery in advance.

Luan Gallery is open to the public Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am – 5 pm and Sundays from 12 – 5 pm.