Garden to Gallery community art exhibition held in Athlone
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Margaret McLoughlin, a participant in Garden to Gallery.Image 2 of 6
Claire Heffernan, a participant in Garden to Gallery.Image 3 of 6
Maureen Downey, a participant in Garden to Gallery.Image 4 of 6
Ganna Koval, a participant in Garden to Gallery.Image 5 of 6
Marian Tuohy, a participant in Garden to Gallery.Image 6 of 6
Tara Mulvihill, Artist, Lynda Mooney, Assistant Manager, Luan Gallery, Aoife Banks, Curator, Luan Gallery, Aoife Doolan, Artist, Carmel Duffy, Manager, Luan Gallery.Garden to Gallery: A community art exhibition celebrating nature, heritage, and creativity, was held recently in the Boardwalk Gallery at Luan Gallery.
The exhibition showcased 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 2025.
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 was 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.