UNLOCK
11 January - 29 February
This exhibition provides a unique insight on the number of people in custody who take up art as a means of self-expression and how participation in art and craft classes regularly unlocks genuine talent in prisoners, giving rise to the title of the exhibition and the many impressive examples of stained glass, ceramics, weaving, jewellery, etc., showcased in UNLOCK.
Supported by Irish Prison Service | The Arts Council | Irish Prison Education Association | Kilmainham Gaol | Laois Offaly Education and Training Board | JP McManus Trust

Open Exhibition

15 November - 4 January | Exhibition Reception on Friday 15 November, 7pm

This year’s Open Submission Group Show will feature artworks selected by a guest curator.

This showcase offers an opportunity to create exciting visual dialogues and conversations from the breadth and depth of artistic expression by emerging and established artists who take part.

Submissions on Monday 11 November. Details & application form available for download here

A month long Residency at Laois Arthouse, Stradbally will be awarded to one of the selected artists. Supported by Dunamaise Arts Centre and Laois Arts Office.

This years Guest Selector will be Robert Armstrong

Robert Armstrong was born in Gorey and attended the National College of Art & Design in Dublin 1969 – 1974. In 1983 he and others co-founded Temple Bar Gallery & Studios in Dublin. He began to teach painting at NCAD in 1991, eventually becoming Head of Painting Department in 2002. He retired from this post in 2018. He has exhibited regularly in Ireland and abroad, and is included in many public and private collections. He is subject of a number of publications, with essays by Aidan Dunne, Declan Long and Colm Toibin. He lives and works in Dublin and is represented by Kevin Kavanagh Gallery.

20 September - 9 November

5th and 6th class children from Scoil Bhríd, Mountrath will work with professional curators, artists and Dunamaise Gallery to take part in this new creative project. Working together with Dunamaise and Kevin Kavanagh Gallery, Dublin - Pupils selected work by established artists which is presented in an exciting new exhibition at Dunamaise Arts Centre. A related programme of talks and workshops for schoolchildren and families will be programmed alongside the exhibition.

Supported by Creative Ireland Laois, as part of the Creative Ireland Programme in partnership with Laois County Council

Creative Space at Dunamaise Gallery

Children of all ages are invited to respond throughout the exhibition and visits from other schools are welcome. Class and Family Activity Sheets will be available from the Box Office and FREE artist led workshops encouraging creative expression and exploration include:

FUN ART WORKSHOPS

inspired by the exhibition!

Sat 2 Nov, 2pm for families.

Wed 30 Oct, 4pm for ages 7+

INSPIRED STORYTELLING

Tell tall tales from your

imagination, sparked by the artworks on display

Sat 9 Nov, 2pm

Spikey Jar Collective | Journeys
Mixed Media by Doreen Bourke, Textile Art & Painting by Janet O’Grady, Nora Reilly, Kate O’Brien, Mel McNally
A group of Laois based contemporary artists present work inspired by their diverse backgrounds and interests and wide ranging experiences.
Exhibition runs 9 August - 15 September | Exhibition Reception Thursday 15 August, 7pm