Whether you prefer wearable art, booking a class or dining in artistic surrounds, here are 7 special ways to celebrate …
Potluck in the incognito art auction
Fashion designers Simone Rocha, Helen Steele, Don O’Neill and Caroline Duffy are some of the participants in this year’s incognito art sale in aid of Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation. A total of 3,500 postcard artworks have been created in various mediums: watercolours, oils, pastels, photographs, acrylics and textiles. Each postcard-size artwork costs €70 and, as per previous years, it will be a case of the fastest-finger-first for the online sale. To date, incognito has raised over €1.2 million in funds to support vital in-home nursing and respite care provided by the Foundation. Each artwork sold will make a meaningful difference for families.
Wearable art
British brand The Fold has partnered with prominent botanical artist Rosie Sanders on an exclusive capsule collection featuring large-scale peonies and roses printed on silk and stretch cotton. With a distinctive approach to botanical art, blending scientific precision with bold techniques, Rosie says: “I love flowers with their imperfections because things that are too perfect are quite boring.”
Work it out at a workshop
If you like Japanese bonsai, Chester Beatty Library in Dublin is hosting an Ink Bonsai drawing workshop next month. Another mindful floral event to book is the Bloom & Flourish Retreat in June at The Wicklow Escape, led by designer Caroline Duffy and florist Heather Condren from Flowerpop, during which participants will learn how to paint flowers and arrange them too.
Digital art
The spring/summer programme of Living Canvas, Europe’s largest digital art screen on the grounds of IMMA, has launched with the premiere of Irish artist Clare Langan’s new film work Alchemy. This sensory-rich film of visuals and original music takes the viewer through a journey of transformation. The visuals are shot by Oscar-nominated cinematographer Robbie Ryan, with a score by Gyða Valtýsdóttir and soundscape by Daniel Goddard. It forms part of the museum’s celebration of Earth Day.
Artform dining
The Dunmore in Dublin has become known for its architectural design, delectable food and expertly crafted cocktails, but it’s also home to an impressive private art collection. Owner Clifton Foyle’s passion for art has led to a collaboration with Artform, resulting in a new exhibition curated by Big Look Art and installed by Richard Coghlan. “Artform at The Dunmore” features works by over 80 artists such as Paul Hallahan, Bernadette Kiely, Mary O’Connor, Lee Welch, Neal Greig, Hanneke van Ryswyk, Aidan Crotty and Dave West. Additionally, selected artists from an open-call competition conducted in partnership with artist Susan Connolly, will have their work showcased. A new immersive dining experience not to be missed.
Stay at Park Kenmare, Co Kerry
Those in the know call the hotel the Tate Kenmare, such is the significance of its art collection curated by owner Bryan Meehan, from Landline named after Sean Scully’s work to the Andy Warhol in the Drawing Room.“Art at the Park” has had the Kingdom buzzing with new additions including an Annie Morris tapestry and Michael Craig-Martin’s White Gate installation in the gardens. Daily art tours are the perfect prelude to an aperitivo on the terrace. Look out for Domino Whisker’s bunnies decorating the Easter tablescapes. If booking a stay, during May THE GLOSS readers can avail of a special in-room amenity of Bubbles & Seasonal Treats with the quote Gloss25.
SEE MORE: Artistic License – Domino Whisker
Book a trip to Lisbon
Lisbon is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting cities for street art, with large-scale murals transforming the urban landscape. Artists from all over the world have turned neighbourhoods like Bairro Alto, Alfama and Cais do Sodré into open-air galleries, with iconic works by renowned artists like Vhils, Os Gêmeos, Blu and Bordalo II, among many others. There’s also a thriving contemporary art scene as seen at the Museu de Arte, Arquitetura e Tecnologia (MAAT), Museu Berardo and Museu Banksy. The latest addition to the city’s art scene is the MACAM, showcasing over 600 works. Hyatt Regency Lisbon is a prime location along the banks of the Tagus River, with art installations and historical landmarks on its doorstep.
