Outdoor art exhibition celebrating spring returns to Buncrana’s Swan Park 

A temporary outdoor art exhibition celebrating the emergence of spring is returning to Buncrana’s Swan Park for the month of February.

Artlink Fort Dunree is presenting the third edition of Art in the Park – an annual outdoor exhibition featuring captivating artworks exploring this year’s theme of Awaken.  

Artlink will host an open event and guided tour at 1pm on Thursday, February 1, which marks Imbolc and St Brigid’s Day. Attendees are invited to gather at the Buncrana Anglers Centre, where this year’s participating artists will lead a tour around Swan Park, introducing their thought-provoking artworks. 

Art in the Park III is part of Artlink’s New Rhythm programme of events, aimed at fostering a new way of working and routine based on the Celtic Agrarian Calendar. In collaboration with Donegal County Council and the Arts Council of Ireland, their goal is to reconnect individuals with natural rhythms, seasons, tides, and the local environment.  

Artworks at Art in the Park III 

An Illustrated Journey Through the Park by artist Ciara Chapman is a multimedia installation that offers an accessible experience of nature for those with physical restrictions, celebrating inclusivity and sensory exploration.  

For No Good Reason by artist Kevin Harkin is a fairytale love story about a snow leopard and  swan that have fallen in love with a snowflake that is too afraid to leave its cage. The story also has a dark undertone, addressing the artist's personal journey dedicated to those who have suffered abuse. 

Brigit Spreading Her Cloak by artist Brendan Farren is a willow and wire sculpture depicting the Celtic myth of Brigit spreading her cloak to create a sanctuary, emphasising the magic of the earth  to provide. 

Upturn of Events by artist Lucy Mulholland is a sculpture that transforms an accidental happening into a statement on interspecies kinship, encouraging a move towards a more connected future. 

On the Inside by artist Tara Keegan explores the inner beauty of the human body, using recycled materials to reflect on fertility and the festival of Imbolc. 

Artist Tara Keegan in her studio working on her exhibit for  Art in the Park III

Light by artist Tara Eileen Welch is a stained glass art depicting the Celtic pagan calendar, bringing forgotten traditions to life through artistic skill and the play of natural light. 

Gateway for Imbolc by Tuning Group (Mo Langmuir & Samuel Collins) is a site-specific installation embodying the transition from winter to spring, inviting visitors to participate in the celebration of home and nature. 

Artlink project co-ordinator Martha McCulloch said: "Artlink is thrilled to present Art in the Park III: Awaken' – a unique outdoor exhibition of works by seven artists or groups that invites the community to reconnect with nature and experience the intersection of art and culture. 

"Our exhibition is designed to make art more visible and physically accessible – and as we  strongly believe in inclusivity, the diverse artworks selected and showcased this year aim to engage people of all ages and abilities, while celebrating the exceptional natural features of Swan Park. 

"We’re also delighted to be collaborating again this year with Donegal County Council and the Arts Council of Ireland to help bring Swan Park to life this spring. Indeed, the support of these partners is instrumental in making the annual Art in the Park a reality." 

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Artlink project co-ordinator Rebecca Strain added: "February 1st is a special date in the Irish calendar, marking Imbolc and the feast day of St Brigid. It symbolises the start of spring, and here in Inishowen there's a strong connection to the day and its traditions. Our outdoor art exhibition therefore aims to awaken our senses as we emerge from deep winter. 

“We’re inviting everyone to explore and appreciate these memorable artworks on display throughout February – and encourage children and people of all ages to get involved, observe, interact, and learn from the wonderful artworks that have been sensitively woven into the beautiful landscape of Swan Park. 

“Inishowen-based artists Anne Marie O'Hara and Heather McLaughlin will also be creating  some amazing artworks during the exhibition – and we invite the public to participate in the making. Please contact Artlink to get involved in this event or for further information about this year’s vibrant showcase of culture, nature and awakening.” 

For further information about Art in the Park III and upcoming exhibitions and events during February 2024, visit www.artlink.ie, https://www.facebook.com/Artlinkfortdunreepage or contact a member of the Artlink team on 0838696513.