AMAZING VARIETY OF TALENT AT SKETCHBOOK EXHIBITION

Last evening's exhibition of work from the Sketchbook Club in Woodbine Books showed off an amazing variety of talent from a group who have only been together since February, writes Brian Byrne. The club is led by local artist Lyn Worrall, and offers a regular opportunity for creative activity in a cosy, welcoming venue.

The group has a total of around 20 members — the youngest aged 16, some others are retirees — with 12 to 15 turning up at the regular meetings. A key feature is that there is no structure to the sessions — those who go along can choose their own materials, pick their own themes, and show or not share their work. "But there is a great camaraderie," Lyn says, "and there has been a lot of sharing tips and learning from each other." 

Dawn Behan, Lyn Worrall, Regina McCarthy and Karen Flynn.

Using sketchbooks rather than working at an easel is a much more personal way of doing art, and can probably be less intimidating for people new to drawing and painting. "It's a sketchbook, so if one page doesn't work, the next page will. Everybody here just wanted a chance to sit and to fill a notebook, and to meet other people who wanted to do the same thing, to talk about it and learn." Sketchbooks also have the advantage of portability, allowing work to be done on buses, in waiting rooms, and at those odd times of a busy day when a little burst of creativity can be relaxing.

For Lyn, the biggest surprise since the club began has been the sheer variety of the output. Their work reflects members' different interests, experience levels and personalities. "Everyone's work is different, and everyone's takeaway is different. You don't expect that when people are working together in one place, that they've all produced something really incredibly different." Even in just six months, she is impressed by visible jumps in confidence and skill, from where people started to where they are now, just through that regular interaction. "One person who in February said, 'I've never made a painting,' is showing three pieces tonight." 

It's not unusual in such groups that the majority of participants are women. Lyn has a theory about that. "Women tend to get involved in creative things more easily. We also like the nature of it being unfocused. We're not competitive, and the unstructured nature, I think, suits women a little bit more than men." 

The theme of the exhibition was 'Renewal', appropriate because the club had begun with the imminent arrival of spring. Lyn is hoping that in another six months there will be a second exhibition, which may reflect the darkening time of Lughnasa and Samhain. Whatever, she already knows now that everyone's work will be absolutely different.

The Woodbine venue is facilitated by a grant awarded to the bookshop from the Books at One Community Prize Fund, launched to support independent bookshop owners in finding creative ways to connect with their local communities. The funding has helped proprietor Dawn Behan to defray the costs of many regular events which have established Woodbine Books as a community hub for creative activity as much as it is a much-loved bookshop. 

Alouise Reddy and Lucy Prentice.

Catherine Kavanagh, Lisa Kelly and Kieran Behan.

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BARGE VIDEO EXPLORES ART, HOUSING AND LIFE

Assistant Arts Officer Paula Barrett, Marta Golubowska, and Riverbank Arts Centre Director Caroline Williams.

A video installation exploring dwelling beyond basic shelter needs is currently being presented on the Robertstown Community Barge, writes Brian Byrne. The exhibition, Idle Musing, by artist Marta Golubowska, runs from 15-23 September with limited visiting hours. 

At the official opening on 11 September, Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne highlighted art’s role in addressing the housing crisis, while Kildare County Council’s Paula Barret emphasised the importance of spaces for daydreaming. 

Golubowska’s work reflects on ownership and the intimacy of space. 

Culture Night events include a clay workshop and a canal tour, both free but requiring advance booking. 

A free talk, “Is it Warm on the Boat?”, will be held on 25 September. 

The project is funded by Kildare County Council Arts Service and supported by Riverbank Arts Centre. 

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EXHIBITION OF SKETCHBOOK CLUB WORK

A reminder that an exhibition on Thursday evening at Woodbine Books, themed ‘Renewal’, will showcase creative works from its Sketchbook Club, writes Brian Byrne.  The exhibition, open from 6pm to 8pm, will feature pieces from the work done between February and July, along with the sketchbooks themselves. 

The club, funded by the Books at One Community Prize Fund, provides a monthly creative space for local people of all ages, from first-time sketchbookers to professional artists. Sessions are free, led by Lyn Worrall, and Woodbine Books also provides refreshments. 

The club will begin a new session on 5 October, welcoming new members to join on the first Monday of each month. For more information, visit the Facebook page @timetodrawevents or drop in to Woodbine Books to sign up.

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LAUNCH OF PARACHUTE PROJECT

Riverbank Arts Centre and Kildare County Council Arts Service have launched The Parachute Project, a six-week collaboration led by Brian Cregan with TY students from Curragh Community College. 

Combining art, science and engineering, the programme included workshops, off-site sessions and Dublin gallery visits. Students explored photography’s origins, cyanotype printing and the Curragh’s heritage, experimenting with light and materials while shaping the parachute design and choosing individual prints on T-shirts and tote bags. 

Cregan said: “Growing up between Newbridge and the Curragh, I’ve always felt connected to this landscape; the project weaves local heritage and cyanotypes with young energy.” Watching Curragh Community College’s Transition Year students take ownership of their designs and collaborate was a highlight; their parachute became a shared canvas of teamwork. “I am proud of their achievement and grateful to textile designer Aideen Cross, Riverbank Arts Centre and Kildare County Council Arts Service for realising it.”  Cross spent three weeks guiding pattern cutting, sewing and reinforcement for a safe launch. 

Kildare filmmaker Richard Lennon documented the project; his short film, featuring interviews and the Newbridge Town Hall launch, will be screened privately at Riverbank on 16 September for students, families and guests. 

Éilis Lavelle, Arts Officer for Kildare County Council, praised the initiative as a meaningful, skill-building journey. 

During Culture Night 2026, the parachute will be displayed in Riverbank’s foyer and the film screened from 4–8 pm; all are welcome.

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CURRAGH TY STUDENTS IN 'PARACHUTE' ARTS PROJECT

A screening of The Parachute Project short film on Wednesday, 16 September, in the Riverbank Arts Centre, will take place with an artwork display from students of Curragh Community College. 

The Parachute Project was a six-week creative programme held in April and May 2026, involving TY students exploring photography’s origins, learning cyanotype printmaking, and studying the Curragh’s history and landscape. 

The collaboration was led by artist Brian Cregan, with associate artist Aideen Cross. The film was created by Richard Lennon of Darn Skippy. The project was commissioned by the Riverbank Arts Centre and Kildare County Council Arts Service.

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KILCULLEN SISTERS' MEDALS HAUL IN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS OF PERFORMING ARTS

Photos courtesy Liam Raftery.

Three Kilcullen sisters who took part in the World Championships of Performing Arts in Las Vegas brought home a total of 23 world medals across solo, trio and group dance, vocals and variety acts. Sofia (12), Nicole (10) and Lara (8) Raftery also won the overall Junior Ethnic Dance Division Award.

The three were proud members of 29 talented performers representing Team Ireland during an unforgettable 12-day trip in July. In total, the Irish team brought home 197 medals. WCOPA is the premier global talent competition, often cited as the official ‘Talent Olympics’ of the performing arts world. Managed by Worldstars International, it is where elite performers from over 70 countries compete in front of top industry judges, talent scouts, and producers. 

Among the Raftery sisters' medals haul were Sofia's Gold for Dance Acro and Bronze for Dance Ethnic, Nicole's Gold for Dance Open, and Lara's Golds for Variety Act Contortion and Dance Musical Theatre. As a trio they also won Golds for Vocal World, Dance Ethnic, and Variety Act Contortion, as well as scoring a semi-final medal in four different acts, and several invitations for meetings with professional agents. As members of the overall Team Ireland they contributed to wins of Silver for Vocal Open Group and Bronze for the Grand Final Group Vocal.

The Raftery sisters were coached by Katie and Niamh Conlan of the KNC Performing Arts Company, which led Team Ireland. Their family has expressed their gratitude to the coaches for helping the girls achieve remarkable success. They also thanked sponsors and supporters Glanbia, Marsh, Align Advisory, Moreton & Company, Kildare Credit Union Kilcullen, and Eurospar Kilcullen.

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INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS FOR CROOKETT HOUSE RESIDENCIES

Crookett House Art Centre in Maganey, south Kildare, opening in September, will host five international art residencies, showcasing the unique beauty of Ireland’s Ancient East, writes Brian Byrne. Each artist will create work inspired by the region and conclude their residency with a public exhibition at the centre’s gallery.

The artists include Bela Silva, known for her exhibitions at prestigious venues like the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris; Michal Cole, creator of the acclaimed 2017 Venice Biennale Pavilion of Humanity exhibition; Sasha Sykes, a Golden Fleece Award winner with works in numerous collections; Thilo Westermann, whose art has been displayed globally, including at the Kunsthalle Munich; and Ricardo Baptista Fernandes, who will inaugurate the centre with his show “Monument” in September.

Founded by Stephen Croncota and Ricardo Baptista Fernandes, Crookett House Art Centre is a restored 18th-century property supporting County Kildare’s tourism and architectural restoration goals. Croncota, a former executive at Versace and Warner Bros., and Fernandes, a graphic designer and artist, have transformed the site into a gallery, studios, and residence.

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RUSSBOROUGH'S CAR BOOT ART FAIR

A reminder that Russborough’s Car Boot Art Fair returns for its eighth year on Saturday next, 29 August, offering a unique and lively art experience in the parklands. The event allows visitors to buy art directly from artists’ car boots, with a diverse range of paintings, prints, sculptures, and more on offer. 

The day will include live DJ sets, spot prizes, discounted guided house tours, and a 10 per cent discount at the Russborough Shop.

Ticket sales support the care of Russborough House, its collection, and estate. New for 2026, pre-booked ticket holders will automatically enter a giveaway for an original artwork donated by artists such as Catherine Barron and Daniel Lipstein. Tickets available here. 

The fair showcases established and emerging artists, including Ann Marie Webb, Aoife Scott, and PJ Lynch. It offers a rare chance to engage with creators in a relaxed setting. Whether you’re a collector or simply seeking a fun day out, the Car Boot Art Fair promises surprises and a memorable experience.

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Artwork completed

There's now something to look at to pass the time for those stuck in traffic on the Newbridge Road entrance to Kilcullen, with the completion of the new artwork on these two gables.

The KCA-commissioned artwork is located there courtesy of Mick Heavey of Fitzpatrick & Heavey Homes.

It was produced in the last few days by artist Steve O'Donnell of the artistic team that won the commission tender, All Out Design.

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Heritage wall artwork in progress

It's certainly Kilcullen's biggest piece of street art so far, and the Heritage Wall piece is well under way and could be finished tomorrow, depending on the weather, writes Brian Byrne. Taking up two gable ends facing down the Newbridge Road, the KCA-commissioned artwork is located there courtesy of Mick Heavey of Fitzpatrick & Heavey Homes.

Artist Steve O'Donnell of the artistic team that won the commission tender, All Out Design, is spending three days working on the specially developed theme, incorporating local history, heritage, nature, and the environment. The design includes motifs of Kilcullen bridge, a horse, a stylised waving hand of welcome, the Liffey, swans, badgers, and wildflowers. Funding for the project has been supported by public contributions, a St Patrick's Day swim by patrons of The Spout, a table quiz, donation from the Community Centre, and from other sources.

"This landmark initiative is bringing an inspiring new piece of public art to Kilcullen," says KCA's Ann Cashman, who has led the project for the group. "We’re delighted to be working with an incredibly talented artist to create a mural that celebrates our heritage, community, and identity."

The artist has been working in this field for 20 years, and set up a business with two friends when they were still in art college. "It just ended up working, and we've never stopped," he told the Diary today, adding that they have worked for city and county councils, corporate clients, and also some private commissions. He says it seems to be a good spot for the project, as there's always traffic. "A lot of people have already stopped and complimented the project, or beeping and shouting encouragement as they drive by, so it's certainly getting attention."

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Lesley Kelly to show her latest ceramics

Local artist Lesley Kelly will showcase her latest collection of handmade ceramics at Woodbine Books on Saturday, 15 August. The event will run from 7pm to 9pm.

The exhibition offers a chance to meet the artist, view her new works up close, and learn more about the process behind her creations. 

Woodbine Books is delighted to host the event, which is free and open to all.

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New mural in August

Gable 'canvas' ready for art.

The new mural planned for the gable end of a recently refurbished property facing the Newbridge Road will be painted in August, the recent meeting of Kilcullen Community Action was told.

Sponsored by KCA and costing almost €9,000, the artwork will be located on the gable end of the development of a formerly derelict building, which has been refurbished by Fitzpatrick Heavey Homes. They finished the double gable to be ready for the artwork. The piece, commissioned by tender from All Out Design, will incorporate local history, heritage, nature, and the environment and will include motifs of Kilcullen bridge, a horse, a stylised waving hand of welcome, the Liffey, swans, badgers, and wildflowers.

Several fundraising initiatives have been undertaken for the project, including a St Patrick's Day sponsored swim by patrons of The Spout Bar. A table quiz, coffee promotion, and an iDonate page have also brought in funds.

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New art centre opening in September

Crookett House Art Centre is set to open in September 2026 with its first exhibition, Monument, by Ricardo Baptista-Fernandes. Opening on 4 September, the exhibit will comprise a series of paintings in this exhibition were inspired by a stack of bales on top of a hill in the Irish countryside.

Located in the countryside at Crooket, Maganey, Co Kildare, the new centre will provide a live, work and exhibition space for established and emerging artists from Ireland and abroad.

The centre aims to add a new cultural and community dimension to the area, while offering another reason for visitors to come to the region.

Further information and newsletter sign-up are available at www.crooketthouse.com.

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