A three-day celebration of visual art is being hosted by Artform at Mount Congreve Gardens in Waterford this May Bank Holiday weekend, from May 4th to 6th 2024.
On May 4th from 10 am to 5 pm, those who would like to paint or watch artists at work in the gardens can join a Paint-out and Draw-along led by guest artists Nicola Morrin, Alan Clarke, Tony Robinson, Steve Browning and Róisín Curé in the idyllic surroundings of the 70 acres of Mount Congreve Gardens. Participating artists will have the opportunity to show and sell their works on the day in a pop-up ‘exhibition on easels’ with prizes. Those participating can also enjoy an artist picnic from The Pantry at CLIFF at Mount Congreve Gardens.
On May 5th from 10 am to 4 pm, Masterclasses in different styles and media inspired by the gardens natural environment will be held by artists Eamon Colman, Róisín Curé, Sinéad Lucey and Julie Cusack, offering artists with some experience an opportunity to expand their practice working with experienced mentors.
A launch event of ‘Bucolica’, an exhibition set against the enchanting backdrop of Mount Congreve Gardens will take place on May 6th from 4 pm to 6 pm in the picturesque Stables Café. ‘Bucolica’ invites artists to delve into the serene and idyllic, while also encouraging a reflective examination of the historical and contemporary implications of humanity’s relationship with the landscape. The exhibition includes work by invited artists and selected artists from an open submission competition. ‘Bucolica’ offers emerging artists an opportunity to exhibit with their more established peers and win awards including a jury prize for inclusion of their work in a new permanent collection for Mount Congreve Gardens. ‘Bucolica’ will continue over the summer months in the Stables Café in Mount Congreve Gardens, open 7 days per week.
With this first ‘Art in the Gardens’ event, we look forward to welcoming the visual art community to Mount Congreve Gardens. Through this event, it is the hope that a new dialogue opens between this outstanding garden setting and visual art, which will enrich the visiting experience for the general public and unfold into the future.
For further details on Art in the Gardens at Mount Congreve Gardens in Waterford, see www.artform.ie and www.mountcongreve.com.
