Sarah: ‘I want to share this joy with everyone’
A passionate artist from West Cork is set to showcase her artwork on a national level next month.
Sarah McNulty from Clonakilty is among ten talented artists selected from across Ireland to participate in the Connecting Artists 2024 programme, a 10 week online programme, culminating in an exhibition hosted by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) in Dublin.
The exhibition will take place from 3-7 July. The Connecting Artists programme, curated by Miriam Spollen, founder of Connections Arts Centre, aims to empower visual artists with intellectual disabilities by providing them with a platform to nurture their creative practice and gain professional recognition.
Sarah has had a deep-rooted passion for art from a young age. She initially explored ceramics under the guidance of her teacher, Terry O'Farrell, creating beautiful pieces that laid the foundation for her artistic journey.
During the challenging period of lockdown, Sarah found solace in painting stones collected from the beach, describing it as a meditative experience.
In Clonakilty, she attends the local resource rentre, where she creates her pieces in a supportive and relaxed environment.
Sarah had her inaugural exhibition in 2022, where she successfully sold several paintings and continues to attend weekly art classes with Pauline Walsh, emphasising the importance of a nurturing space for creativity.
Reflecting on her artistic journey, Sarah shared: "Creating art makes me feel good, and I want to share this joy with everyone. Art should be enjoyed without judgment; it's a gateway to emotions. I'm thrilled to participate in the Connecting Artists 2024 programme to encourage others to explore their creativity and to share my work with a broader audience."
Miriam Spollen, founder of Connections Arts Centre, highlighted the ongoing success and impact of the programme: “As we enter the third year of the Connecting Artists programme, the dedication of our ten wonderful mentors and the collaboration with the RCSI Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Unit remain crucial. We are thrilled to see the 2024 participants' fantastic artwork exhibited at a national level. The consistent support from the public, both business and community, has been incredible and continues to inspire us."