Kildare Artist Overcomes Barriers to Showcase Artwork at National Exhibition

Niamh Eldridge Barry,  a remarkable 24-year-old artist hailing from Rathmore, Nass, Co Kildare has overcome the challenges of Dyspraxia to showcase her remarkable artwork on a national level. Niamh is one of ten artists carefully selected from around the country as part of the Connecting Artists 2023 programme, which culminates in an exhibition of their art at the renowned Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI) in Dublin, taking place from Sunday 16th to Tuesday 18th of July.  

Connecting Artists is a 10-week online programme designed by Miriam Spollen, the founder of Connections Arts Centre, a social enterprise dedicated to connecting the disability community through the Arts. Miriam created this online programme for visual artists nationwide with intellectual disabilities who wish to develop their creative practice.

Diagnosed with Dyspraxia at the age of eight, Niamh has had an interest in art since childhood. She entered an art competition for her primary school's fashion show, showcasing her talent by painting a beautiful rose with acrylic. Her artwork caught the attention of the 2005 Rose of Tralee winner, Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, who walked the runway with Niamh, holding her painting.

Since completing secondary school, she has attended various art classes. In 2018, Niamh enrolled at the Newbridge Youth Training Development Centre, where she learned pottery, experimented with various techniques, and crafted 3D sculptures. During the 2020/2021 lockdown, she completed an online children's illustration course with the London Art College and then joined The White Box Gallery, a small art school in Naas, during the summer of 2021. Her preferred subjects include landscapes and animals taking inspiration from her imagination and referencing places she has visited.

Niamh says: "The Connecting Artists 2023 community gave me the opportunity to connect with like-minded creatives. I liked collaborating, exploring new ideas, and learning from my mentor Aya and the other participants.  This experience has increased my confidence. The Connecting Artists 2023 programme understands the unique needs of each participant and this understanding has been very important to me." 

Miriam of Connections Arts Centre emphasises this programme provides an immersive, supportive, and interactive environment for artists with intellectual disabilities, empowering them to develop their creative practice and hone their natural talents. It provides a safe space for artists to explore their art and techniques and learn from each other. It also prepares them for exhibiting and selling their work.

Miriam says: "The programme would not be possible without our ten wonderful mentors who volunteered their time to support each artist, and the RCSI Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Unit, for providing a platform to highlight the exceptional talents of these ten artists.

We are thrilled for Niamh and all the participating artists of the 2023 programme and to see their fantastic artwork exhibiting at a national level. The response from the general public, both business and community has been brilliant. We are also delighted to know that the exhibit will be showcasing in Belfast and no doubt in more counties around the country during the year."

She adds, "Our aim is to continue the Connecting Artists programme for years to come and to support a new cohort of artists every year. We are always interested to explore partnership opportunities with organisations that share our vision of promoting inclusivity and empowering artists with intellectual disabilities. If there is interest in supporting our Connecting Artists programme and making a meaningful difference in the lives of these artists, we would be delighted to discuss potential sponsorships or funding opportunities."

Do not miss the chance to visit the exhibit and see Niamh’s artwork. Artwork will be available to purchase throughout the event and online. 

Entry is FREE, but booking is essential. Book your place now at the following link, https://www. connectionsartscentre.ie/ connecting-artists-programme-1

For more information visit, www. connectionsartscentre.ie