Kildare County Council presents the Municipal Art Collection Autumn School

Kildare County Council’s Arts Service is delighted to present the MAC Autumn School, a series of free artist talks at Naas Library & Cultural Centre this autumn.

This initiative invites the public to explore the Kildare Municipal Art Collection and connect with some of County Kildare’s most celebrated artists in an informal, welcoming setting.

Established in the 1970s, the Kildare Municipal Art Collection is a publicly held archive of over 300 contemporary artworks, managed by Kildare County Council’s Arts Service. It serves as both a visual record of regional artistic practice and a platform for critical engagement, celebrating talent from across Ireland. Spanning painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media, the collection is displayed in public buildings throughout the county—making art accessible and enriching Kildare’s cultural landscape.

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Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or simply curious, the MAC Autumn School offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from artists about their creative journeys, inspirations, and the stories behind their work.

Attendees can enjoy coffee and conversation in a relaxed setting while connecting with artists and fellow art lovers.

Join us this autumn to celebrate Kildare’s artistic heritage and discover the stories behind the artworks in your local Municipal Art Collection.

All events are free to attend, but booking is recommended via https://www.tickettailor.com/events/naaslibrary

Highlights of the Programme:

• Martin Gale:  Saturday, October 18, 3–4 PM
  A master of photorealism, Gale’s evocative landscapes capture the emotional depth and subtle tension of rural Ireland. Based in Ballymore Eustace, he is a member of Aosdána and the Royal Hibernian Academy.

• Shane Hynan:  Wednesday, October 29, 7–8 PM
  Hynan’s work explores land, architecture, and climate through photography and mixed media. His exhibitions, Bogskin and Beneath | Beofhód, reflect a deep engagement with Ireland’s peatlands and their communities.

• Mary Ronayne:  Wednesday, November 12, 7–8 PM
  Known for her theatrical, vibrant paintings, Ronayne blends historical and contemporary imagery with playful absurdity. Her bold narratives and whimsical style have been exhibited globally.

• Gillian Lawler:  Saturday, November 29, 3–4 PM
  Lawler’s award-winning paintings delve into themes of place, memory, and architectural decay, marked by subtle textures and haunting atmospheres.