Curated Projects

Publication Launch of Nozioni Sul Tarantismo: Notions on Tarantism: A Compilation of Informal Anthropological Research
Curated by Sara Dowling with contributors.

This response project is the result of 9 months work, following a residency as the first Irish woman curator on the DOMUS eco-feminist residency, in Galatina during the month of March 2024. Available to read in English and Italian, courtesy of translations by Annalisa Zegna. Launched on Thursday 7th November 2024, at Limerick City Gallery of Art (LCGA), opened by visual artist Aideen Barry, with additional words by Yvonne Davis (Curator, University of Limerick).

This project and publication outcome were enabled through generous support of the Goethe Institut Culture Moves Mobility Award, and Limerick Arts Office Individual Bursary, along with the support in kind of so many contributing partners as mentioned - to whom sincere thanks are extended.

Click to order a copy click here : Publications
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Photos by Allie Glynn Photography.

NETWORK, THE INAUGURAL LAUNCH OF PRINT NETWORK IRELAND, WITH BLACKCHURCH PRINT STUDIOS AT THE LIBRARY PROJECT, TEMPLE BAR DUBLIN, SEPT - OCT 2023.

NETWORK explored connections to environment and architecture and examines interpersonal relationships, encouraging conversation and interactivity. It showcased a diverse collection of print and expanded print media. This exhibition included various media including intaglio, photo-etching, screenprint, installation, video and projection.
Exhibiting artists included those from across Black Church Print Studio, Graphic Studios Dublin, Limerick Printmakers and Cork Printmakers: Nick Boon, Emma Finucane, Emily McGardle, Catherine Hehir & Noelle Noonan (Collaborative), Miriam Hurley, Ria Czerniak-LeBov, Vaida Varnagiene, Suzannah O’Reilly & Gemma Dardis (Collaborative).

Sincere thanks to the teams at Black Church Print Studio, and The Library Project for hosting this exhibition.

PRESENCE, AN EXHIBITION BY LIMERICK PRINTMAKERS MEMBER AT MART GALLERY & STUDIOS, RATHMINES
OCT - DEC 2022, Facilitated by Director Jess Tobin

Selected through Open Call, ’Presence’ featured work from nine of the Limerick Printmakers 70 members, representing a diverse range of print & photographic processes, individual artist sensibilities and ambitions. Many took this as an opportunity to examine and acknowledge the space or studios at Limerick Printmakers and how the technical elements of their submissions were reliant on these facilities. Others reimagined previous works in a new light – using this exhibition to push their practise into new areas by way of scope, medium or collaboration. Artists: Chris Clery, Angelina Foster, Carol Kennedy & Verona Stellet, Joe Lane, Clara McSweeney, Suzannah O’Reilly, Clodagh Twomey, Isabella Walsh. Huge thanks to Limerick Printmakers, and the team at MART Gallery. Photos by Jess Tobin.

PEAKSHOW AT LIMERICK MUSEUM, HENRY STREET LIMERICK,
JUNE 18TH - 21ST 2019, Co-curated with Ellen Egan.

PeakShows fourth and final exhibition of 2018-2019 took place at Limerick Museum, Henry Street in mid-June 2019. Unlike other exhibitions, this opportunity was awarded to 3 artists, all of whom had worked with PeakShow in some way over the years project. This was accompanied by a small funded bursary for each artist. Works by graduates Alex Holzinger and Hazel Egan were selected alongside paintings by painting student Sian Costello. The exhibition was officially opened by Matthew Potter, Museum Curator, and Una Cahill, LSAD Student Union President 2019-2020. The exhibition ran for 4 days at the Museum. Photo's include those by Kieran Grace, with kind thanks.

PEAKSHOW AT THE FAB LAB, FOR RIVERFEST WEEKEND,
MAY BANK HOLIDAY 2019, Co-curated with Ellen Egan.

The third PeakShow featured the works of 14 Artists including those by local current students, and recent graduates. This exhibition took place as part of the Riverfest Weekend over the May bank holiday. These works were selected through Open Call (themed around the River Shannon, its heritage and legacies, water, movement and fluidity) and by a 4 member Curatorial Team, external Advisor and PeakShow curators, featuring visual/audio media, ceramics, print, photography, live performance and illustration. Events in line with the exhibition included a lunchtime Tea Party event as part of the project: A Sip and Beyond by MA Artist Pavithra Kannan, and a live performance by Conor Coady of Echtrae Collaborative as the exhibitions closing event. The exhibition ran for 4 days at the Fab Lab, Rutland St. Photos include those by Jack Sutcliffe & Jack Egan, with thanks.

PEAKSHOW AT THE LOFT, GEORGES QUAY,
LIMERICK FEB 2019, Co-curated with Ellen Egan.

The second PeakShow opened on 19th February, and featured 30 local artists, designers, current and graduate students and practitioners. Selected through Open Call by PeakShow founders, its curatorial team and external advisor, the show featured works from fine art painting, sculpture, performance, printmaking, film-making, audio works and technical design. This exhibition was opened with a speech by artist and lecturer Breda Lynch, and featured the inclusion of Durty Words by Kate O'Shea and Victoria Brunetta, as well as two featured Artist Talks by Stephen Murphy and Helena Grimes. The exhibition ran at The Loft for 4 days, kindly hosted by staff at the Locke Bar.

Photos include those by Keith Hogan, with kind thanks.

PEAKSHOW AT SAILORS HOME (OFFICIAL PROJECT LAUNCH), O'CURRY STREET,
LIMERICK. OCT 2018, Co-curated with Ellen Egan.

PeakShow, a non profit independent exhibition initiative founded by Sara Dowling & Ellen Egan, launched it's first of four exhibitions, opening on 18th October. It featured the work of 19 current and graduate students of LSAD. Through Open Call by its founders and student Curatorial Team, the show featured large scale installation, sculpture, fashion garments, painting, print, performance, audio and video media, and ran for 4 days. The installation process included a private Artist Walk & Talk, where exhibiting artists discussed the process of their works in the space as a team. The exhibition was officially opened with a few words by Printmaking & Contemporary Practise tutor and artist Fiona Quill, and LSAD SU President Una Cahill. It coincided with Limericks Open House Architecture Festival on Saturday 20th Oct. Photos below by Oisin Mc Hugh, with kind thanks.

BUALADH BOS EXHIBITION, CHILDRENS ART FESTIVAL, BELLTABLE GALLERY,
69 O'CONNELL STREET, LIMERICK, OCT. 2017.

Work made by students in Our Lady Queen of Peace school, whose stories were made into comics by illustrators Fintan Taite, Phillip Barrett, Alan Ryan and their creative teams. Exhibition featured a kids colouring desk, with pictures made added to the shows artwork each day.

RETURN OF THE GRADS, SERIES OF RETURNING ARTISTS & DESIGNER TALKS, LIMERICK SCHOOL OF ART & DESIGN
APRIL - MAY 2016, Co-curated with Andy Summers and the LSAD Student Union part-time team.

Student Union led collaborative Event by Sara Dowling & Andy Summers (LSAD Student Union Presidents 15/6) as a new initiated Professional Practise alternative for students. Returning Artists, Designers and recent graduates of LSAD spoke about their work, practise & experience post-graduation. Talks ran for 5 days over 4 weeks with 2 speakers each. Each speaker discussed the first 12 months since leaving college, and its impact on them as a person and creative. Selected photos above include 4 of 10 speakers: Rachel Clancy, Pat O' Mahoney, Ellen Egan & Sibeal Crehan.

<OPEN> 7 DAY ARTIST & STUDENT EXHIBITION, CHURCH GALLERY, LIMERICK SCHOOL OF ART & DESIGN,
MAY 2016, Co-curated with Andy Summers.

<OPEN> was a contemporary student group show - fundraised by LSAD SU, contributed to by students and staff of LSAD, hosted by LSAD Church Gallery & LSAD SU, and kindly assisted by students and staff of the college. Submissions were made in interpretation of the word 'open'- from emotional, to aesthetic, from the minute to the extravagant.

Participation of 80 artists (both current and graduate students) in this show, opened by Tracy Fahy (Head of Fine Art), Curated by: Sara Dowling & Andy Summers (Student Union Presidents 15/6), with prize givings kindly sponsored by Chapel Street Tattoo Studio, LSAD (Purchase & Exhibition Prizes) & The Red Hen Bar, Limerick.

FRESHERS TALENT, POP-UP STUDENT & ARTIST EXHIBITION, CHURCH GALLERY, LIMERICK SCHOOL OF ART & DESIGN,
SEPT 2015, Co-curated with Andy Summers.

Fresher’s Talent’ marked the beginning of a new academically creative year at LSAD 2015/6. In this group show, 15 artists were asked to present work based on themes of connection. Encompassing many disciplines as a gathering of physical, performative, social and emotive response.

It lists a creative range dependent on personal experience and interests.

Curated by: Sara Dowling & Andy Summers, with Handling & Hanging by: S.U Part Time Officers