Louth artist exhibiting at RCSI National Showcase in Dublin

Bearnard Durnin, an emerging artist from Ardee, has been selected to exhibit his work at the Connecting Artists 2025 Exhibition, hosted by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) in Dublin running until this Saturday 19 July.

Bearnard is one of just nine artists from across Ireland chosen for this year’s Connecting Artists programme, now in its fourth year. The exhibition, showcases the creativity of artists who are neurodivergent or have intellectual disabilities, offering professional development, mentorship, and national exposure.

Bearnard has been passionate about drawing since childhood. “When I was younger, I drew dinosaurs, cars, and jeeps from my memory and imagination,” he recalls. After secondary school, he completed a FETAC Level 5 course in Art and Design, which helped further develop his artistic interests.

He enjoys sketching in his art journal using pencil and pen and currently attends a weekly art class with local artist Susan Farrelly, who has encouraged him to transfer his ideas to canvas using acrylic paints. His work is inspired by movies, superheroes, vehicles, and his imagination. Bearnard has previously exhibited a painting in Ardee and chose to sell a copy of it while keeping the original.

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“Being involved in the Connecting Artists 2025 programme has been a great opportunity for me to meet other artists and be part of a community where my art will be appreciated and accepted,” he said. 

The Connecting Artists programme was developed by Connections Arts Centre, which is an award-winning, not-for-profit social enterprise that supports people with intellectual disabilities and the neurodivergent community through inclusive arts and training initiatives. This structured 10-week programme supports emerging artists in developing their creative skills, building confidence, and gaining national recognition through professional exhibitions like this one at RCSI.

Speaking about this year’s programme, Lis Lien, the Connecting Artists Programme Manager at Connections Arts Centre, said: “This year we were delighted to open the Connecting Artists programme to include neurodivergent artists as well as those with intellectual disabilities. The diversity of perspectives and creative voices has been truly inspiring. Bearnard and his peers have worked with dedication over the past 10 weeks, and we’re so proud to see their art take centre stage at RCSI.”

The Connecting Artists 2025 Exhibition is free and open to the public (advance booking required). Visitors can explore artwork, attend talks and live art demonstrations, and meet the artists. Original pieces and art cards will also be available for purchase.

Opening Times For the Public:

• Thu 17 July: 11:00am–3:00pm
• Fri 18 July: 11:00am–3:00pm (Live demo at 11:30am)
• Sat 19 July: 11:00am–3:00pm

Admission: Free (booking at https://www.connectionsartscentre.ie/ca25-exhibition-at-the-rcsi) .For more information about the programme and exhibition, visit: www.connectionsartscentre.ie