Dundalk's Bridge Street Studios celebrates 30th anniversary with thought-provoking exhibition

Bridge Street Studios in Dundalk will celebrate their 30th anniversary with a visual art exhibition, 'The things that matter most are the things that can’t be seen,' hosted at the Basement Gallery, An Táin Arts Centre. The exhibition will run from February 25th to April 4th, 2026, with opening hours on Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. The Opening Launch is set to take place on Wednesday, February 25th.

Nestled in a historic 250-year-old grain store, Bridge Street Studios has been a nurturing ground for both emerging and established artists for 30 years. As one of the oldest and largest independent artistic collectives in Ireland, the Studios have been an integral part of the town's creative fabric since their formation in 1996.

The 'The things that matter most are the things that can’t be seen' exhibition features the works of eight dynamic professional artists and craftspeople who are all based in Bridge Street Studios, including Orlaith Cullinane, Rachel Tinniswood, Mary Cowan, Suzanne Carroll, Caóilfíonn Murphy O'Hanlon, Orla Barry, Sarah McKenna, and Fiona Quigley. Their collective expertise spans a wide array of mediums, including paintings, sculpture, prints, ceramics, textiles, and mixed media.

The artists have chosen the quote 'The things that matter most are the things that can’t be seen' by A.A. Milne to capture the spirit of the studio’s vibrant and lasting community on its momentous 30th anniversary. 

The artwork demonstrates the power and strength in a collective and the ways in which sharing space, time and energy with a peer group can creatively sustain the individual's artistic development. The artists have explored the theme with rich imagery, allusion, and symbolism, crafting responses and connections on personal, local, and universal levels. Each artist brings a unique perspective to the theme, creating a diverse and thought-provoking exhibition.

Highlighted Works from "The things that matter most are the things that can't be seen,” include:

• Rachel Tinniswood uses textiles to investigate the invisible labour of the underworld and the potential life and energy stored within tiny organic vessels.
• Sarah McKenna's sculptures of pebble-shaped vessels and gathered branches are born from a fleeting, exterior world of forest walks and shoreline finds.
• Orla Barry presents a series of hinged triptychs, revealing and concealing the mysteries of hidden thoughts, ideas and beauty.

Following the exhibition in Dundalk, 'The things that matter most are the things that can’t be seen' will embark on a journey to Droichead Arts Centre in Drogheda, where it will be on display from June 27th to August 22nd, 2026.

Ceramicist at Bridge Street studios Sarah McKenna said: “For me, being a member of Bridge Street Studios is about so much more than just having a safe place to work or sharing an exhibition space. It’s that constant connection with other artists who truly understand the process. We can talk through new ideas or show 'work-in-progress' without any hesitation or fear of judgment. There is this sense of unconditional support where people are honest with you; nobody feels the need to tiptoe.”

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Visual artist, Suzanne Carroll from Bridge Street Studios expressed her excitement for the upcoming exhibition: "I am delighted to be part of 'The things that matter most are the things that can’t be seen’, an exhibition that unites the diverse talents of Bridge Street Studios. Through our collective exploration of the theme, we celebrate 30 years of the studios and its impact on our personal artistic journeys. We can’t wait to invite visitors to the Basement Gallery, providing them with the opportunity to see this collection of artwork that truly reflects the varied and powerful creativity of our members.” 

For more information about Bridge Street Studios and 'The things that matter most are the things that can’t be seen' exhibition, visit: www.bridgestreetstudios.com/