20 April – 19th May | Opening Thurs 19th April 7.30pm | Westgate, Wexford Town | Studio Nine/Wexart presents ‘Tablets of Contested Utopias’, an exhibition by Dublin born artist, Niall Walsh. This exhibition presents a collection of 2 and 3 dimensional sculptures in wood. Oak, which has been interrupted in the process of incineration, becomes a transitory platform on which to develop images. Through re-representing works from the modernist era and by viewing images of utopian dreams from the early 20th century, this exhibition gives us an opportunity to re-view systems illustrated by artists and architects from an earlier era of intense change. The current system of government and economics are no longer adequate to provide answers to the question of sustainable living. How do we square the equation of constant growth with global warming? | www.studioninewexart.com

Sat 21 April – Thurs 17 May | Opening Sat 21 April at 4.00pm | ‘Presence & Absence II’ | This work is inspired by past histories of people and places, and incorporates reclaimed materials and found or discarded objects, including photographs. Geraldine’s work often constitutes a reconstruction of the objects and materials used in her practice reference and reflects past histories. Presence of these histories is felt all the more strongly through their absence. These histories are revitalized and re-presented in the present, while also referencing their absence. It is this aspect that gives her work its subjectivity | www.tinahely-courthouse.ie

Fri 13th April – Sat 12th May | Opening Thursday, April 12th, 2012 at 6pm | Wexford Arts Centre in Partnership with Allied Irish Bank and the Arts Council invite you to the official opening of Mosaic an exhibition of work by 2010 AIB Prizewinning Artist Mark Swords. ‘Perennial’, Swords’ previous exhibition at Wexford Arts Centre, clearly demonstrated the importance of the hand-made in the artists work, and together with carefully selected materials, forms and use of colour, relayed a keen sense of curiosity and an aptitude for finely honed workmanship. In ‘Mosaic’, Swords has extended this practice while simultaneously exploring the tensions between the modesty of crafts and the grand ambitions of historic/scientific subject matter. ‘Mosaic’ features Painting, Sculpture and Installation pieces. For further information on this exhibition contact Sinéad Kathy Rice, Visual Art Manager (Acting) on T: 053 91 23764 or E: catherine@wexfordartscentre.ie | www.wexfordartscentre.ie

Exhibition runs until Fri 20 April | Birr, Co. Offaly | A full time artist from Edenderry, Co. Offaly, Willie specialises in oils, acrylics and pastels using the bogs and waterways of Offaly for his inspiration. He has exhibited both nationally and internationally and divides his canvas into panels of various weights, depicting mood, texture, movement, detail, compositing, lines and rhythms. This show is based on water sources and reflections, and the memory spaces these evoke.

Tues 10th April – Sun 22nd April 2012 | Opening Thursday 12th April 7pm-9pm | 1a Albert Ave, Bray, Co. Wicklow | ‘Bits and Pieces’ | Signal Arts Centre is delighted to present an exhibition of work by two groups of women from the Little Bray and St Fergal’s Resource Centres. It is an exhibition of porcelain painting on various pieces; such as plates, cups, and bowls. The women have been creating beautiful ‘pieces’ of art work on various ‘bits’ of porcelain – thus the title ‘Bits and Pieces’. The groups have been engaged in the artistic process for a number of years now and are looking forward to their first exhibition | www.signalartscentre.ie

5th of April – 30th April | Opening Wed. 4th April at 6.30pm | Birr Library, Co. Offaly | ‘Extravagant History’ | This joint exhibition is a culmination of research based work created whilst undertaking a two month artist residency at Belmont Mill and Artist Studios. Extravagant History traces how Irish history has turned on a variety of axes or ‘turning points’ beyond the accounts of high politics. In acknowledging the profound changes that have occurred in the recent years in relation to the economic downturn the exhibition examines new approaches to Irish identity that further enrich our understanding of our broader narrative | Further info E: webmaster@offalycoco.ie

5th May | Knockrose, The Scalp | Cost : E 90 and a light lunch is included | Spend a day painting en-plein air in the beautiful gardens of Knockrose just south of Dublin. We will use the natural surrounding of the gardens as inspiration. The workshop starts with a demonstration showing you how to mix colour following an approach developed after attending watercolour workshops in the Art Students League New York. Using this method will help you to keep your painting fresh and alive. Your course tutor Camilla is an experienced teacher and professional practising artist and will be on hand throughout the day to help and advise. A materials list will be emailed to participants in advance.  For more information see www.irishetchings.wordpress.com | Or E: info@irishetchings.com (10% discount for VAI members) | Deadline: 24th April 2012

Sat 31 March – Wed 16 May, 2012 | Opening 3pm, Saturday 31 March, 2012 | The exhibition will be opened by Michael White, Director of the British Council, Ireland | The National Craft Gallery fashions the future with a new exhibition ‘Block Party’: Contemporary craft inspired by the art of the tailor. A fashion show featuring contemporary Irish tailoring by designers from the Project 51 Collective will be held in the National Craft Gallery to launch the exhibition. For further info : www.nationalcraftgallery.ie/exhibitions/block-party

March 31 – May 1st | Opening March 30th at 8pm : Official Launch by Denis Collins | Trudi Doyle is exhibiting paintings in acrylic and watercolour in Cockleshell for the month of April alongside Triona O’Connor, Pater Hodnett and Imelda Harvey Crosbie | www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/trudi-doyle.html?tab=artworkgalleries&artworkgalleryid=152930

The Arts Office, Laois County Council is  delighted to host an exhibition of paintings by Portlaoise native Christy Brown entitled “Sojourn”.In association with the HSE the exhibition will be officially opened on Thursday 29^th March at 7.30pm in Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise by Kevin Kavanagh, Director of Kevin Kavanagh Gallery. Exhibition will run from Thursday 29^th March until Friday 20^th April and can be viewed by the public in Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise from Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm. E: artsoff@laoiscoco.ie