Rachel Connell exhibits at RCSI National Showcase in Dublin
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Participating artist Rachel Connell from Castlepollard, at the launch of the Connecting Artists 2025 Exhibition at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). Photo by Gareth ChaneyImage 2 of 5
Broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan with participating artist Rachel Connell. Photo by Gareth ChaneyImage 3 of 5
Photo by Gareth ChaneyImage 4 of 5
Broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan with participating artists and suppoorters at the launch of the Connecting Artists 2025 Exhibition at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). Photo by Gareth ChaneyImage 5 of 5
Artists, John Heavey from Rathmines, Dublin,Rachel Connell from Castlepollard, Claudia Williams, originally from Limerick City, now based in Newport, County Tipperary, Pamela Kavanagh, originally from Clondalkin, now based in Lucan, Dublin. Photo by Gareth ChaneyRachel Connell, an artist based in Castlepollard, has been selected to exhibit her work at the Connecting Artists 2025 Exhibition hosted by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) this July.
Rachel is one of just nine artists from across Ireland chosen to take part in this year’s Connecting Artists programme, now in its fourth year.
The exhibition, running from Wednesday 16 July to Saturday 19 July, celebrates the creativity of artists who are neurodivergent or have intellectual disabilities, providing them with professional development, mentorship, and national exposure.
Rachel draws creative inspiration from life, nature, and the inner workings of her mind. Her artwork invites viewers to reflect on their own emotions, “some of it happy and some of it sad, but always human”, she says.
She primarily works with markers, watercolours, and gel pens, and also has a passion for writing and journaling, which often informs her visual expression.
The Connecting Artists programme was developed by Connections Arts Centre, an award-winning, not-for-profit social enterprise that supports people with intellectual disabilities and the neurodivergent community through inclusive arts and training initiatives.
The 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.
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. Rachel and her 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 was officially launched today Wednesday 16 July and is free and open to the public (booking required).
Visitors will be able to explore artwork, attend talks and live art demonstrations, and meet the artists. Original pieces and art cards will also be available for purchase.
Exhibition Details
Venue: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), 123 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, till Saturday 19 July
Admission free; booking here.
Public Opening Times
• Thu 17 July: 11am–3pm (Live demo at 11.30am)
• Fri 18 July: 11am–3pm (Live demo at 11.30am)
• Sat 19 July: 11am–3pm
For more information about the programme and exhibition, visit: www.connectionsartscentre.ie.