Sample-Studios

We had a fantastic time at the launch of ‘Feolas’, an exhibition by and curated by Sample-Studios as part of . It was wonderful to see such a universally positive reception to the magnificent work of Sample-Studios members and , which was highly praised for how it captured the inherent beauty of our food and our relationship with the land, while also challenging us to consider how we can do better to foreground sustainable food practices. ‘Feolas’ will be open to the public from 14-31 August on the 3rd floor of Dunnes Patrick Street.

It was great to share the evening with and hear their members' thoughtful comments and questions, as well as the very kind opening remarks by , John McKenna of , and Pat Whelan of . We were delighted for Sample-Studios Development Manager Dr Matthew Whyte to speak on a fascinating panel about the relationship between food and art, as well as the importance of collaborations between the business and arts sectors.

Be sure to drop in to visit and engage with our members’ wonderful work!

Artwork:
Image 2: Claire O’Reilly, 'Flesh Study II', Hand embroidery on linen, 43cm x 43cm, 2026.
Image 3: Debbie Godsell, 'Harvest Thanksgiving', Digital print on Hahnemühle photo rag paper, 120cm x 80cm, 2024.

We are delighted to announce that 'The Rocket’s Red Glare', a new Solo Exhibition by Barbara Diener, will open in Sample-Studios Gallery: The Lord Mayor's Pavilion on Thursday 27 August. All are welcome to join us for the Opening Reception from 5-7pm, with opening remarks by Dr Stephen Roddy, Lecturer in UCC Department of Digital Humanities.

'The Rocket's Red Glare' explores the life and legacy of German rocket scientist Wernher von Braun and the selective ways history is remembered. A N**i engineer who later became a celebrated NASA scientist, von Braun’s story reveals the contradictions of technological progress and the obscuring of uncomfortable histories. The exhibition is shaped by Diener’s complicated German heritage, incorporating photographs taken by her grandfather while serving in the German Army in 1941/42, alongside her own photographs and archival material. Diener uses Mixed Realities to reflect on memory, landscape and environmental responsibility, simultaneously blurring the boundaries between fact, fiction and constructed narratives.

📍 Sample-Studios Gallery: The Lord Mayor's Pavilion, Fitzgerald's Park, Cork
📆 27 August - 3 October 2026
⏰ Open Tuesday - Saturday, 11am-5pm; Sunday, 12-5pm
🎟 Admission free

Proudly supported by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon and Cork City Council

We’re excited to introduce ‘Feolas’, an exhibition by James Whelan Butchers and Dunnes Stores curated by Sample-Studios. This exhibition features the magnificent work of Sample-Studios members Debbie Godsell and Claire O'Reilly alongside work by Jörg Köster. ‘Feolas’ is offered in collaboration with Cork on a Fork Festival and will be open to the public from 14-31 August.

The title ‘Feolas’ brings together two Irish words: ‘feoil’, meaning meat, and ‘eolas’, meaning knowledge. The exhibition, presented on the 3rd floor of Dunnes Stores on Patrick Street, prompts visitors to pause and reflect on what and how we eat.

We are delighted to work with James Whelan Butchers on this initiative, and we’re very grateful for their dedication to promoting creativity and supporting the work of Sample-Studios members and local artists. We’re also grateful to Dunnes Stores Patrick Street for supporting this exhibition, which shines in the bright 3rd-floor atrium of their historic Patrick Street store!

Be sure to drop in to visit and engage with our members’ wonderful work!

Artwork (L-R):
Claire O’Reilly, 'Flesh Study I', Hand embroidery on linen, 43cm x 43cm, 2026.
Debbie Godsell, 'Harvest Thanksgiving', Digital print on Hahnemühle photo rag paper, 120cm x 80cm, 2024.
Claire O’Reilly, 'Flesh Study II', Hand embroidery on linen, 43cm x 43cm, 2026.

Annual Members Summer Exhibition Spotlight 💡

Montserrat Benet Morella, Somewhere, 2025, Acrylic on canvas, 45 cm x 35 cm, 2025.

Her visual arts practice centres on semi-abstract painting as a means of exploring emotional and mental experiences. Working primarily with acrylic on paper and canvas, alongside mixed media, she creates intense, layered works addressing awareness, emotional acceptance, self-growth and social interaction. Her practice has evolved from storytelling towards understanding unresolved experiences and expressing the uncomfortable aspects of life. Each completed painting represents a personal milestone in her ongoing journey towards self-expression.

"In my art, I finally talk."

Exhibition runs until 23 August. Open Tue-Sat, 11am-5pm & Sun, 12-5pm.

Proudly supported by and

Photos by .paschhoff

Member Monday ✨
We were delighted to see the recent coverage of the recent body of work by Murrough O'Donovan entitled ‘Navigating the Forest: The Fallen Branches of the Somme Oak' some of which was recently featured in the Skibbereen Arts Festival exhibition Seanua26 and was originally commissioned for the RDS Finding Common Ground Festival in April. This work has a fascinating story to tell about Murrough and his family history - you can read the Irish Examiner article at this link: https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/spotlight/arid-41888050.html

Murrough's practice explores humanity’s relationship with the natural world, focusing on ecological damage, ritual and our growing detachment from nature. Working primarily through sculptural installation, they use storm-damaged trees, wood carving and copper to create ritual-like spaces that encourage renewed empathy with the non-human world.

You can learn more about Murrough O'Donovan and our 200+ members on our website - www.sample-studios.com/members

Sample-Studios Gallery: The Lord Mayor's Pavilion is open all weekend and our Annual Members Summer Exhibition is open for 2 more weeks! Come and visit to see the outstanding, diverse work of 44 local contemporary artists including painting, photography, sculpture, drawing, and print.

Remember, we want to hear from you - visitors to the gallery are invited to vote for their favourite artwork. The winning artist of the People's Choice Award will receive a €500 prize! We will announce the winner at the Opening Reception of our Annual Members Summer Exhibition's second outing in Market Gallery, Douglas on 10 September, 6-8pm. The exhibition continues in Market Gallery until 11 October.

Photos by Roland Paschhoff

Don't miss the work of Sample-Studios members Ava Hayes, Debbie Dawson, and Áine Ryan in 'Of Sand & Ash' in National Design & Craft Gallery, Kilkenny. Ava Hayes was selected by Design & Crafts Council Ireland and the Glass Society of Ireland to co-curate this show alongside Lindsay LeBlanc.

Ava, Debbie, and Áine's work can be seen among 68 artists representing a coming together of tradition, innovation and national talent, showcasing the relevance of glass making in contemporary Ireland.

We're delighted to see Sample-Studios members represented in this rich exhibition!

The exhibition continues in National Design & Craft Gallery, Kilkenny⁠ until 24 October 2026⁠.

Sample-Studios Studio-Based Member Pádraig Dennan is co-producing the Pride Printmaking Project, a new exhibition by Q***r Sheds Cork opening this Saturday, 8 August, from 4–6pm in Civic Trust House, Pope's Quay, Cork City.

Developed alongside artists Naimh Kennedy and Em Dorman, the project brings together artists and community members to create a series of banners through printmaking and textile work. Reflecting on histories of protest, collective making, and the evolving story of Pride in Cork, the exhibition explores how creativity can foster connection, care, resistance, and hope.

We’re delighted to see Pádraig’s collaborative practice at the heart of this project. Congratulations to all involved and, if you’re in Cork this weekend, be sure to visit and support this inspiring exhibition.

Annual Members Summer Exhibition Spotlight 💡

Mari Rolin, 'Page #4 - (Self Portrait, 2025)', Indian ink and dip pens on watercolour paper, 27 cm x 35 cm, 2025.

Mari Rolin's practice explores sequential art and visual narrative, using storytelling to examine shared human experience through drawing and composition. Working across comic pages and illustration, Mari creates figurative narratives that invite reflection on everyday moments and human connection. She works primarily with ink and watercolour, with occasional digital finishing, embracing a slow, considered process in which the permanence of the materials shapes the development of each piece and encourages sustained engagement from the viewer.

Exhibition runs until 23 August. Open Tue-Sat, 11am-5pm & Sun, 12-5pm.

Proudly supported by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon and Cork City Council