Birr Theatre & Arts Centre is proud to present the 18thCommon Ground, our annual group exhibition, bringing together artists from the Midlands whose work explores a common Theme.
This year, exploring the given theme of “A Terrible Beauty” the selected artists explore a shared space, physical, emotional, and imaginative — where human experience converges.

Born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1971 during the civil war, Nathalie and her family relocated to England, and she has been based in Ireland since 1990.

Her artistic practice focuses on creating connections through the human experience, with works that engage physical, and emotional landscapes. 

Day in, day out she explores themes of connection, transformation and the shared human story.

The pieces in this exhibition reflect Nathalie's contemplative and expressive style, marked by loose, gestural marks and atmospheric compositions that capture both the ephemeral fragility and resilience of life.

From its inception, the mission of Birr Theatre & Arts Centre has been to bring the arts to the heart of Birr community without limitations.
Our foyer is a magnificent space full of light and ideal for locals to discover visual artists, engage with their works and discuss their ideas.

For the 17th year, Common Ground, our yearly collective exhibition brings together artists living in the midland around a theme.  This year, they found their inspiration in 2 simple words: “MOTHER EARTH”.

Aidan Byrne is an artist based in Birr, Co Offaly.

Aidan studied fine Art (Sculpture) at Galway Mayo institute of technology, graduating in 2011.

Aidan works as a full-time Art facilitator at Make Mosaic.

Over the past number of years Aidan has worked as an Art facilitator working with people of all ages in community and school settings.

For more information visit www.makemosaic.ie

Originally from Dublin and now living in Terryglass Co. Tipperary, Trish is an honours graduate of the Limerick School of Art & Design.
Painting in oils, acrylics and glass inks she creates unique images that exude life, energy and colour. Whether depicting the delicacy of the cherry blossom or the elusive bloom of the cannonball tree, her flower paintings radiate a world of beautifully illustrated botanicals, within their own habitat, or against a signature abstract backdrop. 

With a unique palette, informal structure and distinctive style, Trish’s work is instantly recognisable and collectable.

The vulnerability of bláthanna, threatened by climate change, informs her current body of work.

Instagram: @trishrosetaylor

Website: www.trishtaylorthompson.com

Emma Barone is a contemporary visual artist known for her vibrant still life, abstract, and landscape acrylic paintings. 

With 22 solo exhibitions and more planned, her work appears in notable collections like The Irish Hospice Foundation and the Amsterdam World Trade Centre. She is also active in arts and health, facilitating creative workshops in care settings from 2019 to 2025. 

Emma holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts and Health (NCAD, 2025) and a Diploma in Expressive Arts (ICPPD, 2022/23), along with qualifications in special needs assisting and holistic counselling. 

A recipient of the 2023 Anam Beo Mentoring Award, she is affiliated with Visual Artists Ireland and continues to use art as a tool for connection, empowerment, and community well-being. 

Instagram: @emma.barone 

Website: www.emmabarone.com

Caroline is a photographer that narrates her story using light. She mainly focuses on Landscape and Wildlife photography having a preference towards black and White images. She has travelled extensively and creates images that have an emotional appeal to the viewer. 

This is the all-encompassing element and focus of her work and has inspired her to pursue this art. The emotional connection to a scene is utmost to her work and she aspires to translate that raw emotion into her photographs. In return this creates a scene with which the viewer can engage with what they see.

Geraldine is a prolific visual artist based in Banagher Co. Offaly.

Having exhibited locally in places like Banagher, Shannonbridge, and Birr, as well as in the UK, Geraldine Wheeler's artistic prowess has gained recognition far and wide.
Her participation in the TV documentary, "The Grand Canal Experience," where she can be seen painting the Shannon Harbour bridge, further underscores her impact on the art world.

Nature stays her main inspiration and provides her with endless ideas of colour and design to be explored

To enjoy the hidden art in these images simply download the Artivive App onto your smartphone and point your camera at the art.  

www.artivive.com

The exhibition will be open to the public at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre throughout May / June / July 2024.

Admission is free, and all are welcome.

For more information, visit: https://emptycolumns.weebly.com

Born in Latvia, Dana studied at Riga Technical School of Art and Media (RMMT) before moving to Ireland in 2001. Over the years, Dana explored her new home, became an Irish Citizen and kept pursuing her passion for the arts, completing several painting courses under the tutelage of well-known artists.

​Dana’s work has evolved over the years but has always brought her love of colour and her passion for texture to the fore. Now, a full time artist, she dedicates all her attention to her art and invites you to follow her as she explores her favourite themes of nature and nostalgia.

Des Gallagher is an Irish-born photographer whose work celebrates the vitality and vibrancy of life. Originally from Clonmel, Des now resides in Riverstown having spent many years overseas living in the USA, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore. His Colourful Travel Portfolio is a testament to his evergreen curiosity, and his talent to capture fleeting moments of beauty.

He holds a University Certificate in Photography and Digital Imaging from NCAD Dublin. 

In 2023, Des was appointed Photographer in Residence at the Irish Traditional Music Archive (ITMA). He documented major events including TradFest Dublin, the National Concert Hall’s Drawing from the Well, Gradam Ceoil TG4 in Limerick and the Willie Clancy Summer School in Miltown Malbay.

Instagram: @desigallagher54

Website: www.desgallagherimages.com

Ann Mitchell is a contemporary portrait artist based in County Offaly. Working in oils and collage, she creates emotive works that explore resilience, memory, and the quiet strength within women’s stories. 

Ann’s work combines traditional portrait techniques with contemporary elements, emphasizing the raw, unfiltered beauty and strength of her subjects. 

She uses a mix of mediums, including oils, acrylics, and charcoal, to create textures that convey the depth of emotion and life experiences. 

Her roots in mosaic artistry add a unique, textured complexity to each portrait, enhancing the visual storytelling. 

She has exhibited widely across Ireland, and her work has been sold to collectors both in Ireland and internationally. 

Ann works from The Far Room Studio & Gallery in Gallen, a space dedicated to creating and sharing her art. 

Instagram: @artbyannmitchell 

Website: www.artbyannmitchell.ie