Tipperary botanical artist features in Kilkenny exhibition at the new Mayfair Library in the city
Tipperary artist and chairperson of the Irish Society of Botanical Artists Mieke Brosnan features in a new Kilkenny exhibit running until early December
The Irish Society of Botanical Artists (ISBA) is preparing to showcase the work of proud members in a Kilkenny venue for the very first time later this month.
‘Nádúr | Looking Closely’, an exhibition by the Irish Society of Botanical Artists members, will open from Tuesday, November 24 at Kilkenny city’s stunning new Mayfair Library. It runs until Tuesday 1st December, and includes the work of Tipperary-based Mieke Brosnan.
Based in Clonmel, Mieke seamlessly blends her professional background as an ecologist with fine art to highlight the beauty, lore, and conservation value of native Irish flora. Serving as the chairperson of the Irish Society of Botanical Artists, she has spearheaded major community and national initiatives, including the award-winning Bláthanna na h-Abhann riverside project in Tipperary and Ireland's contributions to the global Botanical Art Worldwide project.
Botanical Art sits at a vital crossroads where art, science, education, and heritage meet. At its core, botanical art demands patience, scientific accuracy, and meticulous observation and a visit is highly recommended, says Mary Dillon, an internationally acclaimed contemporary botanical artist from Kilkenny. Mary is the founding chairperson of the Society.
“In our fast-paced modern world, this not to be missed exhibition invites us all to slow down, look closer, and truly see the intricate beauty of our natural world. As we face pressing global challenges like biodiversity loss and climate change, the role of the arts in connecting communities with environmental stewardship has never been more critical,” she added.
The exhibition is not merely a collection of beautiful illustrations and paintings; it serves as a powerful catalyst for local engagement, Mary Dillon added. “Through the ISBA's vision for workshops, nature journaling, and educational outreach, we see how art can champion Ireland’s native flora and support our biodiversity goals.”
Hosting ‘Nádúr | Looking Closely’ in Kilkenny holds a profound significance. It is the homeplace of one of Ireland’s greatest botanical pioneers, Lady Charlotte Wheeler-Cuffe (1867-1967). She spent almost half her life in Kilkenny. From her intrepid plant-hunting adventures in Burma to her decades at the Lyrath Estate until her passing, her work exemplified how close observation fosters awareness.