‘Praising the Dead’ by Illustrators Ireland & ‘Home Is Where the Heart Is’ By Maragret Anne Suggs

Join us an evening celebrating two beautiful exhibitions:

• Praising the Dead by Illustrators Ireland
• Home Is Where the Heart Is by Margaret Anne Suggs.

Enjoy artwork, live music, and complimentary refreshments as we mark the opening of these wonderful shows.

‘Praising the dead’ by Illustrators Ireland

The concept for ‘Praising the Dead’ came from the idea of ‘raising the dead’. We thought it would be interesting to see what iconic figures from Irish history our illustrators might like to bring back from the dead and re-introduce to the world. The requirement of ‘historical figure’ is left open to interpretation by the artist, but each artist has captured their historical figure’s essence and character. Some illustrations are very representational, some are more conceptual, but each reflects the artist who created the portrait. Each illustrated portrait is accompanied by an artist’s statement giving the reason that character was chosen.  Come enjoy this second partnering of Illustrators Ireland and the Cultúrlann; an exhibition that is a light-hearted ‘who’s who’ of Ireland’s past.

Biography of the organization

Illustrators Ireland is a non-profit organisation, overseen by a voluntary Board of Directors, that supports the development of illustration in Ireland by showcasing the work of our members and fostering links with similar organisations at home and abroad. As a professional organisation we aim to raise the profile of Irish illustration as a dynamic and cutting edge art form, as well as promoting the work and skills of our individual members.

‘Home Is Where the Heart Is’ by Margaret Anne Suggs

“Home is Where the Heart Is” is series of experimental 'picture books' based on the theme 'HOME' and consists of 5 illustrated birdhouses. Each is an 'in the round' piece, using rooftops, undersides and interiors for the storytelling. The artist wanted to express the narratives of 'home', but she created this work in a 3 dimensional format, where the finished piece provides another element to explore: form. The birdhouses present ideas of migration, duality of belonging, and the ephemeral nature of shelter. Margaret Anne says of her work, “To present my story through words, images and a shape that reinforces the concept has been a challenge. I want the viewer to have a sense of hope.” Though Margaret Anne lives in Ireland, she is an immigrant and still empathises with refugees, immigrants, and transients. This exhibition is presented in a poignant and sensitive way that is suitable for the family.

Biography –

Margaret Anne Suggs  is an illustrator and author. Her most recent book, The Dandelion’s Tale – An Allegory of Migration (Graffeg), was nominated for the prestigious Yoto Carnegie Medal in Illustration.

Other books Margaret Anne has illustrated include The Moth & The Moon (Beehive Books),  the best-selling ‘Pigín of Howth’ series with Kathleen Watkins (Gill Books), and ‘Holy Shocking Saints’ with Síne Quinn (Veritas).

Margaret Anne is a Director for Illustrators Ireland and Administrator of the Silent Book Collections for IBBY Ireland. She is serving on the 2026 International Jury for the Hans Christian Andersen Awards. An archive of Margaret Anne’s illustration work is now held in the National Library of Ireland.

An Cultúrlann is also excited to launch a new initiative as part of our annual exhibition programme introducing a dedicated space to highlight and support the work of both emerging and established illustrators.

An open call will be announced soon. Keep an eye on our socials and website for details!

For more information please contact cniruanaidh@culturlann.ie