* Exhibition invites us all to slow down, look closer, and truly see the intricate beauty of our natural world
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 2026.
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.
The imminent exhibition features local artists, among them Zimbabwean-born environmental artist Jen Castle who works from her sandstone studio in Thomastown, where she explores the structure and ecology of native Irish flora. Her unique, award-winning botanical practice focuses on deep environmental sustainability, capturing the plants of her own rewilded land (an Spéir ARK). Jen works using fully biodegradable, organic media such as willow charcoal and egg tempera.
The exhibition also features works from Mairead Holohan who is based near the Blackstairs Mountains. The visual artist and community educator’s embedded eco-practice centres on “slow art,” mindful observation, and the natural world.
Mary Dillon’s work is also a must-see. She captures the sensual, truthful essence of plants in large-scale watercolours. Her work is recognised worldwide with her recent second “Best in Show” award at the American Society of Botanical Artists Annual International Exhibition and teaching masterclasses at prestigious institutions like the New York Botanical Garden, and the Vienna Botanical Gardens.
Mary’s work features in collections worldwide, including in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery in Kew Gardens and the Hunt Institute at the Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.
