Upcoming Exhibitions

Art lovers are warmly invited to the launch of The Journey, a captivating exhibition by acclaimed fine art printmaker Mary Kpakra, taking place at 2.00pm on Thursday 2 July at Strule Arts Centre, Omagh. The exhibition will run until late July.

This inspiring exhibition celebrates Mary’s remarkable artistic journey and lifelong determination to pursue her passion for printmaking despite losing most of her sight in her early twenties. Living with just 5% central vision and colour blindness, Mary continues to create intricate, tactile and visually striking original prints in her eighties, demonstrating extraordinary resilience, creativity and artistic skill.

Originally from Carrickfergus, Mary is a former member of the renowned Seacourt Print Workshop. Her work has been showcased in both solo and group exhibitions throughout Ireland, including exhibitions at the Waterfront Hall, Dublin Airport, the Ulster Museum, the Island Arts Centre and Flowerfield Arts Centre.

Drawing inspiration from her experiences living in Africa and travelling through China, India and Peru, Mary’s work reflects a deep appreciation of colour, texture and the natural world. Her distinctive printmaking techniques create artworks that are both visually engaging and highly tactile, offering audiences a unique sensory experience.

The Journey offers visitors an insight into the life, travels and artistic development of Mary Kpakra, whose work spans decades of creative exploration and personal resilience. Through a collection of original fine art prints, audiences will discover how Mary’s experiences living and travelling across Africa, China, India and Peru have shaped her distinctive artistic style and appreciation of the natural world.

The exhibition showcases a rich variety of printmaking techniques, textures and vibrant colour combinations, reflecting Mary’s unique approach to creating art as a visually impaired artist. Visitors can expect works inspired by landscapes, nature and cultural experiences, many of which incorporate tactile elements and experimental materials that add depth and sensory interest.

More than a celebration of artistic achievement, The Journey is a testament to creativity, perseverance and the power of art to communicate experiences beyond the limits of sight. The exhibition invites audiences to engage with printmaking in a new way and to explore the stories, places and inspirations that have influenced Mary’s remarkable career.