This exhibition presents moments of curiosity and quiet discovery through a series of detailed, miniature mixed media works. Working on a very small scale, Paula Henihan constructs illustrative scenes from brightly painted paper cut-outs, layered within small box frames. These contained worlds invite the viewer to slow down and look closely, revealing a light-hearted interplay between the real and the imagined.
The works capture moments in nature, everyday encounters, and quiet acts of escape. Paula’s process is intuitive and tactile, with visible traces of making that reinforce a sense of play and experimentation.
Viewers are invited to peer into these small-scale environments with care and curiosity, allowing space for imaginative wandering and quiet reflection.
“I’ve always had a dream of living in a children’s book illustration – a place of softness, safety, and pleasing aesthetics – free from the sharper edges of reality. Making this work has been a way of exploring that dream; of playing with whimsy and wonder while simultaneously enjoying the simple act of making ; with paper, pencils, scissors and glue.”
Children’s Gallery
Saturday 7 November-Friday 29 January
Monday-Friday 9:30am-5pm | Saturday 10am-1pm
Admission Free
As part of this exhibition Paula will host two workshops on Saturday 5 December, more information here.
About the artist
Paula Henihan is an Art Teacher, Preschool Teacher and Forest School leader living in Galway, Ireland.
She has worked with children and adults in a variety of educational settings. Her working goal is to provide supportive, positive and memorable learning experiences through her work.
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