Celebration of Nature’s Resilience Blooms at Portumna

This October, the historic Portumna Castle and Gardens will be transformed by Wax and Bloom, a new exhibition by Irish artist Kathleen Darcy that intertwines floral arrangements and encaustic paintings in a celebration of nature’s quiet strength and renewal.

Drawing inspiration from the wild beauty of Ireland’s hedgerows, Darcy’s work explores how life endures and flourishes even in the most tangled spaces. Her encaustic paintings—crafted with molten beeswax, pigment, and resin—layer color and texture to evoke the untamed rhythm of the natural world. Hues of green, gold, and earthy brown capture the cycles of growth and rest, while vivid bursts of purple and pink hint at the vitality and hope of new beginnings.

“My artwork is inspired by the quiet strength of hedgerows—places where life finds a way to grow, even in the most tangled spaces,” Darcy explains. “I see in them a reflection of our own experiences: the push toward light, the persistence through challenges, and the beauty of renewal.”

Complemented by evocative floral installations, Wax and Bloom offers visitors an immersive experience that blurs the line between art and nature. The exhibition invites reflection on resilience, transformation, and the living beauty that surrounds us every day.

As part of the exhibition, Kathleen Darcy will give an artist talk on Friday, October 11th at 2:00 PM at Portumna Castle, offering insights into her creative process and the inspirations behind her work.

Exhibition Details:

Venue: Portumna Castle and Gardens, Portumna, Co. Galway

Dates: October 1–31, 2025

Artist Talk: Saturday, October 11, 2:00 PM

Admission: Included with Castle and Gardens entry

For more information, please contact Portumna Castle and Gardens or visit heritageireland.ie.