Wexford artist Kate Kos has been selected to exhibit her painting 'Gunnera & Hemlock' at the 196th Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA) exhibition in Dublin, which runs from May 25 to August 9, 2025. The mixed media piece, created during the Doneraile ArtFest in North Cork, won first prize and the People's Choice award at that festival. Kos also recently relocated her studio and gallery from St. Michael's Road to McDermott Street in Gorey, celebrating both milestones with an opening event attended by locals.
This story matters because it highlights the achievements of a regional Irish artist gaining recognition at a prestigious national institution, the RHA, which has been a cornerstone of Irish art since 1823. Kos's selection from hundreds of applicants underscores the competitive nature of such exhibitions and the importance of perseverance for emerging artists. Her gallery relocation and plans to resume teaching classes also reflect the grassroots vitality of local art scenes, where small-scale successes contribute to cultural community building.