Siobhán Parkinson, a local artist, sound therapist, and playwright from Laois, Ireland, launched her second solo art exhibition titled "Playing with Colour: From Dawn Til Dusk" at Mountmellick Library on May 5. The exhibition features 24 mixed-media works including drawings, paintings, and photographs, organized into three rooms representing dawn, noon, and dusk. The launch included a holistic sound healing session with instruments like sound bowls and a gong, guided meditation, and a celebration cake. Parkinson, a member of the Mountmellick Art Collective, debuted her first solo show at the same venue in February 2023.
The exhibition matters because it highlights the growing role of community libraries as accessible art venues in rural Ireland, supported by local government funding through the Arts Act Grant. Parkinson's work, which integrates nature, spirituality, and sound therapy, reflects a broader trend of multidisciplinary artists blending visual art with wellness practices. The show also underscores the importance of local arts collectives and grassroots cultural events in fostering community engagement and supporting emerging artists outside major urban centers.