The Art of Discovery Creative Wellbeing exhibition is now on display in the Artlink’s exhibition panels in Swan Park, Buncrana.
The exhibit will be in place until the end of September and members of the public are encouraged to visit the park and be inspired by the beautiful work created by these women.
It showcases artwork created by women who participated in The Art of Discovery, a creative wellbeing and support programme for women who have experienced a cancer diagnosis.
The programme was designed and facilitated by Geraldine Timlin, artist and registered Art Psychotherapist of The Avant Garden. It was developed in response to a visible lack of alternative therapeutic support programmes for women living with and beyond cancer in Donegal and informed by the recognition that, while medical treatment addresses the physical aspects of cancer, there remains a significant gap in accessible, creative, and psychologically informed aftercare support.
Geraldine Timlin, Siobhaěn Fox and Monica Doherty.
The aim of the programme was to offer a relaxed and empowering space for women to take time out for themselves, engage in mindful art activities, and connect with other women while building solidarity and supportive friendships within their community.
Participants shared that the programme became much more than an art class. It was a place where they felt safe, supported, and understood by women who had walked a similar path.
“For many, it became the highlight of their week, a chance to step away from the challenges of cancer, focus on themselves, and simply enjoy the moment,” a spokesperson for Women’s Collective Ireland said.
“Through creativity, conversation, and connection, women discovered confidence they didn’t know they had, learned new skills, found moments of peace, and, most importantly, realised they were not alone. Participant feedback reminds us that healing isn’t just about treatment, it’s also about connection, creativity, hope, and knowing that no one has to face their journey alone.”
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WCI-Donegal is now delighted to share with the public examples of the art created by participants and the Copper Art Garden created as a conclusion to this part of participants discovery journey. With the support of copper artist Siobhán Fox of Changing Tides Studio, participants transform sheets of copper into beautiful works of art that are now on display.
Women’s Collective Ireland-Donegal thanked every woman who shared her journey With them.
“Your courage, openness, laughter, and support for one another created something truly special,” they said.
“A heartfelt thank you to our fantastic facilitator, Geraldine, whose kindness, encouragement, and creativity helped every participant believe in themselves and embrace the joy of trying something new. To Siobhán for working with the women to create this display and to Artlink for providing the opportunity to share the programme’s work with the public.”
They also thanked the HSE Donegal Connecting for Life Programme for providing community grant funding, which allows opportunities like these to be offered to women across Donegal.
Further Art of Discovery programmes will be run this year in Letterkenny and Stranorlar in September and Buncrana in November. For more information please email Women’s Collective Ireland-Donegal on donegal@womenscollective.ie or call 0858638419.