Exhibition in Swan
Park
05.09.26
THE Art of Discovery
Creative Wellbeing exhibition is now on display in Swan Park, Buncrana. The
exhibition 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. 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.
Some programmes leave a lasting impression and The Art
of Discovery is one of them. This year, Women's
Collective Ireland (WCI) was delighted to offer this
programme for women who have experienced a cancer
diagnosis in Buncrana. |
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Copper artist Siobhán Fox,
programme participant Monica Doherty and Geraldine
Timlin, Art Psychotherapist. |
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. Programme sessions were structured around
creative art-making processes, supported by reflective
discussion. This approach allowed participants to engage
at their own pace, with creativity acting as a
foundation for deeper exploration and connection.
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. 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.
Here are just a few of the beautiful comments from
participants :
"It gave me peace of mind knowing I wasn't alone."
"We've formed a WhatsApp group and made new friendships
that will last."
"I never thought I was artistic, but now I feel
confident enough to keep creating."
"I always came home in great spirits after the
sessions."
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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Programme participant
Monica Doherty and Geraldine Timlin, Art
Psychotherapist. |
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, under the theme of ‘Blooming’
with a message of hope, resilience and strength.
Further Art of Discovery programmes will be run this
year in Buncrana during November 2026. For more
information please email Women’s Collective Ireland -
Donegal on
donegal@womenscollective.ie or call 085 8638419.
The exhibition is now on display in Swan Park, Buncrana until the end
of September 2026. Members of the public are encouraged
to visit the display in the park and be inspired by the
beautiful work created by these women. |
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