Waterford Gallery Of Art

19/06/2026

Last chance to see. Don’t miss out!!

Closing tomorrow Saturday the 20th of June at 5pm

HOW TO TELL A HAWK FROM A HANDSAW:
Abstract Art from the Waterford Art Collection

This exhibition presents a selection of both historic and newly acquired abstract artworks from the permanent Waterford Art Collection. Alongside artworks can also be found archival information, newspaper cuttings, and descriptions from the artists themselves, as well as critique by a cross-section of individuals invited and interested in demystifying this still often divisive visual language.

Artworks on show by: Arthur Armstrong, Shelia Naughton, Colin Middleton, Aidan Dunne, Phoebe Donovan, Julie Cusack, Anne Yeats, Susan Connolly, Ciara Rodgers, Jonathan Wade, Susan Montgomery, Darragh Lyons, Evie Hone, John McHarg and more...

12 February - 20 June 2026

Images: GZBT Photography

18/06/2026

EXTENDED UNTIL 27 JUNE

Robert Jackson
as below, so above
26 February - 27 June 2026
Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 5pm
Admission Free

Robert Jackson is a painter and printmaker based in Fife, Scotland. Jackson spent his early years in Waterford and attended Newtown School and the Central Technical Institute before studying Fine Art Printmaking at the National College of Art and Design, Dublin, and receiving his MFA from Duncan Jordanstone College of Art and Design, Dundee.

His artwork is held in private and public collections worldwide including the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and Waterford Healing Arts Trust, and the Waterford Gallery of Art. Jackson has won numerous commissions and awards and has previously exhibited work nationally and internationally including at the RHA Annual Exhibitions, AIB National Gallery of Ireland Portrait Prize, Royal Scottish Academy Annual Exhibition, Royal Society of Miniature Painters, the Scottish National Portrait Awards, and most recently at Cahir Arts.

This exhibition brings together a selection of Jackson's many and distinct series of works developed over the last 15 years including miniature portraiture and skyscapes (Tiny Skies), fragmented dream infused landscapes (Interruption Paintings), meticulous lace fabric studies (Secret and Solitary Vice), and an incredibly ambitious new large scale work developed specifically for the exhibition, ‘Your soul is a chosen landscape’.

09/06/2026

Currently on display at Dungarvan: Photographic Works from the Waterford Art Collection.

Just a small selection of some of the fantastic photography from the permanent art collection including works by -
HK Stuart .stuart
Niamh Swanton
John Foley
Bernard van Giessen
Jack Thompson .art

and more!

Open Tue - Friday, 11-1:30 / 2:30-5
Sat 1-5

Free entry

05/06/2026

From the windows to the walls there is something for everyone tomorrow at WCQ for Cruinniú na nOg!

There will be a packed program of events all day with free drop in art activities for all ages in Waterford Gallery of Art from 10am-5pm. No booking necessary and all materials will be provided.

At 11am The Exquisite Corpses Window Exhibition at WGOA will be unveiled, a collaborative art piece featuring astounding and confounding creations made by young people from Waterford Youth Arts, Little Red Kettle and Waterford Youth Reach.

Also in WGOA from 11.30-12.30pm Waterford Youth Arts will be exhibiting Living Art, a collection of classic art works brought to life through a combination of poetry, stage craft and pure creative talent.

12.30-2.30pm in Garter Lane Studios (just down the street from WGOA) Moving Mountains, an exhibition by the Little Red Kettle Culture Club, will be open for the public to explore the new and incredible work by these wonderful young artists.

In the Garter Lane Arts Centre (back up the street from Garter Lane Studios) the Cruinniú Couture fashion show will be live from 3-4pm showcasing the talent of Waterford’s newest, hippest and eco-consciousest fashion designers.

There will also be artwork on display in Garter Lane Arts Centre by the ChillOUT LGBTI+ Youth Group created during Pride of the Déise.

If that’s not enough Wobbly Circus will be providing exciting street performances from 12.30pm-3.30pm around Granary Square.

If after all that you still have some creative energy to get out or maybe you’re feeling inspired! The Walls Project invite young people aged 12-18 to drop-in to the Pocket Park on Thomas Street between 12-4pm for a free street art experience.

Supported by The Department of Culture Communication and Sport through the Creative Waterford Program for Cruinniú na nÓg. Full program of Cruinniú na nÓg events available at https://cruinniu.gov.ie/events/location/waterford/.

02/06/2026

Make sure to visit WGOA for this years Cruinniú na nóg
June 6th 2026
Free

Activities include:

Exquisite Corpses:
Big, bold, beautiful and maybe a little scary. A few ways to describe these large-scale window designs created by young artists from Waterford Youth Arts, YouthReach and Little Red Kettle.
All Day - launches at 11am | All Ages

Living Art by Waterford Youth Arts:
Classic art works are brought to life by Waterford Youth Arts. Reimagining classic artworks through costume and performance.
11:30am - 12:30pm | All Ages

Drop-in Art Workshops
Facilitated by the team at WGOA, these activities are for all ages and will be held throughout the day. All materials provided. Drop in and create!
All Day | All Ages

Funded by Creative Ireland and delivered in partnership with 31 Local Authorities and supported by RTÉ.

26/05/2026

This Friday 28th is the deadline for this year's applications for the O'Regan bursary - so get it in asap - The bursary is aimed at people who need money to help them get to the next stage of their career / create a new project / get time to work on ideas etc. etc.
It is a very open type bursary - just what Ted and Mary would want
Spread the word
Further information and application forms for the Award are available on www.waterfordyoutharts.com. The closing date for the receipt of applications is Friday, May 29th.
Photo by John Power shows award winner Molly Hennessy receiving the award in 2025.

25/05/2026

22/05/2026

Waterford Arts is pleased to announce that entries are now being accepted for the Waterford Poetry Prize 2026. This competition is open to all writers currently living on the island of Ireland. This prize has emerged from the influence of the late writer Seán Dunne whose poetry continues to inspire.

There is no age limit and no entry fee for the Waterford Poetry Prize 2026. The first prize is €600. Second prize is €400 and third prize is €300. The closing date for receipt of entries is Friday, 14th August at 10am.

Only online entries will be accepted: https://submit.link/4VE

22/05/2026

21/05/2026

Here is .way.illustration the lovely winner of our National Drawing Day 2026! We chose this artwork as Lili managed to capture not only the still life itself but also the atmosphere around it.

Thank you so much to everyone who joined in and celebrated this day of creativity at WGOA. It was tough to pick just one winner as the level of talent was incredible.

- Painting displayed on easel is Carey Clarke’s ‘Still-Life, 1994’

- Painting displayed in background is a part of our current exhibition as above,so below by Robert Jackson. This exhibition will run until June 20th.

- Winner was chosen by WGOA staff.