LUXE and Artlink invite you to an unforgettable celebration of the Winter Solstice: an atmospheric evening of reflection and connection; a fiery spectacle set against the breathtaking backdrop of Fort Dunree.

LUXE, renowned creators of landscape theatre and awe-inspiring events, promise an elemental and heartwarming experience that brings together community, art, and the timeless rhythms of nature. LUXE founders Mandy Blinco and Mark Hill, celebrated for their innovative blending of theatre, fine art, and ritual, will lead this immersive event alongside their dedicated team of performers, musicians, dancers, and artists.

A Journey Through Light and Darkness

The Winter Solstice, An Grianstad (the sun stop), marks the year’s shortest day and the turning of the seasons. Luxe’s event offers an opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate our collective journey through the cosmos. It is a chance to reconnect with nature’s rhythms, honour seasonal change, and appreciate the interconnectedness of all life.

The evening begins at the Saldanah gallery with warm drinks and a gentle Spiral Walk lit by prayer candles. This intimate indoor ritual invites reflection and quiet connection before the journey continues outdoors.

Participants will carry processional lanterns through the landscape, guided by the light of the stars, to ignite Solstice spirals—symbols of seasonal flow and inner journeys. A fiery procession and spectacle will mark this profound moment of community and celebration.

The evening concludes with a shared feast back at the Saldanah gallery. Guests are invited to bring a seasonal dish to contribute, joining in a communal feast that symbolizes unity, gratitude, and hope for the returning light.

This magical evening will take place regardless of the weather—embrace the elements as part of the journey. Together, we will celebrate the turning of the year and the return of the light, bringing the warmth of the community and the beauty of the solstice into our hearts and homes.

Join LUXE this Winter Solstice to find light in the darkness, reconnect with the natural world, and celebrate the magic of the turning year.

Wear warm, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear.
The event is free of charge. To book please email info@artlink.ie

Artlink, a pioneer in community-focused art initiatives, is thrilled to announce the revival of the Swan Park Ceramic Trail. Spearheaded by Aileen Barr, the project aims to celebrate the intersection of art, nature, and community engagement.

Artlink’s first public art project, Art in the Park, was initiated in 1994 by Aileen Barr, one of Artlink’s three founding artists. Aileen worked with a local FAS scheme to create tiles for a seat and environmental tile trail throughout Swan Park. 

With the regeneration of Swan Park after the 2017 flood, Artlink wanted to revisit this project, which meant so much to the local community. This new project has developed new ceramic pieces for the park based on the original artwork. Aileen, who has been based in San Francisco since 2002, returned to Artlink in 2023 to collaborate with local artists in developing designs and delivering a series of presentations and ceramic workshops with community groups to create tiles for a new seat.

Alongside this, local artist Matthew Porter has been collaborating with the public to create a ceramic trail detailing the biodiversity of the park. 

During the research phase, co-ordinated by artist Grainne McMenamin, Artlink worked with Claire Moore (Thompson) from Keeper of the Ways (formerly Foraging Donegal) and Sue and John Shiels who researched and produced a Natural History Survey of the Park commissioned by Buncrana Tidy Towns in 2010-12.

Additionally, Aileen and the community have recreated the iconic circular ceramic mosaic seat, themed around the Life Cycle of the Salmon, as a focal point within the park.

Joining Aileen in this endeavour were two of the original Art in the Park participants, Sinead Craig and Geraldine Timlin, and in addition Sue Goodwin, who was artist in residence with Artlink in the early years, and local artist Julie Magee. Local groups included iCare, North West Home Education Group, Sliabh Sneacht Day Centre, Gaelscoil Bhun Cranncha and The Exchange Intercultural Cafe.

About the artists:

Aileen Barr is a distinguished artist specialising in ceramics, with a rich history of creating handmade tile projects for public spaces. Her legacy includes renowned tiled stairways in San Francisco, collaborations with Colette Crutcher, and co-founding Artlink. Prior to her relocation to the United States in 2002, Barr led numerous community-based Public Art projects in Donegal, leaving an indelible mark on the Irish art scene.

Matthew Porter is a visual artist, specialising in ceramics, based in Buncrana. He holds a BA in Contemporary Applied Arts from Crawford College of Art and Design, Cork. In 2019 he was commissioned to produce a tile piece for the Laurentic memorial at Fort Dunree. He established his ceramics business Puca Pottery and has been involved in various education initiatives at Artlink over the past few years.

The project has been made possible with funding from The Arts Council and Donegal County Council.