Join visual artist Olga Anacka and guests for an evening of art and shared experience. Inspired by the themes woven through her solo exhibition Patching Femininity, Olga questions societal expectations associated with feminine values and invites visitors to an open discussion. In this honest conversation, the panel will elaborate on aspects of female representation and stereotypes as observed from diverse perspectives, exploring the key ambitions behind Olga’s artworks. This event will also offer visitors a unique insight into Olga’s creative process and the fabrication of her exquisite embroidered tapestries.

Olga will be joined by Michelle McBride, Teresa Buczkowska and Briana Fitzsimons for the panel discussion.

Through the use of everyday objects, Michelle McBride focuses on environmental and societal concerns. She seeks to understand the destructive nature of humanity and the long term effects of human behaviour. Michelle is a Fine Arts graduate from the National College of Art and Design and has previously exhibited in Riverbank’s McKenna Gallery with Kildare Art Collective and held her first solo exhibition The State of RoY there in 2019.

Teresa Buczkowska is a Polish- Irish writer and a migrant rights campaigner. In her work she focuses on building migrant leadership and electoral inclusion. For her work she’s been selected as one of the Obama Scholars 2022 cohort. Teresa is also a member of the Arts Council and she’s using art as a campaigning tool and community development method. In her creative writing practice she’s exploring subjects of belonging, migration, grief, democracy and leadership.

Briana Fitzsimons grew up in Yonkers, NY, USA, and has lived in Ireland since 2017. She has been a secondary school teacher for 12 years and also holds degrees in English and Creative Writing. Briana joined the Black and Irish team in 2021 and has been working to make schools across the country more inclusive for all students. One of her main goals is to empower teachers and young people with the tools they need to make sure that everyone is seen and heard and feels a sense of belonging in all educational spaces in Ireland. She lives in Co Kildare with her partner and two children and is proud to call Ireland home.

Olga exhibition Patching Femininity runs in the McKenna Gallery from Thursday 1 February to Saturday 23 March. More information is available HERE.

Olga will host two adult workshops in conjunction with her exhibition. Details of the workshops and how to book are available HERE.