Butler Gallery recently unveiled the Garden Studio, a unique redevelopment project that transforms a former outhouse into a vibrant workshop space, enhancing its learning and public engagement program. Located in the lush gardens of the Butler Gallery on the historic site of Evans’ Home, this innovative space aims to unite the practice of art with sustainability and community engagement. Designed by Kilkenny’s Damien and Emily-Ann Curry of Canice Architects, the studio emerges as a beacon of creativity and eco-mindedness.
A Creative Transformation
The refurbishment of the Garden Studio marks a significant addition to the Butler Gallery facilities, offering a new venue for youth projects on biodiversity. Repurposing a dormant space on the Evans’ Home site, the project is a testament to sustainable architectural practices and the importance of art in fostering community bonds. The conversion process, led by Canice architects, incorporated a wooden pod structure into the existing stone walls, culminating in a workshop space that respects the historic essence of the site while introducing a modern aesthetic. In particular, the triangular lantern-style ceiling light pays homage to the site’s monastic heritage, echoing the ‘Lantern of Ireland’ – a title given to St John’s Priory for its stained glass windows.
Connect Art, Environment and History
Integral to the Garden Studio’s mission is the Soil Project, an annual initiative that supports artists to create participatory works that deeply engage with the environment. Joanna Hopkins, the 2024 recipient of the Soil Project residency, used the studio to explore the layered history of the site’s gardens – from infirmary grounds to burgess grounds to contemporary landscapes. Hopkins’ work, focusing on plants and soil found in situ, highlights the role of the studio in linking artistic endeavors with environmental awareness and historical research.
Community and Environmental Commitment
The development of the Garden Studio was made possible by a partnership between Butler Gallery, Kilkenny LEADER Partnership, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and Community Finance Ireland. This collaboration highlights the broader objectives of the project: strengthening public engagement with art, promoting biodiversity, and using sustainable materials in creative practices. Located next to Butler Gallery’s dedicated learning center, the Garden Studio is poised to become a hub for artists and the community, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world and our shared history.
The opening of the Garden Studio at the Butler Gallery heralds a new chapter in the institution’s commitment to blending artistic practice with environmental stewardship and community involvement. By transforming a once-neglected space into a center for creativity and ecological awareness, Butler Gallery sets a precedent for how cultural institutions can play a crucial role in championing sustainability and heritage conservation. As the Garden Studio embarks on its journey, it invites artists, community members and visitors to engage in a dialogue that embraces art, history and the natural environment, advocating for a more interconnected and mindful world.
