Opening Reception Thursday 23 October at 3:30pm

Dublin City Council Arts Office is pleased to present this exhibition of work by Saidhbhín Gibson developed in response to a temporary residency at The Natural History Museum. Working with the staff from the Museum , Gibson researched and explored the vast range of diverse species from the natural world featured in the museum’s exhibitions and collections. Inspired by wildlife from Ireland the work investigates our understanding and experience of nature in both rural and urban settings. This exhibition is accompanied by a free programme of events at The LAB and The Natural History Museum exploring art and wildlife. On 23rd October at 2pm CROW (City Right of Way) will be tracing a path between The Natural History Museum and The LAB on the hunt for flora or fauna en route between the venues. This will be followed by an exhibition reception at The LAB from 3.30pm. For further information and bookings see: http://naturanatura.eventbrite.ie

Saidhbhín Gibson is a visual artist based in the south-east of Ireland. She has exhibited both nationally and internationally since graduating with a B.A. in Fine Art from D.I.T., Dublin. Recent exhibitions include, ‘what has been shall never be again’, Ormston House Gallery, Limerick, ‘ Common Thread International’, Ontario, Canada and ‘Winter Open’, Rua Red Dublin. This year she participated in the ‘Interlace’ exhibition, National Craft Gallery, Kilkenny and the ‘On Sight’ project at Turlough Park, Co. Mayo. She will also be taking part in ‘Sculpture in Context’, National Botanic Gardens. Her work was recently selected for a Crafts Council of Ireland Purchase Award 2014.

Natura Natura Special Programme of Events

To accompany Natura Natura there will be a free programme of events.

Places are limited and booking is required. For bookings see: http://naturanatura.eventbrite.ie

Lunchtime Conversations at The Natural History Museum

Ireland’s Changing Bird Population

Thursday 16th October 1pm – 1.30pm

Ireland’s bird populations are always changing, and over the past 100 years the changes have become more pronounced and rapid than ever before. As some formerly abundant bird species have disappeared, others have colonised and become common. Climate change, agricultural intensification and increased urbanisation have all played a role, but we still have much to learn about the drivers behind these population shifts. Join Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland for an informal discussion about the changing face of Ireland’s bird life.

Victorian Lighthouse Keepers and Barrington’s Bird Collection

Thursday 23rd October 1pm – 1.30pm

The Museum’s Dr Leona McArdle will talk about Bray scientist RM Barrington’s work that led to the lighthouse keepers of Ireland collecting bird specimens from around the Irish coast. This special event will explore and look at some of the rare not normally displayed samples from this unique collection and discuss how they informed scientists about the migratory patterns of birds to Ireland.

URBAN WILDLIFE WALK

Meet 23rd October 2pm Natural History Museum

Arrive 3.30pm at The LAB Gallery

CROW (City Right of Way) will be tracing a path between The Natural History Museum and the LAB on the hunt for Flora or Fauna en route between the venues. Flora and Fauna can be of the live or the architectural variety. Look up, how many buildings have animal or plant motifs? Where do starlings roost in the city? What buildings are pigeon proofed? What traces are there of urban wildlife? Suggestions en route are welcome.

CROW is a collaborative project by Belfast based artists Mike Hogg and Aisling O’Beirn exploring the city through walking. The project takes the form of regular walks taking in often ignored or unconventional sites in Belfast and beyond. The walks are suggested by participants and are often designed in collaboration with other organisations, and facilitated by Hogg & O’Beirn. CROW started walking in 2010. It is a project initially suggested by the Rome based urban research group Stalker on their 2010 visit to Belfast where they highlighted the difficulty in accessing parts of the city. For further information on CROW: www.crowwalks.blogspot.co.uk

Following the walk there will be an exhibition reception on arrival at The LAB, and an opportunity to see Natura natura in the Cube and Aisling O’Beirn’s exhibition, Quaternion Quest, also showing at The LAB Gallery.

Spooky Shadows and Silhouettes Family Workshop Saturday 25th October, 2 – 5pm The LAB. 6 yrs+

Join artist Saidhbhín Gibson at The LAB for a free family workshop and create your own night-time scene with nocturnal animals. Children will explore the unique silhouettes of animals, birds trees and buildings found in the City. All materials will be provided.