Culture Night/Photographers in Monaghan, Family / Lifestyle / Newborn / Pregnancy Photographers In Ireland/Monaghan, Wedding & Documentary Photographers Monaghan, Ireland, Destination Photographers / Event Photographer / Monaghan
The twentieth edition of Culture Night took place on Friday 19 September 2025. This year I took a role as an observer rather than exhibitor. One night is not enough to see all the fabulous art and performances in the programme but I enjoyed it thouroughly. Here are some snippets of the work displayed.
Andrea Soto – “Originally from Guatemala and now living in Monaghan, visual artist Andrea Soto has found in Ireland not only a new home, but a place where her artistic voice has flourished. For this special Culture Night edition, Andrea presents a compelling series of abstract paintings that reflect the dialogue between her Guatemalan heritage and her life in Ireland. Through vibrant colour, light, and expressive form, Andrea distills the essence of her native land—its landscapes, warmth, and spirit—while also honouring the journey that brought her to Ireland. Her work is both a celebration of identity and a heartfelt gesture of gratitude to the country that embraced her. During the exhibition, Andrea will host a live artistic activity inspired by the central theme of cultural connection. Open to all ages, this interactive experience invites visitors to engage with Guatemalan culture through art, encouraging creativity, curiosity, and conversation. “
Lynsey McKernan Art : ” Over the summer I took 12 artists out over 6 weeks to various locations in Armagh City and Monaghan Town to sketch and paint on location. We studied the details of the historical architecture and captured the beauty if each place, all the while learning about proportion, scale, watercolour and speedy painting!
The work created was so diverse in style and while everyone was looking at the same scene, the character captured was different in every sketch book.
Working in a sketch book, on location in a limited time frame really loosens you up and makes you less precious about exact detail, yet you can still capture the essence of a place.
All of the artists achieved a great body of work while improving skills too.
It was also a great way for 12 artists from both places to come together and get to know each other through a creative outlet and spend time in a new place. “
Tradoodle Festival : “An evening of music awaits as we celebrate the launch of the 8th Annual Tradoodle Festival. Join the Tradoodle Big Band for a boogie! Feel free to bring along an instrument and join in, or if you prefer, sit back, relax, and listen to some tantalising tunes. Then, settle in for a stunning performance by Tradoodle Festival headliners Garadice, a phenomenal traditional ensemble who bring a rich, soulful blend of traditional and contemporary Irish music.”
