The First Frontier Was the Horizon

12 September – 24 October 2026

Opening reception: Friday 18 September 6-8pm

Participating Artists: Rachel Clarke, Kevin Cosgrove, Paul Gaffney, Aileen Hamilton, Penelope Lacey Monaghan, Ben McCabe Macari, Jennifer O’Brien, Lesley Ann O’Connell, Abigail O’Connell, Carol O’Connor, William O’Neill, Eileen O’Sullivan, Hazel O’Sullivan, Annabel Potterton, Joanne Reid, Mette Sofie Roche, Annette Smyth, Charles Tyrrell, Suella Wynne.

The First Frontier Was the Horizon, the second survey exhibition marking the 20th anniversary celebrations of Solstice Arts Centre, showcases the work and practices of many emerging and established artists originating from County Meath.

Highlighting our continued commitment to fostering local and regional artistic talent, The First Frontier Was the Horizon includes a wide range of local artists with a previous connection to Solstice Arts Centre. This expansive exhibition demonstrates the evolving multi-disciplinary practices emerging from the region, reflecting the breadth of visual inquiry through a selection of painting, ceramic, photography and sculptural installation.

The First Frontier Was the Horizon takes its title from one of the featured artworks by Jennifer O’Brien, whose sculptural practice explores aspects of navigation, exploration and discovery. This pioneering sense of deep enquiry is reflected in many of the artworks on view in the exhibition.

To coincide with the exhibition, Solstice has commissioned participating artist Hazel O’Sullivan to design a limited-edition artist notebook, titled ‘Aperture of Oenach’, available to purchase online and from our bookshop.