Free art exhibition celebrating Belfast’s Botanic Gardens opens this October
A free exhibition featuring artworks created from natural materials gathered at Belfast’s Botanic Gardens will open to the public later this month.
Belfast City Council has announced that its Botanic Gardens artist-in-residence, Kerrie Hanna, will present a solo exhibition entitled The Earth is the First Body.
The exhibition marks the conclusion of Hanna’s residency and celebrates her creative work inspired by the gardens.
Visitors will be able to view contemporary stained glass and mixed-media pieces produced using natural pigments, charcoal and inks gathered entirely within Botanic Gardens.
Exhibition opens at historic Palm House
The public is invited to a free opening event on Saturday 24 October 2026, between 1pm and 3pm.
The event will take place inside the historic Palm House at Botanic Gardens.
The exhibition will remain open until Sunday 6 December.
Hanna’s work explores the relationship between art and the natural environment, using materials sourced directly from the gardens.
The collection includes pigments, charcoals and inks produced from plant materials collected during her residency.
Artist used natural materials from gardens
Throughout her residency, Hanna hosted public demonstrations at the Tropical Ravine and Palm House.
These sessions allowed visitors to learn how natural inks and charcoal could be created using plant offcuts, fallen leaves and flower petals.
The activities provided opportunities for members of the public to engage with the creative process and learn more about the artistic potential of natural materials.
Council welcomes exhibition
Councillor Joe Duffy, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, welcomed the upcoming exhibition.
He praised Hanna’s contribution to the city’s cultural programme and highlighted the popularity of her public demonstrations.
Councillor Duffy encouraged residents and visitors to attend the exhibition and experience the artworks.
He said the residency demonstrated the Council’s commitment to supporting Belfast’s arts sector and creating opportunities for artists.
When and where to visit
The Earth is the First Body opens at the Palm House in Botanic Gardens on Saturday 24 October.
The opening event runs from 1pm until 3pm and is free to attend.
The exhibition continues until 6 December 2026.
Further information about Belfast City Council’s cultural activities is available through the Council’s website.
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