Gowna Glows

Gowna community centre was transformed into a magical landscape of light, colour, and creativity during Gowna Glows, a community-led event celebrating participatory art, imagination, and collaboration.

Under the artistic direction of Anna Wiercioch, the project brought together people of all ages to create an impressive 121 handmade lanterns, 40 shadow cut out puppets and 30 fluorescent art pieces, all produced by participants during a series of creative workshops in the weeks leading up to the event. Using recycled and mixed materials, the lanterns explored themes of underwater worlds, light, shadow, and storytelling, turning the exhibition space into an immersive night-time experience.

Workshops were facilitated by Ani Morton, Lorraine Donohoe, Anna Wiercioch, and Raquel Montero Calero, who guided participants through lantern making, recycled art, shadow theatre, and light-based installations. Alongside the community creations, the exhibition also featured installations by eight open-call artists, adding artistic depth and showcasing a wide range of creative approaches. Exhibition included work of Elena Duff, Alla Shmygovska, Ani Morton, Ewa Cyfert, Lorraine Donohoe, Raquel Montero Calero, Anna Wiercioch and Harveen Chinatamunnee 

One of the most exciting elements for children was the fluorescent art, which truly came alive after dark. Bright glowing colours reacted to light, creating moments of wonder as young visitors watched their artworks transform within the exhibition space. This interactive element quickly became a highlight for families.

Another highlight of the evening was a giant puppet, designed and created by Anna Wiercioch and brought to life through performance by Harveen Chinatamunnee. The puppet performance delighted audiences of all ages and added a strong theatrical and visual presence to the programme.

The evening also featured a powerful fire show by Babylon Inferno, drawing large crowds and adding excitement and drama to the night.

  Over 200 people attended the Gowna Glows Exhibition, with attendees commenting :

“This is absolutely fabulous.  How clever all the children are”

“Absolutely beautiful.  We’ve never had anything like this before.  Love it”.

“My daughter was so thrilled to see her fish and jar lanterns being exhibited.  She couldn’t wait to show us.  It really does look spectacular”.

“I really hope you do this again.  This is a great turnout of the event”.

More than an exhibition, Gowna Glows celebrated creativity, connection, and community pride—demonstrating how art, when created together, can truly light up a place.

This project is funded by Creative Ireland and Cavan County Council through Creative Cavan Open Call Grants 2025.2026.