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Council celebrates artist-in-residence Kerrie Hanna with landmark solo exhibition

Date: 15 October 2026

Category: Parks


Artist Kerrie Hanna inside the Palm House at Botanic Gardens

Belfast City Council is delighted to announce the upcoming solo exhibition of its Botanic Gardens artist-in-residence, Kerrie Hanna.

Titled "The Earth is the First Body," the exhibition marks the culmination of an extraordinary residency and celebrates Kerrie’s profound creative contribution to the city.

The showcase will feature a collection of contemporary stained glass and mixed-media artworks created using pigments, charcoals, and inks gathered entirely on-site within the gardens. 

The public is invited to attend a free opening event on Saturday 24 October 2026, from 1pm to 3pm inside the historic glass structure of the Palm House at Botanic Gardens.

Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Councillor Joe Duffy, spoke about the upcoming exhibition:

“Kerrie has been an incredible asset to our cultural offering at Botanic Gardens. Throughout her tenure, she held highly popular ‘show and tell’ days inside the Tropical Ravine and Palm House, where she invited the public to learn how to forge natural inks and charcoals using plant offcuts, fallen leaves, and flower petals gathered on-site.

“Kerrie’s residency has been nothing short of fantastic, and I am delighted to support her upcoming exhibition. I would encourage everyone to come along and experience her incredible work at the Palm House, which runs until 6 December. 

“This successful residency highlights Council’s ongoing commitment to investing in the city’s vibrant arts sector, ensuring that creative opportunities continue to thrive.”

Keep up to date with Kerrie’s work via Instagram @kerriehanna. For more information on art projects, creative mentorships, and upcoming cultural events, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk and search ‘culture.’

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