Lily's Online Gallery

Kaleidoscope was the first exhibition for artists Lily Johnston and James Dorrian. Both artists are members of KAVA based in the Courthouse Gallery in the centre of Kinvara Co Galway.  

Taking inspiration from the geometry of life, Kaleidoscope gives us an intimate view of both Dorrian and Johnston’s artistic journey over the past 6 years. This collection showcases the artists’ work since they both began painting. As each artist has utilised various styles and mediums, this collection of works promises variety and colour. Using many different forms, ranging from abstract to portraiture, Kaleidoscope is a snapshot of artistic progression. 

Lily Johnston

Lily grew up in Connecticut, spending each summer in Kinvara with her sister and parents, who ran a hostel on Main St. Since calling Kinvara her permanent home for the last 5 years, Lily has fully immersed herself in the community, sitting on the KAVA committee as treasurer. Art has been a constant theme throughout Lily’s life. Both as a hobby and career, she has made creativity a focal point. Along with painting murals and window chalk decals, Lily’s more focused medium is pen illustrations. This exhibition has helped her to broaden her range from pen to painting, forever learning and experimenting.

James Dorrian

Having grown up in a family of six boys in Mountcharles, Co Donegal, James now runs a business in Dublin with his husband Brian, but they spend the lion’s share of their life in Kinvara. He had turned 40 before discovering his artistic talents, through art classes at Brushstrokes Art School in Dublin – a Christmas gift from his husband intended to be a counterbalance to a busy working life! Some of these paintings on display are his very first. His work is influenced by modern and contemporary art and also by the wonderful colours of the Burren. As an artist he strives to capture the true essence and spirit of his subjects.