
Art Gallery
We have five contemporary artists per year, all solo shows, which are exhibited in the cafe every two months.
For more information please email Sarah at galcafe@gmail.com
The following artist is exhibiting in the gallery for May & June 2024 -
Dana Sorokina
Dana Sorokina
Meet Dana, the artist ! Born in the lively capital of Latvia, Riga, back in 1973, this creative spirit decided to spice things up by making a bold move to Ireland in 2001. And oh boy, did she bring some serious artistic flair with her.
Dana's artistic journey kicked off at the Riga Technical School of Art and Media (RMMT). But hold on, the plot thickens! During her time in Ireland, Dana didn't just twiddle her artistic thumbs; she dove into a sea of courses that weren't directly related to art. Nope, she went on a tangent and dabbled in Marketing and Sales at the College of Business Management (BVK), Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT).
And guess what? It turned out to be a stroke of genius! Those seemingly unrelated courses became like secret weapons in Dana's artistic arsenal when she decided to make her grand return to the art world. So, while she started with a splash of art education in Latvia, she mixed in some Irish knowledge magic to create a cocktail of creativity and marketing prowess.
Now, armed with a Bachelor's degree and a pocketful of useful tools, Dana is a force to be reckoned with in the art scene. Who says you can't blend artistic passion with a touch of business savvy? Dana's here to prove that you can have your palette knife and market it too!
If you're on the lookout for Dana's vibrant creations, you're in luck! Right now, you can feast your eyes on a fantastic array of her original artworks at "Grá the Coffee Bar" in Naas, Co. Kildare. And let me tell you, this place isn't just a coffee joint; it's a whole artistic haven with an expanded art gallery. It's basically your one-stop-shop for caffeine and creativity!
But wait, there's more! Dana's artistic magic has also sprinkled its way into the "Hungry Monk Art and Craft Gallery" nestled in the scenic Cong, Co. Mayo. If you find yourself in that neck of the woods, it's a must-visit for a visual feast.
Now, if you're into snazzy prints, Dana's got you covered too! Swing by the "Glasson Craft Gallery" in the picturesque Glasson, Co. Westmeath, where you'll find a mixed range of prints showcasing flowers and the iconic VW Beetle along with originals. And as if that's not enough, head over to the "Castlemartyr House Gallery" in the stunning West Cork to get another dose of Dana's artistic brilliance.
So, whether you're sipping coffee in Kildare, exploring art in Mayo, or cruising through Westmeath and West Cork, Dana's art is there to add a splash of color and creativity to your day. It's like a treasure hunt for masterpieces, and Dana's left her artistic gems in some pretty cool spots!
Dana's collaboration with Irish composer and artist Róisín Gavin, creating designs for CD covers, adds a unique dimension to her portfolio. The association with Boyle Craft Shop, where Róisín Gavin's CDs are available, further extends Dana's influence in the Irish art scene.
Dana's solo had an exhibition at Tallaght Library in early 2023, accompanied by a live painting demonstration. allowed Dana to showcase her artistic prowess and engage with her audience on a deeper level. Her participation in the Bord Bia Bloom Annual Botanical & Floral Art exhibition, as well as events like the Shoreline Art Festival, AKA Alternative Kilkenny Art Festival, and the Summer exhibition at Framexperts in Ranelagh, demonstrates her commitment to showcasing her work across various platforms.
Dana's involvement in the Dublin Plein air international outdoor painting festival, a recurring event in her schedule, highlights her dedication to capturing the beauty of landscapes through her unique style. Her preference for oil Alla prima with a pallet knife, coupled with her favorite subjects such as flowers, old Volkswagen beetles, and glass, adds a personal touch to her creations.
It's evident that Dana's artworks have gained global recognition, finding their way into private collections in Ireland, Italy, Belgium, the UK, Latvia, and the USA. Her diverse range of subjects, from still life to marina and interior scenes, showcases the breadth of her artistic talent. Dana's future in the art world seems promising, with a growing audience and a distinct artistic voice.
Dana's got this firm belief that staying active is the magical key to staying fit and somewhat healthy. And let's be real, she's giving it her best shot – even if it doesn't always go as planned. But hey, kudos for trying!
For Dana, sweating it out on a bike, taking a plunge in the pool, or hiking up a storm isn't just a workout routine; it's her secret weapon for clearing the mind and finding inspiration in the great outdoors. Mother Nature is her muse, and she's not afraid to break a sweat in the process.
But here's the real kicker – Dana's not just talking the talk; she's biking the bike! Commuting around Dublin city on a bicycle is just another day in her adventurous life. And it's not just a casual ride; she's got her pedal game strong, participating in cycling events like the Great Dublin Bike Ride. I mean, 2019 and 2023 were practically a highlight reel of memorable moments, and there's more where that came from!
So, whether she's creating a masterpiece on canvas or conquering the streets of Dublin on two wheels, Dana is living her best, active, and art-filled life. Who says you can't be a fitness guru and an art sensation at the same time?



