The Sea We Share: Magical Children's Illustration Exhibition at Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart

This summer Flowerfield Arts Centre galleries will be transformed into a family friend exhibition space as The Sea We Share brings together the work of three Irish children’s book illustrators: Czacarri Muli, EM Emerson, and Corinna Askin. Alongside the exhibition, children can take part in hands-on creative activities during every visit, with additional drop-in art sessions running throughout the summer and led by experienced facilitators. These activities are designed to support playful, creative engagement with the sea-themed artworks.

Across the gallery spaces, visitors will encounter an enchanting underwater world brought to life through illustration, narrative, and creativity. From EM Emerson’s mythical selkies and mermaids, to Corinna Askin’s dreamlike spaces, and Czacarri Muli’s richly imagined underwater stories from his book The Sea We Share, the exhibition transforms the galleries into a joyful celebration of ocean magic and childhood wonder.

Designed especially with children in mind, the exhibition encourages young visitors (and the young at heart) to explore, imagine, and create. Alongside the artworks, families can take part in interactive creative activities including stamp art, colourful fish-making, and opportunities to reimagine the ocean world through their own artistic expression.

Visitors are invited to drop in throughout the summer holidays to experience the exhibition at their own pace, with storytelling and additional art sessions running across the programme. Further details will be available via the Flowerfield Arts Centre website and social media.

Associated Creative Activities

A series of free drop-in workshops will accompany the exhibition, offering children the chance to get hands-on with art-making inspired by the sea:

• Drop-in Workshop | Sea Animal Stick Puppets for 6-11 yrs | Saturday 1 August | 10.30am-12.30pm | Free | Tutor Christina Smyth | Find out More
• Drop-in Workshop | Magical Mermaid Willow Wands for 6-11 yrs | Saturday 22 August | 10.30am-12.30pm | Free | Tutor Carolyn Faith | Find out More
• Artist Talk: Czacarri Muli | Thursday 13 August | 6.30-8pm | Free but booking essential | BOOK NOW

Please note: For all drop-in workshops, children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.