We are delighted to introduce the next round of new artists that have been added to The Duncairn Art Shop. This is the second blog featuring some of the artists who responses to our open call back in April - please go to the first Blog “Art Shop Introductions: Part 1” to get to know the other artists!

The Art Shop is open Monday – Friday from 10am – 3pm and you can find it in between the reception to the 174 Trust and the Café @ The Duncairn. We are over the moon to be able to showcase even more art and creativity from a wide range of artists from different backgrounds who work in various art forms – from printmaking to painting, crochet to ceramics, jewellery to poetry and more!

Call in any weekday to Support Local, Support Ethical, Support Artists and Support Each Other.

Hannah Dorman – Wild Earth Studio

Inspired by a personal journey shaped by years of living on boats, sailing as a family through different parts of the world, artist and founder Hannah Dorman draws on her experiences of travelling slowly, living mindfully and feeling both rooted and untethered.

From long ocean passages and star-filled nights at sea, to feeling grounded on land among trees and woodlands, Hannah has come to see that slowness is sacred and that nature, whether land or water, is our true home and is always there for us to return to.

These insights echo through her art. Whether it’s heartfelt prints, mindful greeting cards, or jewellery etched with intention, everything is created to stir emotion, evoke reflection and awaken a sense of connection.

Helen O Donnell – Anam Crafts

My name is Helen O Donnell, I'm an Irish teacher originally from Donegal and now living in Belfast. I began crocheting a few years ago after my Granny Mona passed away. She was an incredible knitter and crocheter, and learning to crochet felt like a way to stay connected to her and to honour her memory.

I attended crochet classes at the Duncairn Arts Centre with Aroona and Patricia and quickly became crochet obsessed! The classes were welcoming, fun, and accessible to people of all backgrounds and ages. They soon became my favourite part of the week. After completing a couple of terms of classes at the Duncairn, I continued developing my skills independently and exploring my own crochet style.

I began posting about my crochet to track my own progression and share my creations with family and friends, and over time I have been so pleased to see my hobby evolve into a small business- Anam Crafts.

Some of my favourite pieces to create are baby clothes, blankets, and accessories. I am beyond delighted to have the opportunity to display and sell my work in the Duncairn Art Shop— an amazing community institution without which I would never have begun my crochet journey.

Leanne McWilliams - LEANNE MCWILLIAMS ILLUSTRATION

Leanne McWilliams is a Belfast-based illustrator creating art about films, feminism, and the occasional existential crisis.

If it’s weird, she’s probably drawing it. If it’s not weird, she’ll make it weird.

Mairead Robb – Ashtree Arts

Mairéad Robb is the founder of Ashtree Arts, based on the shores of Lough Neagh, where landscape, stillness, and nature converge. She is a visual artist and educator whose contemporary practice is deeply rooted in Ireland’s natural environment and cultural heritage.

Mairéad is a graduate of Saint Martins School of Art, London, and Ulster University Art College, where she achieved a BA (Hons), a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Leadership. Her academic background, combined with decades of teaching and creative practice, informs a thoughtful, reflective approach based on her values, observation, and connection.

Melanie Law - MELANIE LAW Ceramics

After more than two decades in broadcasting, Melanie was able to rediscover her love of pottery and is a member of the Belfast Ceramic Studio. Having returned to pottery in January 2024, she has been selling her work since December 2024. Melanie is inspired by her travels all around the world and by nature. Every piece is handmade and a one off.

Nathalie Caleyron - NATHALIE CALEYRON PRINT

Nathalie Caleyron is originally from France but has lived in North Belfast for most of her life.

She discovered printmaking through a woodblock workshop in Seacourt (Bangor), followed by a general printmaking class in the Duncairn almost 10 years ago. It was a ‘love at first sight’ experience and she has been involved in printmaking since. She is a member of Seacourt Print Workshop.

Her prints are mostly multiplate lino, often with an element of monoprinting, giving a uniqueness to each single hand-pulled print within the same edition. They centre around her « happy places »: the safe havens you go to to when you close your eyes and breathe in (Donegal; the glens; Ballintoy…), mixed with snippets of ordinary life, from washing the dishes, lunch at the kitchen table, to walks around the waterworks.

Nichola Irvine - NICHOLA IRVINE ART

I am Nichola Irvine, an artist based in Belfast.I have been working full time as an artist for the last four years. I graduated in 2020 with a degree in Graphic Design and Illustration.

My work focuses on landscapes around Ireland often paired with inspiring quotes to create art that uplifts and inspires. Bright colours and magical scenes often take over my work.

My work serves as a source of healing, often inspired by words drawn from my journals, songs, books, or even TV shows. I primarily illustrate landscapes, finding peace and comfort in the outdoors and nature. While the subject matter is grounded in natural scenery, the colours are more reflective of my mood, which is why my work often shifts with the seasons. My main focus is to create artwork that heals, and if it brings joy and comfort to others, that is a welcome bonus.

Siobhan Hawthorn – The Moss House

At The Moss House, we create luxury soy wax candles and soy wax melts inspired by the sights and scents of Ireland. Each candle is lovingly hand poured in small batches from our workshop on the outskirts of Belfast. We only use ethically sourced soy wax and the highest quality fragrance and essential oils. We hope you enjoy burning these unique fragrances in your home.