**Due to unforeseen circumstances this event is no longer going ahead. We apologise for the inconvenience caused. **

Join a dynamic panel of three celebrated artists and illustrators and learn to explore all the creative possibilities of drawing and illustration.

Do you dream of making a career as an illustrator? Are you curious about the processes of creating visual narratives? Maybe you write picture books and want to elevate your practice by learning more about the relationship between text and image and the magic it can create. Come and meet three stylistically diverse illustrators for a candid and informed discussion on publishing, artistic processes, materials, and pathways into the wonderful world of illustration. Chaired by accomplished author and picture book writer Olivia Hope, illustrator and storyteller Ashwin Chacko, and picture book illustrators and artists Shona Shirley Macdonald and Lauren O’Hara for insight, wisdom, and advice.

The event will be followed by a book signing.

Ashwin Chacko is an Indian author, illustrator, and motivational speaker, based in Dublin. He specialises in positively playful visual storytelling to bring joy and encouragement to his audiences. His mission is to champion creativity and empower people to find their inner spark through his art, books, talks, and workshops.

Shona Shirley MacDonald is an award-winning children’s book illustrator and author living in Co. Waterford. Her books include The Pooka Party, Cluasa Capaill ar an Rí, and The Moon Spun Round by W. B. Yeats. Her work has been exhibited throughout Ireland, and internationally at the Bratislava Illustration Biennial. 

Lauren O’Hara studied Fine Art and Illustration at Kingston. Later she designed sets and window-displays in London before becoming an illustrator and moving to Dublin. Frindleswylde, written by her sister Natalie, is shortlisted for this year’s KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards.

Olivia Hope is a children’s writer from Killarney. A former international athlete and a teacher for twenty years, she’s worked with children of all ages. Her first picturebook, Be Wild, Little One was lauded by the late Shirley Hughes as ‘an outstanding book to enchant readers of all ages’.

Presented as part of National Drawing Day, in partnership with the National Gallery of Ireland.