Joan Kavanagh

Joan was born and raised in Ireland but at an early age began her travels, first moving to Australia, then Canada and finally Arizona in USA.

Thanks to an Artist of Promise Award coupled with a Scholarship, she studied Fine Arts in the University of Arizona(ASU) College of Fine Arts and specialised in drawing.

From 1992 – 1998  Joan taught Art to Junior High Students and Art Masterpiece to Elementary School children in Arizona. She subsequently studied Art therapy in the University of Arizona as a component  of a Post-Graduate course and  continued this study in Ireland taking a  H. Dip in Art Therapy.

Returning to Ireland, life’s events and work interrupted fulltime dedication to art, but Joan has  now returned with renewed vigour to her practice. Influences are too numerous to mention, but nature plays a big part. An important part of Joan’s work is to incorporate different materials and media into her art.

She is currently involved in teaching art in the Central Remedial Clinic and volunteers each week introducing clients in St. Francis’ Hospice to the healing qualities of practicing art. Joan  is also currently the Honorary Secretary of the Dublin Painting & Sketching Club.

She has won a number of awards for her work including; ‘Best Products’ Drawing Award, ASU, Overall Graduate T.A. Nelson Award, ASU, City of Phoenix, Draw the Line’ First Prize.

Joan has exhibited in a number of group and solo shows, including Solo and group exhibitions,  in Arizona, Private Collectors Gallery Dublin, Archangel Gallery Listowel and the United Arts Club.

Joan’s work has been purchased by the OPW, Enterprise Ireland, Corporate and Private collectors in Ireland, Canada and the U.S.A.