On March 16, 2024, at HEARTS Irish Connections ‘24, Meredith Connelly presented her ethereal and magical artwork in the installation, “Mushrooms and Snails” in Cedar Grove’s Center Hall.

Connelly, a Cornelius artist whose Irish ancestors settled in what is now Charleston, SC in the 17th century spoke about her Irish connections through her ancestry and her artwork at the event. Connelly's work created an unexpected treat for the guests, bringing these two ancient Celtic symbols to life, and creating an intentional zone of mindfulness for guests to navigate. Connelly’s beautiful work transported the viewer with its “otherworldly” attributes using light and her fine-tuned details. Incorporating history and ecology into her creative process, Connelly presented a true HEARTS work.

Welcome Video

About The Artist:

Meredith Connelly is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist, best known for her grand-scale installations that emphasize the interplay of light, science, and technology. Connelly’s illuminated, site-specific displays– complete with interactive elements– connect and submerge viewers into glowing, otherworldly environments. Developed from and influenced by the organic qualities of nature, Connelly’s structures are formed using manufactured materials that are able to accurately capture the elaborate detail of the natural world, while also supporting environmental sustainability. Having worked with lighting and technology as a material for over a decade, Connelly has built a practice that has not only captured national attention but has engaged hundreds of thousands of participants in the evocative and inclusive power of public art. Accoladed for its ingenuity, Connelly’s artwork has been exhibited in prestigious museums across the southeast — acquired into both private and corporate collections — and has received awards both regionally and nationally.

Artist Statement:

I draw inspiration from science, nature, and technology. It is my goal to conceptualize works that act as bridges between these complex and interwoven disciplines while putting emphasis on the importance of connectivity through an authentic interactive and multi-sensory experience.

Technology Statement:

My creative process uses the exploration of technology as an integral part of how I visually communicate. During the last decade my artistic practice, technology and lighting have been my primary materials. Like nature, the technological landscape is ever-changing and I remain driven to explore and push the boundaries of its uses in my work. Specifically in work that is open and free to the public to engage directly with.

Public Art Statement:

I deeply believe public interactive art is a powerful catalyst that fosters connection, community, healing and transcends cultural barriers such as age, race, and socioeconomic status. It encourages congregation in a space and draws in new and diverse demographics. At the core, my work is about connectivity, and using light as a material reaches beyond the sculptural form and draws the viewer to the work.

Visit the Art by Meredith Connelly website.

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