Originally trained in fine art printmaking, Melissa O’Brien’s artistic practice has evolved to encompass analogue photography, using low-tech d.i.y cameras, plant based developers and emulsions and home-developed film, alongside communal making and workshop-based projects.
In 2024, she completed the Professional Diploma in Art and Ecology at NCAD with Creative Futures Academy, expanding her practice to anthotypes, pinhole photography, soundscapes, and archival research. Her current practice explores the closed Water House Complex at the National Botanic Gardens, documenting its unique novel ecology, its multiple layered narratives, while investigating themes of the anthropogenic, time, materiality, and process.
After earning a BA in Printmaking from the Limerick School of Art and Design, Melissa co-founded Limerick Printmakers with two fellow graduates, creating a much needed studio for printmaking facilities, which included an exhibition space and educational program. She managed the Printmakers for 14 years, completing a Master’s in Cultural Management at Northumbria University to support the organisations growth and development. Throughout this time she worked as an arts educator for the Limerick Vocational Educational Committee and on various arts projects and workshops.
melissa.ob(at)gmail.com
Art Practice
2026 Listening to the Ox – The Ballygawley Precambrian Mountain Project with Jackie Maguire. Cairde Festival, Sligo. Artists Development – Artists Walk and research presentation for The Art of Connection networking event.
2026 Botanic Gardens Education Network Annual Conference: Resilient Roots. The Power of Art -Anthotype workshop.
2025 to 2026 Divergently Together. Provision of artist services as a workshop facilitator and guide for artist participants on Biophilic Walks in the Cavan Burren Centre. Divergently Together is a shared-island community engagement project that uses STEM technologies to facilitate the participation of disabled and neurodivergent communities in climate action. Led by AlanJames Burns, together with Creative Ireland, DCU and Research Ireland, the project advocates for a just transition while breaking down stigmas around neurodiversity and disability in the process
2025 National Heritage Week, Anthotype Workshop with Karen Browett at the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland
2025 Le Chéile don Dúlra, National Biodiversity Week Artist in Residence Glenveagh National Park and National College of Art and Design Art & Ecology Partnership, exhibition, anthotype workshop and speaker at Biodiversity Café & Brunch: Nature Networking Event for Natura 2000 Day. Artists Discussion Panel with Karen Browett and Clare McLoughlin
2025 Opacities Spring Seminar Anthotype workshop with Frugal Media Research Group, National College of Art and Design with Karen Browett
2025 Brídeog Temporary installation in the Arboretum, National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, accompanied by a workshop for 50 primary school children from St Brigid’s NS as part of Brigit 2025: Dublin City Celebrating Women
2025 Earthbound Tales curated by Cristina Nicotra with Karen
Bowett, Dervla Clarke + Jamie Lemoine (POND Studio), Estibaliz Errazquin at Pallas Projects/Studios, Dublin as part of Brigit’s Festival 2025, Pinhole Camera Workshop with Karen Browett and Panel Discussion with Dr. Marcus Collier TCD, Dr. Noeleen Smyth, UCD, Cristina Nicotra with exhibiting artists
2024 RISK/ REWARD, Limerick Printmakers at 25′, Limerick City Gallery of Art, Limerick
2024 Stories from the Gardens, Co-curated with Joseph Lynch, National Botanic Gardens of Ireland
2024 Heritage Week Pop Up Stories from the Gardens, Co-curated with Joseph Lynch, National Botanic Gardens of Ireland
2024 NCAD field and NCAD Gallery, Capstone Project Final Review, Professional Diploma in Art and Ecology, NCAD, Dublin
2023 Flower Cloud II, Visitor Centre at the Botanic Gardens of Ireland
2023 Bhrat Bríde Temporary installation in the Arboretum, National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, made with 90 primary school children from St Brigid’s NS and Sacred Heart BNS as part of Brigit 2023: Dublin City Celebrating Women
2022 to 2023 Flower Cloud I, Visitor Centre at the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland
2018 Communal Making, Heritage Week, National Botanic Gardens of Ireland
2017 Communal Making, Botanic Gardens Education Network Annual Conference, National Botanic Gardens Kilmacurragh
2017 Hidden Treasures of the Museum Collection, Co-curated with Ciara Travers, National Botanic Gardens of Ireland
2015 – 2016 OPW Bryce House, Curator for the Art and Sculpture Collection, Garinish Island, West Cork
2012 Erasmus Print Pop Up Project and Exhibition, Limerick Printmakers at Factoria Cultural Aviles, Asturias, Spain as part of La Noche Blanco
2012 24 Hour Print Pop Up Project and Exhibition, Limerick Printmakers, Sarsfield Street, Limerick
2002 Limerick Printmakers Winter Members Exhibition
2001 Limerick Printmakers Members and Invited Artists Exhibition
2000 Transition Joint show with Bernadette Cunningham, Limerick Printmakers
1999 Limerick Printmakers Studio Opening Exhibition
1998 Industria Art’s First Contemporary Art Exhibition, Dublin
1998 BA Fine Art – Printmaking Degree Exhibition, Limerick School of Art and Design
1997 AIB Art Collection, Limerick City Gallery, Student Selector
1997 National Diploma in Fine Art – Printmaking Exhibition, Limerick School of Art and Design
English