North Down Museum is delighted to present Between Worlds, the inaugural exhibition of the Veridian Collective, a group of four accomplished local artists exploring the human experience through diverse artistic practices.
The Veridian Collective is comprised of Deborah Adair, Patricia Finlay, Vicki Maguire and Joanne Wells, who met while studying for a BA in Fine Art at the Belfast School of Art. Though each artist brings a distinct style and perspective, they discovered shared values and ideas, shaped by a common journey back to art after initially pursuing different careers. This exhibition marks their first collaborative presentation as a collective.
Between Worlds brings together a rich variety of approaches united by an exploration of spirituality, humanity, and the relationship between the individual and their environment. Committed to creating accessible and relatable work, the collective aims to both inspire audiences and encourage thoughtful reflection.
Each artist contributes a unique voice to the exhibition:
Deborah Adair, formerly an optometrist, spent over 30 years studying the human eye. Her artistic practice looks beyond surface perception, often incorporating organic materials and subtle messages of hope that invite deeper engagement beneath the visible.
Patricia Finlay previously worked in IT and taught Art History before turning theory into practice. Influenced by cinematic imagery, her work explores humanity through nature and the animal kingdom.
Vicki Maguire, with a background in arts administration, works from her studio at Seacourt Print Workshop in Bangor. Her practice sits between abstraction and figuration, focusing on mood, presence, ethereality and the fleeting nature of experience.
Joanne Wells, who trained in psychology and worked in mental health, draws on this background to examine human thought and behaviour. Her work captures expressions of the subconscious using paper and wooden panels.
Together, the exhibition balances individual artistic voices with a cohesive thematic vision. The artists’ varied life experiences enrich the work, inviting visitors on a reflective journey through humanity, spirituality, and our connection to the world around us.
Speaking about the exhibition, Artist Vicki Maguire said: “We are delighted to be presenting our inaugural exhibition in the beautiful setting of North Down Museum. ‘Between Worlds’ aims to provide an engaging and thought-provoking experience for visitors.”
Arlene Matthews, North Down Museum Manager, commented:
“This exhibition marks an exciting beginning for the Veridian Collective, and North Down Museum is proud to host their first collaborative exhibition. We invite visitors of all ages to come along, engage with the work on display and enjoy all that North Down Museum has to offer.”
Between Worlds is on display in North Down Museum’s Long Gallery until Sunday 19 April. Admission is free.