Divine Comedy
Limerick City Gallery of Art hosts an exhibition of new paintings by Samuel Walsh, based on Dante Aligheri's The Divine Comedy. This epic series was begun in Pont-Aven in France in 2002. His interpretation of the first book of The Divine Comedy, The Inferno, comprises thirty-four paintings relating to the thirty-four Cantos (sections) that make up the first book. The second book of The Divine Comedy, The Purgatorio has provided the inspiration for seven paintings, each called Cornice and relating to the journey that Dante and Virgil make as they ascend Purgatory and visit the seven cornices that parallel the seven deadly sins. The series is completed by one large, multi-part painting based on the Paradiso, the third and final book of The Divine Comedy, where Dante visits Paradise. Samuel Walsh: 2 November - 21 December
 
Art & Design in Two Minds
The Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) in collaboration with Arts & Business initiated an ambitious art and architecture collaboration earlier this year. The outcome of the process is an exhibition entitled 'Two Minds' at the Golden Thread Gallery in Belfast. This will include working design models and plans, sketchbooks, journals, projection work, light sculptures, sound installation, printmaking and sculpture. Two Minds Exhibition: from 29 November
 
Two Fields of Colour
The Draíocht Gallery in Galway presents two year end exhibitions well worth entering in your diary. 'The Art of Botanical Painting', in conjunction with the National Botanic Gardens, highlights a selection of about twenty works from the latter's art collection. The value of botanical illustration lies not only in the beauty of the work, but also in the scientific value as it is the task of the botanical artist to depict an accurate representation of the chosen plant with close attention to detail. Also on view at the same gallery will be 'The Colour Fields', a group exhibition featuring work by Eamon Colman, William Crozier, Martin Finnin, Darren Murray, and Alison Pilkington. Botanical Paintings: 9 November - 12 January. Colour Fields: 9 November - 12 January
 
Not Without Fame
Sculptures and drawings by James McKenna can be viewed at IMMA in November. A prominent figure in visual arts and literary circles from the 1960s until his death in 2000, McKenna is well known for several public commissions including his large limestone monument Resurgence at the University of Limerick. Also at IMMA is a rare overview of the work of Patrick Hall, now acknowledged as one of Ireland's most important painters - see our interview with Hall on page 68 of this edition. Patrick Hall: until 6 January 2008; James McKenna: 28 November - 2 March 2008
 
First Family
In November the Fenton Gallery will present a fascinating exhibition featuring the works of three generations of the Yeats family showing watercolours and drawing by the legendary Jack B Yeats, paintings by his father John Butler Yeats and works by Anne Yeats, daughter of the poet W B. This innovative idea shows the genius of Ireland's most cultural family and spans 125 years. It is bound to create enormous interest in Cork and is certainly one of the 'must see' exhibitions this autumn. Yeats: November

IAR Autumn Diary compiled by Con Power