Stereo - Exhibition by Sabrina Heinrichs

A solo exhibition of abstract expressionist painting lands in Scarriff this August, and it is well worth planning a trip around. ‘Stereo’ brings together acrylic and watercolour works by Sabrina Heinrichs - a German-born, Ireland-based self-taught artist whose paintings move between bold colour and quieter tonal passages. The show runs for over a month at the Edna O’Brien Library, giving plenty of time to catch it at your own pace. Entry is free, so there is no barrier to simply walking in and spending time with the work.

What to expect

Heinrichs was born in Germany in 1980 and has lived in Ireland since 2007. She works primarily in acrylic and watercolours on paper and canvas, occasionally pressing natural materials into the surface to add texture. Her style sits within modern abstract expressionism - emotionally driven, colour-led, with a tendency toward large gestures rather than tight representation.

The title ‘Stereo’ comes from the first piece she created in a new, more powerful palette in 2023 - a shift after years of working in subtler tones. She describes the body of work as “a symbiosis between vision and matter, black and white and the entire colour spectrum, a scintillation of magic.” Her stated aim is to conjure confidence and compassion in the viewer, and to inspire people to show their true colours.

This is not her first time exhibiting in Ireland. She has shown at the Mountshannon Arts Festival and in German galleries before. The show is presented by Clare Arts Office, which has a long track record of bringing quality touring and regional exhibitions to library galleries across the county.

The gallery space sits within the Edna O’Brien Library on Mountshannon Road - a working community library that doubles as one of East Clare’s small but consistent venues for visual art.

Getting there

Scarriff is in East Clare, about 30 km south-east of Ennis, on the shores of Lough Derg. From Ennis, take the R352 east through Tulla and follow it down into Scarriff. The drive takes around 35 minutes. From Limerick city, you can approach via Killaloe and the R463 north along the lakeshore - roughly 45 minutes. Public transport to Scarriff is limited, so a car is the practical choice for most visitors. Parking is available on the street in the town centre close to the library.

While you’re in Scarriff

The town sits at the edge of Lough Derg and is a good base for walking the 9 km trail to Mountshannon or visiting Irish Seed Savers, Ireland’s largest organic seed farm, just outside the town. There is more to see in Scariff and across Co. Clare.

Good to know

• Exhibition runs 25 August to 27 September 2026
• Venue: Edna O’Brien Library, Mountshannon Road, Scarriff, Co. Clare
• Open Monday to Saturday during library hours (Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat 10am - 5pm; Tue/Thu until 8pm)
• Free entry - no booking required
• Organised by Clare Arts Office; check Clare Arts for any updates