Pictures by Jenny Callanan
Highlanes Gallery opened its first exhibition of 2026 with a focus on the emerging artist James Moonan. Sponsored by Drogheda Credit Union, the exhibition, titled Once Upon a Page, highlights James’s creative journey. James is a young artist with autism who has won awards and accolades throughout his childhood and early adulthood in regional and national art competitions.
While Highlanes Gallery has presented James’s work before, this is his first solo exhibition. The gallery has previously featured solo exhibitions in this series, including the work of Diarmuid Woodcook in 2025 and Juliette Morrison in 2024, both of whom continue to develop their artistic practice.
The opening was well attended, with the Mayor of Drogheda Cllr. Michelle Hall, Councillor Declan Power, and the executive of Drogheda Credit Union, including Patricia White, Sharon Skerrit, Patricia Donnellan, and Leanne from the Irish League of Credit Unions. James’s teachers and colleagues from Drogheda Abacas School – Autism Support Louth & Meath were also present.
The exhibition features James’s award-winning recent work alongside pieces created throughout his childhood. Growing up with autism, James drew inspiration from picture book illustration and children’s animation. Once Upon a Page celebrates his artistic journey and the imaginative world that captures the spirit of youth and childhood.
James’s family and friends were in attendance, including his mother Jennifer, an artist, teacher, and designer, as well as his grandparents, aunts, cousins, and supporters from Drogheda and the surrounding region.
Highlanes Gallery Director Aoife Ruane hosted the openings, where James expressed his excitement, saying, “My art is a reflection of how I see and experience the world. Art has always been a way for me to communicate and connect with a world that can be more difficult to understand for people with autism. I hope viewers feel a sense of discovery and imagination in my work.”
Patricia White, Business Development and Marketing Manager with Drogheda Credit Union, added, “James is renowned in the Credit Union Art Competition, winning national awards every year. He is an extraordinary artist, and Drogheda Credit Union is very proud to support him with his first art exhibition.”
During the exhibition, James is hosting school and class groups for facilitated sessions. He has prepared creative and making activities based on his own practice.
Places are free and can be booked by emailing Simon Colfer at scolfer@highlanes.ie or calling the gallery on 041-9803311.
The exhibition has now been extended and will run until Saturday 7 March.
