Navan art exhibition to honour the creativity and legacy of Mia Lily

The creativity and imagination of Mia Lily Keogh O'Keeffe will live on this September when a special exhibition of her artwork opens at Solstice Arts Centre in Navan.

Titled Fun & Whimsy, the exhibition will celebrate the life and artistic talent of the 16-year-old, who tragically lost her life earlier this year after being struck by a vehicle while walking her beloved dog Bowie on the Slane Road in Navan.

The exhibition will take place on Saturday, 5th September at 2pm, with members of the public invited to come together to remember Mia and experience a collection of her artwork, photographs, crochet pieces and treasured memories.

“Mia Lily was a wonderfully talented young artist who found beauty, fun and whimsy in the everyday,” according to Patrick McDonald one of the organisers of the event

The exhibition will feature 46 framed pieces, scanned and printed from Mia's Junior Cycle Art Examination booklet, her sketchbook and two colouring books which she had worked on extensively.

The collection offers a particularly personal insight into Mia's creativity, bringing together artwork she produced during her school years with other pieces that reflect the imagination and personality of the young artist.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase prints of Mia's work, with all proceeds from print sales and donations going to the Irish Deaf Society, a charity chosen in her memory.

One of Mia's greatest joys was teaching her younger brother sign language and sharing that love with her family.

The exhibition organisers hope that the event will allow Mia's creativity to continue to reach people while supporting a cause that was close to her heart.

The exhibition will celebrate “the life, creativity and imagination” of Mia.

The exhibition has been named Fun & Whimsy in keeping with that outlook and with the joy Mia brought to those around her.

Alongside her artwork, the exhibition will feature photographs, crochet pieces and other treasured memories, creating an opportunity for visitors to remember Mia through the things she loved.

Mia Lily's death sent shockwaves through the Navan community in February.

The teenager was walking her dog Bowie when they were struck by a car at Blackcastle Demesne on the Slane Road on 21st February. Mia was later pronounced dead in hospital, while Bowie was also killed in the incident.

A 26-year-old Navan man has since appeared before Trim District Court charged in connection with Mia's death.

He faces three counts, including dangerous driving causing her death, failing to remain at the scene and failing to offer assistance. He was granted bail and the case was adjourned.

The circumstances surrounding Mia Lily's death prompted an outpouring of grief in Navan, with her family and supporters subsequently organising a march in her memory and calling for greater action on road safety.

The Fun & Whimsy exhibition will now provide another opportunity for the community to come together in Mia's memory — this time through the art, creativity and imagination that brought her so much joy.

For those who knew Mia, the exhibition will offer an opportunity to remember her through something she loved. For those who did not know her, it will provide an insight into the personality and talent of a young woman whose life was tragically cut short.

The organisers hope visitors will leave not only remembering Mia, but carrying something of her way of looking at the world with them.

“We hope that when you leave, you'll carry a little of Mia's outlook with you and remember to find the fun and whimsy in the world around you,” they said.

“Whether you choose to donate, purchase a print, or simply spend some time experiencing Mia's artwork, we'd love to see you at Fun & Whimsy.”

The exhibition takes place at Solstice Arts Centre, Navan, on Saturday, 5th September at 2pm.

All proceeds from print sales and donations will go to the Irish Deaf Society in Mia's memory.