The Snail Artist

Step into the colourful and imaginative world of The Snail Artist, created by Northern Irish artist Dawn Crothers. Discover original artwork, explore behind the scenes of the book, create your own snail masterpiece and even draw alongside Dawn herself.

Step Into the Story

Northern Irish artist Dawn Crothers has been creating her distinctive, playful oil paintings for almost two decades. Alongside her career as a professional artist, with paintings sold to collectors around the world, Dawn is passionate about inspiring the next generation of artists through teaching at her Belfast studio.

On Level 3, visitors can discover a selection of original artwork from The Snail Artist and see Dawn’s colourful characters up close.

There will also be a larger-than-life photo opportunity, where visitors can step straight into a page from the book, pose alongside a giant snail and become part of the story themselves.

Location: Level 3 Corridor

Become a Snail Artist

Now it’s your turn to get creative!

Choose from six snail designs created by Dawn, colour yours in and add it to a giant collaborative artwork inspired by the book. As more budding artists take part, the backdrop will grow into one colourful snail-filled masterpiece.

Want to create your own snail from scratch? Follow Dawn’s draw-along video and discover, step by step, how she brings one of her much-loved snail characters to life.

Location: Level 3 Mezz

Go Behind the Scenes

Continue your journey into the world of The Snail Artist on Level 5, where 10 illuminated lightboxes will reveal behind-the-scenes artwork and illustrations from the book.

Dawn’s paintings are full of personality, humour, emotion and energy. Through her wonderfully expressive characters and playful scenes, she invites audiences of all ages to connect with the stories and personalities she brings to life through both her artwork and writing.

Follow the corridor to the Art Studio on Mezz 5, where the experience becomes interactive.

Location: Level 5 Corridor

Draw with Dawn

Meet the Snail Artist herself!

Each weekend, Dawn will host a series of live drawing sessions in the W5 Art Studio. Across four 30-minute sessions, visitors can pick up a pencil and draw along with Dawn as she demonstrates how to create her famous snail characters.

Ask questions, discover some of Dawn’s drawing techniques and create your very own snail artwork to take away.

Whether you’re a budding artist or simply love getting creative, it’s a chance to meet, learn and draw with the artist behind The Snail Artist.

Location: Level 5 Mezz

Running: Saturday and Sunday's from 11am-11:30am and 2pm-2:30pm.

Excluding Saturday 19 September.