A Laois artist will have her art instillation on permanent display in St James' hospital, Dublin.

Portlaoise artist Aileen Donovan's original painting 'She Sells Sanctuary' will take up residence in St James from April 15.

Ms Donovan is known for taking part in Sky Arts 'Landscape Artist of the Year' in 2023.

"My original painting, "She Sells Sanctuary", is a half mannequin mounted on a 5ft x 5ft piece of plywood," Ms Donovan told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"This was painted over 4 years ago as part of an exhibition called 'Collective Thoughts' with the Laois Arthouse Collective" which was in Dunamaise Arts Centre.

Pictured: 'She Sells Sanctuary' by Aileen Donovan

"This piece symbolises the mother figure, who is on the go, pulled in all directions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, hence the dark and light either side. I also made the sun/moon majestic like as a kind of crown, I suppose," Ms Donovan said.

"The roots are emerging from the bellybutton and going all directions as in busy, on the go. The reason I am highlighting this piece is after 4 years, it's heading to its new permanent home," she explained.

"It's heading to St James's Hospital, Dublin on permanent display alongside its extensive art collection. I always knew I wanted to donate this piece as its a symbolic mother figure.

"I had no idea where until last September. I spent a week studying in The Mercer Institute for Sucessful Aging (MISA) at St James's as part of my NCAD course and could not help but notice and admire their extensive art collection," the Portlaoise woman said.

Pictured: Aileen Donovan and one of her stunning artworks in 2023

"The Hospital is full of art and its a credit to them. I knew this was the right place for my piece and made enquiries if they would like it.

"It's not the most obvious choice for a piece of art but I've always liked it and knew it was never going to hang on someone's mantlepiece. She Sells Sanctuary (named after the Cult song, a huge favourite of mine) starts her journey to Dublin in the morning," she said.

"I head up on Tuesday morning to help choose its setting, and then it's being unveiled on the 9th of May which is International Nurses Day at 3.30 in the hospital.

I have to give a little speech on the day explaining the piece and how she came about. I am delighted she is finally heading somewhere that she is appreciated and its such a brilliant, suitable setting for her. Happy Days indeed!" she said.

This is Ms Donovan's 4th art piece on public display.

"There is a very small piece entitled Rewind the Film in the County Council Offices. It was part of an exhibition called In Trust, In Gratitude, In Hope at the Arthouse Stradbally as part of its 10th anniversary celebrations," Ms Donovan explained.

"I participated 2 years ago in the Creat8ve Ireland Artist in the community on a historic project with Dysart Conservation Group."

Ms Donovan has painted a 5ft painting of Dysart Church and Graveyard that is on permanent display in Rathneska GAA Clubhouse, along with 'The Gate to Heaven' at the Famine Graveyard in Abbeyleix.

See more of Ms Donovan's work in her recent painting of St Gobnait on a local apiary.