Rockwell Kent, An American Artist in Donegal 1926 Exhibition

2026 marks the centenary of Kent’s visit to the remote valley of Glenlough in south-west Donegal. He stayed there for the summer creating a series of artworks which remain some of the most significant artistic responses to the Donegal landscape. Many of these artworks are now in private collections – the exhibition displays the only two Donegal artworks that are in Ireland. Through text, images and objects, the exhibition explores his extraordinary life and particularly the art created during his time spent in Donegal.

During the 1920s and 30s, Kent was among the most saleable artists in America. He travelled to remote locations around the world to live and work among the locals. In 1926, Kent and his wife Frances travelled to Ireland where he immersed himself in the life of the sheep farmers and fishermen around Gleann Cholm Cille.

In the early 1950s at the height of the Cold War, Kent arranged with Dan Ward to buy Glenlough, but the US State Department refused him a visa to travel due to their view of his political leanings. In a landmark case, Kent fought his country for the Right to Travel, taking the case to the Supreme Court. After winning his case in June 1958, he returned to Donegal on his final visit.

The exhibition is supported through funding from the Heritage Council Stewardship Fund and by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport as part of the 2026 Commemorations Programme.