Sonia McNally

Sonia McNally (born 5 March 1973) is a British visual artist, known for her work in painting glass and object making, as well as her paintings.

Early career (1998-2003) Prior to focusing on fine art, McNally (previously Marriott), ran a wedding and party decoration business, Big Sky Productions and was awarded the Institute of Directors Award with the Prince's Trust for the Best Marketing Campaign

McNally also worked as a scenic artist, set builder, costume maker, and props and model maker for film, television, theatre, and community art projects. She contributed to productions for the National Theatre, M&C Saatchi, and films including One Life and Sexy Beast, as well as several television advertisements.

Art career (2003-present)

In 2004, while studying, McNally co-founded Dartmoor Artists Week and The Hand of God (2023), which was shown in an exhibition in the Jewish Seminary in Manhattan.

From 2011 to 2013, she was commissioned by Rev. Rachel Webbley to create a 12-metre acid-etched glass screen commemorating the martyrdom of St Alphege. Research for the project included translation of Old English texts by Dr Hilary Powell, a period of Ignatian spiritual direction, and study of medieval stained glass. During this period, she led workshops and courses for St Alphege CE Infant School and mentored students. She also organised an eight-mile sponsored run to raise money for these projects.

McNally taught at Canterbury Christchurch University between 2008 and 2020 in the Department of Media, Art and Design, and between 2013 and 2018, she taught theurgy on the creative module on the MA Myth, Cosmology and the Sacred at Canterbury Christ Church University.

Selected exhibitions 2024: POW (Power of Women): Rest, Liquid Landscapes, 101 Social, Margate 2023: Genesis, Jewish Theological Seminary, New York (including the panel The Art of Creation and the Role of the Feminine in the Secular and the Sacred with Karenna Gore) 2014: I Offer You These Feet with Liz Jones. Sculptural piece using steel, plaster and cast concrete, Canterbury Festival 2013: Permanent Collection, St Alphege Church, Whitstable, Kent : 12 metre acid etched glass screen depicting the Life and Martyrdom of St Alphege 2013: Celebrating the Story of St Alphege in the Millennium of his Death, Canterbury Festival

Videos 2025: Capturing the Spirit of Many Moons Ago (film), Bizarre, Fox Yard Studio 2019: Old Bill & Sausage Robbers (film documenting 50 years of Manor of Faversham Freemasons Lodge) 2011–2013: The Story of St Alphege etched glass screen, Whitstable

Publications and media 2025: Faversham Life – profile on St Alphege project 2022: Euphrosyne and the Harty Spring 2021: Meeting Vikings in English Churches, Churches Conservation Trust 2021: The Creative Podcast (Parts 1 and 2) 2014: Canterbury Times - Hot footing it to festival sculpture, Canterbury Festival 2014 2014: Canterbury Festival: Kent's International Arts Festival 2013: Canterbury Festival: Kent's International Arts Festival on St Alphege Glass Screen 2010: Illustrator for 'Wishing for Wizards and Chips for Tea'