Assembly of Text

Did you know that Argyle Fine Art also has a great variety of smaller (and oh so affordable) artist made cards and tiny framable prints? It's true! There's always a great rotation of nifty greeting cards on display. Take for instance, these brand new cards from Assembly of Text; 

we think they're lovely!  

HALLELUJAH. WE. HAVE. A SIGN.

LOOK AT US EVERYBODY!!!! 

WE HAVE A SIGN!!!!

And don't bother trying to steal it. It has a GPS tracking device, a camera, 

and it's weighted down with a ton of water. 

You'll look awfully silly trying to nab this one from us ;)

 For the the rest of you law abiding citizens, you'll have no trouble spotting us now. Fog, snow, hail... no matter the weather condition, our brave new sign will beacon you into the gallery! 

CAN YOU TELL HOW EXCITED WE ARE!?!?!?!?!?!?! 

 oopsie mirror image photo:

Amber Mills

The first of three boxes filled with the colourful works of Amber Mills has arrived, and these beautiful pieces of pottery are now gracing our front windows. If you're a collector of fine crafted local ceramics, stop in and have a closer look at these pieces. They're rich in pattern, 

using a style that is so recognizably hers. Stunning!!! 

On your marks, get set... PRE - SHRUNK!

We're putting the call out to artists a little earlier than usual this year, because we want you to have ample time to produce your finest works. THIS IS AN OPEN CALL FOR SUBMISSION! So spread the word far and wide, Argyle Fine Art is at it again:

PRE-SHRUNK 2013

Call For Submissions

Once again, Argyle Fine Art has begun the work of organizing the highly anticipated and much loved annual group show, Pre-Shrunk!  Artists of all disciplines are invited to create works that measure 4” x 5” and submit them to this juried exhibition.

 Submission guidelines:

- Works must be created on a surface that measures 4” x 5”. 

- Artists can submit no more than five pieces.

- All work must be unframed

- If works are on canvas, we ask that you do NOT attach a hanging device

  (i.e.: wire or hooks – the gallery will take care of this for continuity)

- Submissions must be new, and have not been previously shown.

- Please include your name, phone number, email address, and list of   

   materials used.

Pieces that are selected for this year’s exhibition will be priced at $175 each, with standard 50% commission. Please bare this price in mind while creating your artwork.

To apply to this year’s exhibition, please photograph your completed piece/ pieces and send your images in jpeg format to gallery@argylefa.com. Make sure files are a no more than 600 x 600 pixels. SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS MIDNIGHT, January 7th. If your work is selected by the jury, you will be notified by phone or email.

SHOW OPENS FRIDAY, January 25^th 2013

Please telephone the gallery, 425-9456 if you have any questions in regards to the requirements, as well as to confirm your participation in this exciting group show.

From the Girls of Argyle Fine Art,

Adriana Afford and Crystal Ross

Argyle Fine Art

1559 Barrington Street

Halifax, NS

B3J 2Z7

902.425.9456

gallery@argylefa.com

www.argylefa.com

www.argylefineart.blogspot.com  

Well...it's official...FALL has Arrived! New Work by Donn Sabean coming soon to Argyle Fine Art!

It's hard to believe that Fall has already arrived- it seems the Summer just only began. However we're happy to see September and October fast approaching, for the Fall in Halifax, Nova Scotia brings great bounty of Art and Cultural events! It's the perfect time to visit the city-there's so much to see and do!

In addition to Studio Rally Map Weekend, this coming weekend and NOCTURNE on October 13th, Argyle Fine Art is also excited about being part of the upcoming CITY HARVEST event, organized in part with the I LOVE LOCAL business collective in the city. We were involved with the first of these events in May, called OPEN CITY, which turned out to be a wonderful experience indeed! So on October 27th and 28th, we'll be highlighting some of our artists at the gallery.

One exciting artist that will be at the gallery on Saturday, October 27th, from 11:30am-1:30pm is Donn Sabean.  

Donn will be on hand that afternoon to discuss how she creates these natural works of beauty, perfect for the season of harvest and for future gift-giving.

Some of you may know her as the past curator and buyer for the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia Shop. Donn has been experimenting with a new body of work, that she will be sharing with us first! We're so pleased!! We think you'll find her technique and end results fascinating.

They are 100% wool, hand dyed and hand printed scarves. The process is commonly known as 'bundling' and/or 'eco-printing'.Printing logistics are: bundling fresh dye-stuff (leaves, flowers, etc.) inside prepared fabrics and applying moisture and heat until the natural dyes within the foliage leach into the cloth.

Art To The Tune Of Fog Horns

There's a real heavy blanket of fog sitting on top of HRM this morning, so thick that you 

may not be able to see the gallery from a certain angle. I can assure 

you however, that WE ARE HERE! See? We're waving to you!

If you're still worried about finding us though, try calling 

"Marco"and we'll try to "Polo"

Once you find us, you'll see that the gallery is brimming with colour and life. We have a wonderful display of artwork that includes pieces by Steven Rhude, Gregg Tracey, Mark Brennan, Michelle St. Onge, Andy MacDonald, Jennifer Harrison, Dennis Reid, and many many more! 

Come say hi!

My view this morning while driving over the bridge....

Nova Scotia College of Art and Design Celebrate 125 Years!

Goodafternoon Friday!  The weekend is almost upon us!


This Saturday, September 22 beginning at 6pm, NSCAD is celebrating their 125th  Anniversary in style with a concert in the Granville Mall area in Halifax, NS- which will be arrayed with sails, banners, lights and screens fashioned by the amazing Gary Markle!

In honour of this celebration,  we thought it was only fitting to showcase this work entitled "Granville Square" which is a limited edition  screenprint by Michelle St-Onge- who just happens to be a proud graduate from NSCAD.  

Drop by and see this work, and many others by Michelle on display at Argyle Fine Art that celebrate the city of Halifax.

Screenprint (1 of 4 originals) 30" x 30"  by Michelle St-Onge    $595

NEW ARTPIECES ON FEATURE AT ARGYLE INE ART!!

We've recently had an incredible influx of outstanding artwork, that I think you'll all enjoy. All three artists that are featured below are, ugh, .. "seasoned, emerging artists" for lack of a better description. By this I mean that all three have been working in their respective styles for quite some time - but are still young enough  to be placed on the emerging list.

 We consider ourselves to be extremely fortunate to represent such exciting talent, 

at a time when their works are still accessible to most everyone, in price and availability.  

Have a look and let us know what you think:

Dennis Reid

Andy MacDonald. 

 

Jennifer Harrison

 

ON NOW: Steven Rhude

Steven Rhude's new show "Intervention" in officially in full swing, and is beautifully occupying the entire upper level of the gallery. This makes for a powerful splash of colour upon first entering the gallery, that makes Rhude's work so incredibly distinct. Have you seen works by this artist before? If you haven't, make it a goal this week. Steven Rhude is one of Nova Scotia's premier realists, and is an important reflection of Atlantic Canadian living.

So go ahead - have a look around, and ask us questions about his work!! 

We're always excited by conversations about his subject matter, and message. 

Little Boxes made of ticky tacky....

We just received NEW PAINTINGS BY JENNIFER HARRISON!  Hooooooray!!!

These paintings by Jennifer Harrison always remind me of that famous little song called "Little Boxes"...which has been performed by a number of artists. (here's one example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_2lGkEU4Xs

They also make me hungry...since the painting is so full of texture and luster! Delicious and reminds me of icing!

Here's an example of just one of the pieces now on display here at Argyle Fine Art.

"Five Yellow Houses" 36in x 36in, oil on canvas (2012) $ 2600

Approaching Change: New Work by Dennis Reid

We were delighted to receive some wonderful works by Dennis Reid yesterday, just in time for the weekend. There are three new works on display now, in our lower gallery.

Here's a sneak peek at one of them, called "Approaching Change".  It's a wonderful work, that is even more stunning in person.

Dennis also just received an acknowledgement from The Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation (http://www.elizabethgreenshieldsfoundation.org) of Canada- a very prestigious recognitiaion indeed.

Panoramical Steven and Andy-Shows Open TONIGHT, 7-9pm!

Panoramical.....that's a word, isn't it?

 Just a reminder that two wonderful new shows open tonight by Steven Rhude and Andy MacDonald. All the fun begins at 7pm and runs until 9pm, so make sure to drop by and say hello and see the art of course!

We were busy putting the final touches on things last night, and took two panoramic pics of the spaces, just for fun. If we do say so ourselves, these really are two shows you don't want to miss!

Steven Rhude Show- Panoramic View, Upper Gallery

Andy MacDonald Show- Lower Gallery

OPENING TOMORROW: Steven Rhude

This is it folks. The latest collection of colourful Rhude's are up at the gallery and are patently waiting to meet your eyes. Steven Rhude's annual solo exhibition is always a much anticipated event, and we'd be delighted to have you in for a visit, in honor of this new body of work. Opening Reception for "Intervention" will be tomorrow evening (Friday, September 14th) from 7 to 9pm, so please join us! You'll find a series of paintings rendered in Rhude's signature poetic realism, with familiar maritime icons, captured in a truly thought provoking manner.     

OPENING TOMORROW: Andy MacDonald

I've said it once, I've said it twice, I've said it a thousand times... You really need to get yourselves down to the gallery and see these in person. NO camera can capture Andy MacDonald's paintings (infact, these were so difficult to photograph, that I had to capture them at a hard angle, from the inside of a hallway  with the lights turned off, and a curtain propped up to block sunlight. All this to avoid a distorting reflection or glare, and STILL, they do no justice.) 

The perfect opportunity to see these in person has presented itself, and we hope you'll take advantage. Tomorrow evening from 7-9pm, we'll be hosting an opening reception for the Artist in the lower gallery. Please come and help us celebrate this absolutely incredible new body of work!

BEEP BOOP BEEP: Artist Ed Beals has done it again!

Good morning, afternoon or evening to you! Whenever you are reading this, we hope that you are snuggled away at home, or if you're at work, that a warm beverage is helping you get through this dark and dreary day here in Atlantic Canada. Seems we are experiencing a bit of the Hurricane Leslie..drip drip drip.

SO......we thought some sneak peeks into the upcoming show by Ed Beals and Nick Brunt would cheer you up!  Ed and Nick are working hard to transform our gallery into the "Retro Robots, Rockets and Rayguns Shoppe" for the night of Nocturne (happening this year, on Saturday, Oct.13th).

Here are a few examples of the most recent samplings of found objects by Ed Beals!  Aren't they amazing!

We hope to have some sneak peeks at Nick's work soon too...until then, have a great day and stay dry!

beeeeppp  beeeepppppppppp....

Malcolm Callaway

Malcolm Callaway never ceases to impress us with his flawless tromp l'oeil frescoes,
and tongue and cheek references to art history. 
With the weather turning into autumn and little apples maturing on their branches,
we thought it was perfectly appropriate
to show you these most recent Callaway paintings.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you:

"Sistine Apple"  Oil on Fresco on Board 18" x 24"

And
 

"Spartan's Apple" Oil on Fresco on Canvas 16" x 20" 

*note the apple isn't a spartan apple...pffft.

PRINT SALE!! PRINT SALE!! PRINT SALE!!

A sale on our prints is a real rarity here at the gallery, so trust me when I say that 

NOW IS THE TIME to take advantage! 

Until September 11th, Argyle Fine Art is offering a 15% discount on all fine art prints - and we're not talking about posters here kids - these are beautiful, locally crafted lithographs, woodcuts, screenprints, and more - all created by hand, by our favorite printmakers. Some of our incredible artists include YO RODEO, GREGG TRACEY, CHRIS DUNNET, SORAYA ETEMAD and  MICHELLE ST. ONGE! 

Take a gander through our print bins, and find yourself some affordable art pieces.

(prints shown below are from the super talented duo - Yo Rodeo!)

ALL ABOARD...for Nocturne!

 Last evening, six artists went aboard the HMCS Sackville, near the Halifax waterfront. They went with cameras, sketchbooks and even sound recording devices, to capture the beauty of the Halifax waterfront and Dartmouth night skyline, as well as the mystery of this retired Military vessel.  Why you may ask?

Well, HMCS Sackville and Argyle Fine Art are happy to announce that on the night of Nocturne http://nocturnehalifax.ca/, art created from this experience will be showcased throughout the ship for you to explore.

Steam funnel aboard the HMCS Sackville

There was an amazing red moon that rose above Dartmouth, lots of nooks and crannys aboard the ship to explore and night sky lights! We can hardly wait to see what this diverse group of artists will create!

The works will be displayed throughout the HMCS Sackville and Argyle Fine Art

during Nocturne!

Expect to see art displayed in all sorts of places- perhaps even in the Engine Room as it was a favourite source of  inspiration for many of the artists;  with all it's shadows, texture and intricacies.

Artist Gordon MacDonald and Mark Brennan explore the Engine Room for inspiration....

Artist Andy MacDonald

FULL STEAM AHEAD!

Artists Shelley Mitchell, Andy MacDonald, Mary Garoutte, Bryanna Chapeskie, Gordon MacDonald and Mark Brennan