Artist a Day: May 31st, Shannon Potter

Artist Shannon Potter is another extraordinary addition to our gallery, who hails from New Brunswick. Her sculptures are delicately shaped and heavily worked, through a multi fired process. When completed, they are fixed on a hearty stone base to balance 

the fine contours of the sculpture itself. 

The end results are emotionally charged, representational works. Shannon has a great ability to inspire through her sculpture, and we think you'll agree

 when you see our collection.    

Anatomy of The Performer: Half figure.  

                       Mid Cal Stoneware. Cone 6 Glazes, Multi-Fired, Shannon Potter

Artist a Day: Steven Rhude

Here you have it. 

Two new pieces by Steven Rhude, that are sure to make our 

seasoned art collectors water at the mouth.

These paintings make perfect examples of his distinct method of capturing our rural landscape. You'll find that his work often pushes the viewer to ask questions: Why Steven, is there a shed in the middle of the road? There doesn't seem to be enough room to drive around on either side...and they look awfully precarious that way. Are they vulnerable in their placement? Or, are they steadfast roadblocks, forcing themselves to be re-evaluated by people passing by?   

Road to Feltzen South, oil on board, 18"x24", Steven Rhude

 Road to Halfway Cove, oil on board,18"x24", Steven Rhude

No mater how you decide to interpret Rhude's works, you'll always find moments of beauty within them. These coarsely textured, and brightly coloured paintings in Steven's trademark poetic realism are now on show at Argyle Fine Art. We encourage you to see them in person if you can. But, if you're outside of our fair city, just let us know and we'll gladly send you 

photo details and descriptions. 

Artist a Day: May 26th, Christine Ostling

Today marks the beginning of international Bike Week, and if you hadn't heard, there are plenty of fun happenings scheduled around the city for all you bike enthusiasts. If you aren't quite sure where to begin, you could swing by the gallery and have a look at our group show, now on display in the front windows! There's a incredibly diverse range of artists and styles represented, all with one common theme... bicycles!  

Here's a beautiful example from the work we have on feature:  

This painting by Christine Ostling is titled 

"The Station Master's Bicycle" measures 19" x 23" and is priced at $399

For more information on Bike Week, have a look at the list of events posted on HRM's website: 

http://www.halifax.ca/bikeweek/index.html

Artist a Day: May25th, Amber Mills

You'll never find a ceramic pot, quite like one made by Amber Mills. 

We've been enthusiastic fans of her work for many years now, and we're excited to see how her work develops as she explores the use of new materials. 

In the meantime, we're thrilled to have a selection of her vessels, bowls, and vases in the gallery, and we encourage you to come have a look before they all get snatched up by collectors. 

Sugar Dish, by Amber Mills $45

Artist a Day: May 24th, Candice Prior

We're delighted to say, that we've just received a diverse collection of hand made jewlery pieces by local artist Candice Prior. After having originally met her through a group show featuring the works of local glass artists, we quickly became admirers of her wares.  

 

Have a look at these exquisite hand made  bubble beads, strung on a simple chains. Their layers of  transparent colours and pattern are hypnotic enough that you'll always want to have them close by. And when they're not being worn, they make beautiful little window hangings!   

These pieces barely scratch the surface of what we've got in store by Candice. 

Come see her collection of niobium earrings, implosion bead rings, 

and double helix pendants on silver chokers!

Painting a Day: May 23rd, Kathy Richards

This is the most recent painting to come through the door, created by our very talented friend, Kathy Richards. You'll notice the perfectly rendered bicycle leaning against a post, which makes it an excellent addition to our group show for international bike week.  

 Coburg Coffee 12" x 12" Acrylic on Canvas Kathy Richards

Kathy has a way of taking familiar spaces around Halifax, and turning them into delightfully cheerful snapshots of our city. You won't find a dull sky in any of her paintings... her palette is so bright, that you'll find yourself smiling at them without hesitation. 

Thanks Kathy, I think we all need that from time to time :D  

PUT A BIKE ON IT! Vrooom vroom......

Howdy everyone!
Since we're all back from an extra loooong weekend of beautiful sunshine, we thought a bike inspired blog post might make a nice pick me up on a drizzly Tuesday. Many of you may be getting your bikes out for a polish and a tune-up, in preparation for the beautiful summer ahead? Well, you've got great timing because next week is International Bike Wee! In celebration, we'll be featuring some fabulous bike themed artworks created by a diverse selection of local artists.

If YOU have created artwork of inspired by cycling in some way, get in touch with us via phone or email before the end of the day!! The deadline for submissions is midnight, tonight!

Here is just one example; a lamp made entirely out of bike parts by William Rudolph. The shade is woven handlebar wrap. So so amazing!!!

TODAY: OPENING RECEPTION, ADRIENNE GODBOUT!

If you're anywhere within the HRM today, we suggest stopping into the gallery to see the latest works by Adrienne Godbout. Adrienne has driven in all the way from New Brunswick, especially for the occasion, and we hope you'll join us in the celebration.

Click here to see the entire show online.

We'll also have the ever wonderful Ed Beals on hand, with his incredible collection of Fold Ed's!!!

FOLDed! Ed Beals comes up with yet, another amazing thing!

If you've ever had the pleasure in meeting artist Ed  Beals, then you know that he is always dreaming up new amazing works of art that continue to astound and impress....and often make us smile. His latest creation is no exception!

Ed has created FOLD-ED's which are Fun Paper Toys created by Ed Beals that you cut out and assemble yourself! They are perfect for all ages and make the perfect gift that also can do double duty as one of the most amazing cards your friends will ever receive!  Ed is keen to design new creations such as these, so if you have a business that has a mascot or a theme, he'd like to create an extra special FOLD-ED just for you too!

In the meantime, please drop by the gallery and Ed's website at www.foldedfun.wordpress.com to see all the works and this Saturday, May 19th, 2pm-3:30pm you can meet Ed in person and purchase a few FOLD-ed's ...they are $8 each or three for $20!

Here is a sample of how to assemble one of these wonderful paper creations:

pssttt....Ed Beals is one of the selected artists that will transform our gallery into a sci-fi world of amazingness for this years NOCTURNE, happening on October 13th. Worth a trip to Halifax folks! That night is amazing!

Artist a Day: Becky Thompson

Warning: Prepare yourselves for a level of sweetness unseen on the gallery blog in some time now. These paper mache boats by Becky Thompson are painted in the most cheerful pops of colour, and adorned with wonderful details like canvas sails, and little paper rudders. 

Find your perfect match with these handmade boats, 

each named charmingly to suit the boat's personality.     

 Make sure you swing by the gallery on SATURDAY to see these cuties in person. Becky will be in sometime tomorrow with the delivery, and by Saturday, we'll have them up on show!  

Artist a Day: Miyako Ballesteros and Mindy Moore

Thanks to Marvin Moore for snapping this fantastic shot of our front windows in the evening - You can see here, the powerful presence the Ikebana exhibition has. 

Really takes your breath away, doesn't it?

We hope you'll take the time to stop in today before 5:30. 

Because of the ephemeral nature of the flower arrangements, the show is coming down tomorrow - so hurry hurry and come visit while it's still in it's full glory!

Painting a Day: May 15th, Adrienne Godbout

The gallery is absolutely brimming with new artwork and fresh, vibrant colours. Shelley Mitchell and Twila Robar De-Coste have their latest, coveted works on feature, while the spectacular Ikebana arrangements are nestled in our front windows.

Not long from now, we'll also have the work of Adrienne Godbout on feature - join us for the opening reception on Saturday from 2-4 to meet the artist and enjoy the sights and sounds of the gallery. And if I can make a suggestion...you might want to stop into the gallery earlier in the week for a preview of the show, which includes this electrifying piece pictured below:

Maison Violete aux Iles by Adrienne Godbout 36" x 18" $1300

OPEN CITY: Get yourselves downtown. NOW.

Today's the day that local business have come together to bring excitement and activity to Downtown Halifax. You'll find that there is a TON of events happening as we speak, including an exhibition opening here at Argyle Fine Art. 

Today from 2-4 we'll be absolutely delighted to welcome you to the opening reception of EN Connections, flower and Vessel with pottery by Mindy Moore and beautiful Ikebana displays by Miyako Ballesteros. The gallery has been completely transformed with the art of Japanese flower arrangement, and we think you'll be thrilled with the results. Come in, and refresh your spirits with the works of these two local artists. 

Argyle Fine Art

1559 Barrington Street

Halifax, NS 

P.S. Keep your eyes peeled for a passport book being given out at local shops. Ask the shopkeeper to stamp the passport, for your chance to win lots of neat prizes! Want more information on OPEN CITY? See the link here: http://www.ilovelocalhfx.ca/v1/

 

Artist a Day: May 11th, Coin Coin Designs & Co

Renee Gruszecki (Owner/ Manager and Designer of Coin Coin) is an emerging entrepreneur who's line of coin jewelry is earning lots of attention and praise... and lucky for us, 

she'll be here at the gallery on Sunday!!

If you're feeling as though you need a little extra luck in your day to day adventures, 

have a look through Renee's selection of lucky penny rings 

(sterling silver settings made by Claire MacDonald!) 

They're beautifully designed, and immaculately crafted.  

Here's a little info on the rings themselves: 

"All of our coin rings come mounted on a custom designed, museum quality sterling silver ring with a certificate of authenticity and black velvet bag for safe-keeping. On the inside of your new ring band you will spot COIN COIN’s lucky duck footprint. It’s stamped there to represent a symbol of approval but also as a lucky wish." 

Swing by the gallery THIS SUNDAY, and meet the owner of Coin Coin herself! We'll be open from 12- 5pm, here at 1559 Barrington Street

Painting a Day: May 10th, Mindy Moore

Today's feature is actually a preview of what we'll have in store over this coming Mother's day weekend. You may have heard whisperings of  Halifax's "Open City" scheduled for this Sat & Sun? (Info Here. aaand Here) Well, here's just a small sampling of what we have in line:

Over the weekend, the work of Mindy Moore will be on feature.We'll be highlighting her stunning hand crafted vessels which will  be used as the foundations for the Ikebana flower arrangements by Miyako Ballesteros. Mindy's pottery alone is enough to stop you in your tracks, but with the addition of Miyako's sculptural floral displays, 

this show promises to take your breath away. 

Join us here at the gallery for the opening reception, and meet the artists in person!
Saturday from 2-4pm
(Show continues Sun from 12-5pm and May 16-16th from 10am - 5:30pm) 

Have you heard?! Halifax is an OPEN CITY: THIS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

You won't find a more opportune time to visit downtown Halifax than this Mother's day  weekend. With 75 participating shops and restaurants, the city will be teeming with fun activities, great deals, and local business showing off their best stuffs.

Barrington street in particular will be a hotspot with Chives offering Side Door Takeout (Bacon Double Cheeseburger Sliders w/ Kettle Chips!! yummmm $5) and North Face (Maritime Summit) hosting a kids drawing contest. Our friends at Attica will have a tax free event, 

while The Discovery Center is organizing a scavenger hunt!! FUN!!

What will WE be doing? Well, for starters we'll have a wonderfully beautiful display of Ikebana flower arrangements created by Miyako Ballesteros, set in pottery by Mindy Moore. We hope you'll join us on Saturday from 2-4 to meet the artists.
(Exhibition  continues Sunday, May 13 from 12-5pm and May 15-16 from 10-5:30pm)  

  

 We'll also have Renee Gruszecki from "Coin Coin designs & Co

on hand on Sunday between 12-5pm.

Ask her about her line of lucky penny rings! 

We're sure you'll adore them..

Oh, and we'll be giving away CUPCAKES to the first 20 moms who visit the gallery on Sunday. Baked fresh by yours truly (some know me under my other hat, Gateaux Rose) 

And if that wasn't enticing enough, we'll also have a ballot for a 

$25 gift certificate here at the gallery.That's an awful lot of excitement for one weekend eh?!?! We can't wait to see you all, so dig out your walking shoes, and prepare yourselves for a lovely weekend in downtown Halifax.

For more information on Open City happenings, simply browse 
through the schedule posted on the I Love Local homepage! 
www.ilovelocalhfx.ca

Painting a Day: May 8th, Rita Van Tassel

Today's feature is the extraordinarily lovely Rita Van Tassel. 

This lady has an impeccable sense of style, so it's always a good idea to accessorize yourself with her wares. You'll never go wrong with Rita at the helm (....of your fashion accessories. Not a real boat.... although she would look fantastic in a captains hat...) 

These hand made leather earrings and pins are really just the tip of the iceberg. We have a fantastic range of colours and styles to choose from at the gallery, and they're all guaranteed to make you look super superb. 

 

Keep your eyes peeled for our new website that is scheduled to launch soon. We'll also be opening our first online shop, so that you can purchase fun items like Rita's jewellery at any hour of the day, all from the comfort of your own sofa. 

Until then, swing by the gallery in person! 

1559 Barrington Street

Halifax, NS 

902.425.9456

 

Painting a Day: May 6th, Yo Rodeo!

No, your eyes haven't suddenly failed you...the image bellow is meant to look a little fuzzy with the naked eye. This screen-printed beauty is created in 3D, so go ahead and rummage through your closets and pull out your old red/ blue tinted 3D glasses for a proper look see!

"Melted Mountain Way" Anaglyphic 3D screen-print on paper
20" x 20" Edition of 50 $200

Yo Rodeo is comprised of  local talents, Paul Hammond and Seth Smith 

who have been making artwork together for a really long time.

 We've featured their artwork here at the gallery for a number of years now, 

so there are many collections to choose from, including works from "Bloc Party" 

and the entire series from "Three Dee Realms"

Swing by sometime through the week and have a look for yourselves!

Painting a Day Series: May 5th, Amy Belanger

We're taking another turn from paintings again, to highlight the work of the wonderful Amy Belanger! Amy's work is delicate, feminine, and always lovely. Using reclaimed teacups and treasured china, Amy finds new purpose for these much loved heirlooms.

 

 I've photographed these pretty little earrings, but you'll find that we have many pendants here too at the gallery. They're definately worth popping in for, especially since that special

day for mommies day is quickly approaching us!!