Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Alright, Halloween. We're ready for you.

We have all our severed fingers in place, and our spider infestation is hung with care. 
Stop in from now through Friday to experience our earnest attempts at spooky decorating. 
Andy MacDonald is on show in the main level of the gallery, 
and Melissa Townsend still has a few pieces available too!

New Work: George Spencer!!

Many of you have been anticipating their arrival, and I'm happy to announce that George Spencer's latest series of paintings are now in the gallery!! Come take a look at these richly captured still lifes.








Friday, October 25, 2013

PRE-SRHUNK VOUCHERS NOW ON SALE $150each

* These are selling extremely quickly, so it's recommended that you get in touch with the gallery now while quantities last!!

It's time once again, to start looking towards the new year, and our annual 4" x 5" show, PRE-SHRUNK! Each year, hundreds of pieces are submitted to this highly anticipated group show that features an incredible list of established and emerging artists.

A voucher entitles you to one piece in the pre-shrunk show, and costs $150 rather than $175 (which is the set price for works in the exhibition) We'll send you a link to the pieces featured in the show, one week prior to the opening, and you'll also be invited to a pre-reception to make your selections before the doors open to the general public on that same evening. The number on your voucher indicates your place in line - voucher holders choose their works consecutively according to their voucher number.
SHOW OPENS JANUARY 24TH!

What is PRE-SHRUNK? It's an annual show that features over 200 artists each year, where the artists are asked to create works that measure 4" x 5"...the results are amazing each year! It's a great way to find out about new emerging artists but also get a great work by one of our established artists such as GORDON MACDONALD (he's working on some of his pieces now...we think most will be on copper and we're excited already!).

Call us! 902.425.9456 email us! gallery@argylefa.com 

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

ATTENTION ALL ARTISTS : CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS!! PRE-SHRUNK!!


PRE-SHRUNK 2014
Time to get started on your submissions, Artists!  Our much loved, annual group show Pre-Shrunk is upon us once again, and artists of all disciplines are invited to create artworks that measure 4” x 5” for this juried exhibition. Of course, we encourage submissions from artists both established and emerging, using the medium of their choosing.  

 Submission guidelines:

- Works must be created on a surface that measures 4” x 5”.  Pieces that do not         
   measure 4” x 5” will not be accepted.
- 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)
- If you plan on working on paper or photography, you must mount your works
   on a sturdy 4” x 5” surface that can be hung on the wall.
- Submissions must be new, and not previously shown.
- Please include your name, phone number, email address, and list of   
   materials used along with your submission

To apply for this year’s show, please photograph your completed piece/ pieces and send your images in jpeg format to gallery@argylefa.com. SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS MIDNIGHT, JANUARY 10th  If your work is selected by the jury, you will be notified by phone or email by January 18th
Please note:
-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.
-The NSCAD bookstore has kindly ordered pre-made 4” x 5” canvas and board to supply artists wanting to participate in this exhibition. Supplies are limited.

SHOW OPENS FRIDAY JANUARY 24th
Please telephone the gallery, 902-425-9456 if you have any questions in regards to the requirements of this exciting group show.
From the gals of Argyle Fine Art,
Adriana Afford and Crystal Ross
1559 Barrington Street
Halifax, NS
B3J 2Z7
902.425.9456
gallery@argylefa.com
www.argylefineart.com / www.argylefineart.blogspot.com

Friday, October 18, 2013

NOCTURNE!

I've just checked the forecast, and they're calling for warm temperatures, and clear skies. Folks, I hope you've prepare yourselves for an exceptional evening. Nocturne (a city wide event, more info here!) starts at six, and runs until midnight. MAKE SURE YOU STOP INTO ARGYLE FINE ART ON DURING YOUR CITY TRAVELS because we think our shows are absolutely incredible, and we're beside ourselves with excitement over these three featured artists: ANDY MACDONALD, MELISSA TOWNSEND, and KAROLINA ANNA HAJNA. come out and have your sights dazzled!! 

Andy MacDonald

Andy MacDonald
Melissa Townsend
Melissa Townsend


Saturday, October 12, 2013

GIVING THANKS

It's a good day to take a moment, and share our gratitude for the many things that make our days worth while... Our ARTISTS (and raison d'etre!) who inspire and motivate us everyday. Our daily visitors who support and entertain us. Our blog readers, who kindly ignore all our spelling errors (haha!) and our friendly neighbours who help keep this community alive and exciting! A MILLION THANKS TO YOU! 
 Alright then,  LET'S GO EAT!
 

(painting below by George Spencer - stay tuned for more info on his new body of work,
or get in touch for more details!)


Friday, October 11, 2013

New! Halloween Earrings

The creepy crawling fingers of  halloween are inching towards us, and it's my duty to remind you of the very little time that remains before the big day (tic toc tic toc tic toc) If you're someone who likes to celebrate this time of year with spooky accessories, then we've got a special treat just for you!

The young folks at Em-Li designs, have expanded their line of lego Jewellery to include pumpkins, monsters, devils and ghost earrings - priced at $7 each, it's difficult to think of a reason not to purchase these. 




Wednesday, October 9, 2013

TOMORROW IS TIMERAISER!! (featuring the lovely Angela Carlsen and Jane Rovers!)


Have you heard the rumblings about this exciting and unique fundraiser? Well, it's an incredible event, and it's one that benefits all parties involved. Have a look here at their video explanation:  http://www.timeraiser.ca/index.html

Or, have a look at this quick rundown from the timeraiser website:

Timeraiser is a volunteer matching fair, a silent art auction, and a night out on the town. The big Timeraiser twist is rather than bid money on artwork, participants bid volunteer hours. Throughout the evening participants meet with various non-profit organizations in the room to find available volunteer opportunities that meet their needs. Once matches are made, the bidding can begin. Winning bidders have 12 months to complete their pledge in order to bring the artwork home as a reminder of their goodwill.

ISN'T THAT THE MOST INCREDIBLE IDEA?!We think so, which is why you'll see us there with our bells on. Also, we're very proud to announce that two of our artists have work up for Auction: Angela Carlsen and Jane Rovers. They're tremendous works, and well worth many hours of volunteering - so make sure you come out and participate in the fun.

What: 2nd Annual TIMERAISER 
When: THUSDAY, OCTOBER 10th 7pm 
Where: Pier 21 1055 Marginal Road, Halifax


Works up for auction by Angela Carlsen and Jane Rovers:





Thursday, October 3, 2013

City Harvest This Saturday featuring MARY GAROUTTE SKETCHING YOUR HOME!!!

I'm willing to bet that the majority of us Nova Scotians would love seeing our "home" interpreted by an artist... especially one who is of such high caliber as Mary Garoutte!! Well, it just so happens that on Saturday (that's THIS Saturday folks, October 5th) from 2:30 - 3:30,  Mary will be setting  up shop here in the gallery, to create 10 min sketch portraits of our homes. With the aid of photographs (if you have/bring any) and the ever helpful google maps, Mary will take requests to draw our homes using a small selection of artist materials on paper. We'd like to make this as affordable and fun as possible, so that many of you can partake. $25 per ten minute sketch will afford you a great little rendering worth keeping, framing and gifting.  Of course, this is all in conjunction with CITY HARVEST, where local business in the downtown core are hosting special events, great deals, and fun promotions to encourage you all to visit your independent business on a beautiful, autumn afternoon.   



Wednesday, October 2, 2013

City Harvest This Saturday featuring a BBQ'ing SQUIRREL!

I thought that might catch your attention...
And it's the truth, albeit in the form of a photograph. These hilariously positioned squirrels are carefully staged, persuaded, and photographed by the incredibly patient Nancy Rose. Over the past few  years, she's developed the very unique skill of crafting elaborate sets for her backyard squirrels, with cleverly hidden treats (peanuts!) that compel them to act in humanized ways. HILARIOUS!!
Nancy has recently started sharing her efforts with the world, including us here at Argyle Fine Art. We cant WAIT to share these delightful squirrel portraits with you in postcard and calendar form, starting SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5th  in conjunction with City Harvest. NANCY ROSE WILL BE HERE FROM 1:30 - 3:30 where she'll bring some of her little props and sets so that we can get a better idea of how her staging works. See you all then!!