Happy Canada Day! Enjoy our ONLINE galleries at the beach, cottage, in a lawn chair

Hey everyone and HAPPY CANADA DAY!  It's shaping up to be an amazing weekend, and before we head out for a few days off, we wanted to thank all the artists that participated in our LIFE IS A SLICE show today and to the die hards who always support us, even when we understand being at the beach may be a bit more fun on such a day.

However there was no shortage of fun at the gallery, and we had quite a spread of Canadiana  foods and wonderful art!

GOOD NEWS!  We have the entire LIFE IS A SLICE SHOW ONLINE NOW and you can purchase a little work online from the comfort of your cottage, beach towel or lawn chair.   LINK TO FULL SHOW BY CLICKING HERE Where ever you are, ART can be with you too this weekend. Email us if you'd like to purchase any and we'll hold them for you- gallery@argylefa.com

Danny Abriel

All the little ones from this show are just $50....so buy buy buy.....the holidays will be here before we know it. And snow...heheheheh......but seriously, they'd make the best stocking stuffers.

ENJOY the Vitamin D for FREE! Celebrate Local Artists!  We'll have some of these works still up on Tuesday, so make sure to drop by for a closer look. 

Katharine Burns

Jessica Gay

Gordon MacDonald .....this one is very different for him. It's called Shark Surfer. Gordon has seen the movie  JAWS the most of anyone we know. Sometimes sharks are hidden in the beautiful water and clouds if you look closely.

Canada Day Party! Join us for Life is a Slice!

OH CANADA! Life is a Slice Opening this Saturday, June 30th, NOON-2pm Although no country is perfect, we're proud to call Canada home! There's never been a better time to support local everything and buy things close to home. That includes ART and this Saturday, June 30th, we have 30 little reasons why you should COME TO OUR ART PARTY! The gallery will open at the strike of NOON for the extra special ONE-DAY show called "Life is a Slice",  where you can view and purchase any one of the 30 little slices of wood, transformed into miniature works of art by 30 different local artists. Expect paintings like the little slice shown above by artist Nick Brunt or the intricate clay sculpture by Miyoshi Kondo below.

SEE A SNEAK PEEK at MOST OF THE WORKS- as the last one's arrive today, we'll add their pictures HERE

Most works will be $50 with a few selected to be part of a silent auction, which people can participate in person or online at our AUCTION page on the blog tomorrow beginning at Noon as well. You can bid those works up one TWOONIE at a time. All bids will close at 2 pm.

*No works will be sold prior to the show but if you are interested in any, we can act as your proxy once the show opens. Just get in touch with your selections of bid maximums. *

We'll also have a bit of live music throughout the afternoon by a young emerging musician, Aubrey Rose. It's going to be a great time- bring your family and friends! Art is for everyone at Argyle Fine Art! 
                                               
We'll have sweet treats like delicious butter tarts provided by our neighbours, The Old Apothecary and you could win this adorable miniature beaver made by Basil Doucette by simply taking and sharing pictures of your favourite art at the gallery during Canada Day. Draw is at 4pm so visit before then for the WIN!

Hello, my name is...

If you've stopped by the gallery recently you may have noticed an unfamiliar face lurking behind the desk -it's me, Claire! I'm so thrilled to join Adriana and Caitlin at the gallery as the newest member of the team. Having the opportunity to meet and work with some of the many talented artists and art enthusiasts in our city has me so excited!

Although I'm new on the block, I'm not new to the city. I grew up in Dartmouth, and completed a BFA at NSCAD University in 2012 with a major in Jewellery Design and Metalsmithing. After graduating, I moved to Toronto for a three-year  artist-in-residency. I ended up staying in Toronto for almost five years, and returned to Halifax in the fall of 2016. It's so great to be back home, not just because I get to live by the ocean again, but also because of the amazing and supportive arts community that exists in Halifax.
When I'm not at the gallery, you can likely find me tucked away in my home studio designing and creating jewellery, or cuddling my greyhound, Flint.

If you're downtown, stop by the gallery to say hello; I'm looking forward to having the chance to get to know all of you!

The Art of Environmental Sustainability

Last October artist Briana Corr Scott made the journey she'd been attempting for months - she arrived on Sable Island. To Briana this trip was more than just an opportunity to explore the small sliver of an island off of Nova Scotia, it was fodder for her soul.

Brian Corr Scott, Sable Dunes, 6"x12", Oil on Board

For Briana this trip was a lifetime in the making. She began writing and illustrating her own books as a young child, and with the support and encouragement of her parents, studied painting and illustration at MassART in Boston. When weather cancelled Briana's first attempted trip to Sable Island she channeled her disappointment into writing about what she thought the island would be like. Those writings evolved, and Briana will be releasing an illustrated children's book (that includes a paper doll), "She Dreams of Sable Island", with local publisher Nimbus in May of 2019.

Briana Corr Scott, Sable Surf #3, 10"x10", Oil on Board

Sable Island was everything Briana hoped it would be, and of course so much more. Getting to
explore a space that so few people get to see in the middle of the ocean was a very special moment in time. The work that evolved from this trip culminated in her show, "Pieces of Sable Island", which is currently on at the gallery, and showcases Briana's perspectives and memories of the island.

It's the conservation efforts of the scientists and park rangers on the island to preserve it that has allowed it to continue to be a special piece of Nova Scotia folklore for so long. Another show that touches on conservation is artist Michelle St Onge's new body of work, "The grass is grown, the flowers ris, I wonder where the birdies is?", is a beautiful series of watercolour nests that reflects the impact of clear cutting forests.

 

Michelle St Onge, Studio Apartment: New Build, 12"x12", Watercolour on Paper Mounted

One "nest" that stands out in particular is the "ring" created by the bowerbird, known for their unique courtship practice. The male bowerbird builds it's ring, then begins to gather brightly coloured objects, particularly blue and green objects, to attract a female mate.

Michelle St Onge, Open Concept Loft: Ocean View, 20"x20", Watercolour on Paper Mounted

Unfortuately, this can also include brightly coloured plastic objects like straws and bottle caps. It's works like this that invite us in and gently remind us that this planet is not ours alone, and we have to be cautious of what we're putting out into the environment.

 

Both shows are up now at the gallery and are a must to see in person. If you can't though, you can view them both online at the links below:

Briana Corr Scott, Pieces of Sable Island, click HERE

Michelle St Onge, The grass is grown, the flowers ris, I wonder where the birdies is?, click HERE

Come Together: Art,Science and Music

Sometimes it's hard to believe how many wonderful things happen at our modest gallery.What a community you have helped us build- we are so grateful! We have put together a little list of some happenings and hope some of you can plan to experience a few of these great things with us next week. Please tell friends and share around!

First off, we will be hosting an amazing artist talk with Briana Corr-Scott and marine biologist Nell Den Heyer on Wednesday, June 20th, 6:30-8:30pm. This talk coincides with Briana's current show on display at the gallery, called "Pieces of Sable Island".  This talk is FREE and no need to register.

At the talk, you'll hear Briana speak about her experience as an artist while visiting Sable Island last October and it's lasting impact on her. Nell Den Heyer will be here too, to answer any questions you may have about life on the island, as she works there throughout the year. There will be a short film shown too.

Briana Corr-Scott in the studio

Meet the artist, see her show, buy some art, textiles, prints or perhaps even some of the specially made candles by The Wax Brewery inspired by Sable Island. Light refreshments will be served. We look forward to seeing you!

While you are at the gallery, make sure to check out the latest  suite of works called  "Nesting Instinct" by Michelle Saint-Onge that are "nesting" in our lower gallery. This special small show of work is about the big impact of clear cutting forests. These works are in keeping with the theme of the gallery this month, which is aimed at helping people recognize the beauty of our natural environments and consider the importance of protecting them. All things great and small...

“Seeking: 3 BDRM in Nice Neighborhood" by Michelle SaintOnge

Watercolour on paper, mounted on birch board panel.20”x20”

  

On Thursday, June 21st, we will welcome the first day of Summer officially with FREE MUSIC during this wonderful international event, "Make Music Day", which we are proud to be part of! Expect to see a variety of musicians playing at the gallery beginning later in the afternoon until closing at 5:30pm. Check out the LINK here for more details.

See you at the gallery!

Off to Sable Island- A trip for all your senses with Briana Corr-Scott

We're  getting so excited to share the latest body of paintings, textiles and prints with you by Briana Corr-Scott in her latest show "Pieces of Sable Island", opening Friday, June 15th, 6:30-8:30pm. This work is a collection created from Briana's trip to Sable last October.

Briana also collaborated with soy candle maker Kara MacIntyre-Quinn of The Wax Brewery, to create a signature scented candle for the occasion- inspired by the scents that Briana experienced at Sable Island including cranberry, bayberry, lavender and honey. Briana provided the beautiful illustrations on the candles too. Here's one example of the four illustration styles available:

 
Briana will be in attendance for the opening and is excited to meet you, so please drop by before heading home for the weekend. It's a great way to begin your evening out on the town too!  If you can't drop by for the opening, head over anytime as the show runs until July 4th. The full show will be posted online here after it officially launches.

NEXT WEDNESDAY, June 20th, 6:30-8:30pm: Join us for a FREE artist talk with Briana Corr-Scott about her process and her trip to Sable Island as well as meet Sable Island marine biologist Nell Den Heyer.

SALE- Selected PRE-SHRUNK 2018 works now $95

As promised, here are some of the Pre-Shrunks that are on SALE. All of these beautiful little works measure just 4" x 5" and there are so so so many wonderful works still waiting to find wonderful homes. The regular price on these are $175 but the SALE price on all of these featured is $95.

These works make the perfect gifts for any special occasions and are great memories of the local artists  creating amazing works while living here in Nova Scotia. Treat yourself!

To find out the artist's name and availability of any of these, contact the gallery directly via phone or email (902-425-9456/ gallery@argylefa.com)   Works are selling quickly so get in touch soon! 

Group A

Group B

Group C

Group D

Tomorrow on the blog, we'll walk you though a few specifics of some of these and a few others on offer too! Check back soon or drop by in person to see these beauties!

Birds and Bees and Flowers and Trees

Hello June! We missed you so! In celebration of warmer weather, lush greens and sunny days we've rehung the gallery with new and favourite pieces of ours that celebrate the season.

Starting with this colourful new piece by Caitlin McGuire. No two hummingbirds are the same!

Caitlin McGuire, Charmed (1200 beats per minute), 4'x4', Oil on Canvas

Did you know that a hummingbirds heart rate in mid-flight beats at 1200 bpm? The human heart rate when running is approximately 220 bpm minus your age, so there's a slight difference in the rate....

Mark Brennan, October the Boreal Forest, 36"x48", Oil on Canvas

Though later in the season, the colours in this woodland scene by Mark Brennan makes us want to adventure into this landscape. Even better in person, this piece stops viewers in their tracks.

It wouldn't be June without our favourite pollinators - bees! We still have a few of Michelle St Onge's watercolour buzzers flying around the gallery.

Michelle St Onge, Buzzy, 6"x6", Watercolour on Archival Paper Mounted on Panel

And don't forget about nature's strongest and most strategic little builders, the ants!

Michelle St Onge, Miranda, Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, 9"x12", Watercolour on Paper Mounted

We're so happy to see all the trees return to their full glory with their rich green leaves reaching up towards the sun. Here are two examples by artists Jan Davison and Danny Abriel that take us right into the Nova Scotia landscape...

Jan Davison, Point Pleasant #1, Acrylic on Board, 12"x12"

Danny Abriel, Point Pleasant Park Celebration, 18"x36", Acrylic on Canvas

Let's not forget about flowers, here's a few pieces by artist Briana Corr-Scott that exemplify the beauty of the season.

Briana Corr-Scott, Poppy and Small Pot, 16"x20", Oil on Board

Briana Corr Scott, Sedum and White Pot, 6"x6", Oil on Board

Briana has a new show, Pieces of Sable Island, opening on Friday June 15th from 7-9PM, and is going to be a real treat. We'll see you there!