Happy Holidays Everyone!

ONE. MORE. DAY.  HORRAY!   

YES- we are here tomorrow, December 24th, 10am-2pm....then after that HOME for a rest.

We hope each of you have a restful, safe and beautiful holiday season. Find time for others and make sure to give yourself some time too.We really appreciate all the support you have given our little gallery over the years and we're looking forward to seeing you again soon in 2020.

We are opened on Saturday, December 28th in case you need a break from eating cookies or hanging out with family for a few moments and we'll have ALL OUR HOLIDAY CARDS priced at 50% off. So drop on by and say hello. Our other gallery hours are posted on our Contact Us Page on this blog, for your info.

Our first exhibition of 2020 will open on January 24th- the much anticipated PRE-SHRUNK show. Here's a sneak peek at a work just received via the submissions  page by artist Emily Campbell.  There's still time to contribute as an artist and DESERRES has the surfaces still!

Discovering New Ceramic Works By Julian Covey!

For those last minute holiday shoppers out there, today we feature the ceramic work of Julian Covey!  Julian's functional ceramic pieces have been very popular this Holiday Season.  We still have an amazing selection of mugs, bowls, and vases available.  Affordably priced, these works make excellent gifts!

Julian Covey is a Halifax based ceramic artist. He was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia and has spent much of his life in Montreal. He completed his ceramics education at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in 2018 and he maintains both sculptural and utilitarian ceramic practices.





There's a ton of work that goes into each piece. From design to production, each vessel is carefully    crafted and curated by the artist.  Julian's production work typically starts as a 3D model he designs on a computer to create a template.  The computer generated template is printed in sections and is used to create an initial mould in plaster.  To extend the life of the mould, the plaster version is then cast in rubber to create a negative.

A porcelain casting slip (a liquid clay mixture) is introduced into the rubber mould, filling the negative space and creating  a "positive".  The positive dries to a solid form, the pieces are then assembled, and are now ready to be fired in a kiln.

Each piece needs to be fired twice. The first firing transforms the clay into ceramic which prepares the surface for glazing. The second firing fuses the glaze onto the vessel.

Beyond the studio, Julian works as a kiln technician, teaches classes and is currently the president of the board of directors of Visual Arts Nova Scotia. He is passionate about ceramic art and its ability to record and communicate complex concepts through material culture.

Julian has been the recipient of several awards. While at NSCAD he received the Kevin and Karen Lynch Scholarship for Ceramics, the MacAdam Trust Scholarship, the Alexander J. McDonald Memorial Award, the Walter Ostram Scholarship for Ceramics, the World Encounter Scholarship and was nominated for the Starfish Student Award in his final year.Since completing his studies, Julian was selected for the Centre for Craft Nova Scotia’s airCRAFT and Craft LAIR residencies and was awarded a creation grant from Arts Nova Scotia’s Equity Initiative.

Ceramic Artworks by Julian Covey are available for purchase through Argyle Fine Art.  For inquiries contact us at
(902) 425-9456, or via email at gallery@argylefa.com

Not on our mailing list?  Stay up-to-date with upcoming events, workshops and exhibitions,
follow the link to our blog page HERE!!!

New Works by Catherine Bagnell Styles & Paulette Melanson

This Holiday Season, Argyle Fine Art is proud to present new works by gallery artist Catherine Bagnell Styles, and Paulette Melanson.  These colorful, and energetic paintings, make great gifts, and are perfect for home or office! 

Here's a selection of available works from our holiday collection;

Catherine Bagnell Styles (Left) "Go Deep", acrylic on canvas, 20" x 24", (Right) "Dr. Seuss Birches", acrylic on canvas, 14" x 11"

Catherine Bagnell Styles, (Left) "Into The Woods", 14" x 11", acrylic on canvas

(Right) Lucy's Trees, 20" x 24", acrylic on canvas

Catherine Bagnell Styles is Halifax-based artist who loves colour, texture, character and light in places, people and paintings. Her paintings are usually colourful and optimistic. Landscapes, Streetscapes and the occasional still life are often the subject matter of choice. Catherine paints in a light-filled studio in beautiful Ketch Harbour, as well as en plein air, especially when travelling.

For more works by Catherine Bagnell Styles, 

follow the link to our Flickr page HERE

Paulette Melanson (Left) "Spring Fever", 20" x 16", acrylic on canvas,
(Right) "Spring Fever 2", 16" x 20", acrylic on canvas

Paulette Melanson, (Left) Shooting The Breeze, acrylic on canvas, 20" x 20"
(Right) On The Way To The Market, acrylic on canvas, 20" x 20"

Paulette Melanson, (Top) "Hip Not Square", acrylic on canvas, 24" x 36", 

(Bottom) "Hidden Gems", acrylic on canvas, 24" x 36"

For more works by Paulette Melanson, 

follow the link to our Flickr Page HERE

Originally from Scoudouc, New Brunswick, Paulette Melanson has been living in Nova Scotia since 1985. She have been drawing and painting ever since she can remember and always felt she was meant to be an artist. Paulette began pursuing her art studies in the late 80’s when she began continuing education classes at the NS College of Art and Design.

FOR YOUR SHOPPING CONVENIENCE WE HAVE EXTENDED OUR HOLIDAY HOURS

FRIDAY, DEC 20, 10 am - 7 pm

SATURDAY, DEC 21, 10 am - 7 pm

SUNDAY, DEC 22,  12 - 4 pm 

There's always something new to discover at the Gallery, we look forward to seeing you soon!

Original paintings by Catherine Bagnell Styles and Paulette Melanson are available for purchase through Argyle Fine Art.  

For Purchase Inquiries, contact the gallery at
(902) 425- 9456 or via email; gallery@argylefa.com  

You're Invited!!! JOIN US SATURDAY, DEC 14, 1 - 4 pm, for some Holiday Cheer!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

Our Holiday Exhibition continues this weekend, with a few added events to get you in the festive mood!  Join us Saturday (Dec.14), from 1 pm - 4 pm for a flurry of creative activity!

From 1 pm - 3 pm, Learn how to print your very own artistic and recyclable wrapping paper with artist Amber Solberg! 

We also have local high school student Edie Whittington creator of the "Happy Atmosphere Environment Society" and will be on hand to offer suggestions of how to give gifts of meaning and zero waste options. 

From 2 -4 pm, Catherine Bagnell Styles and Paulette Melanson will be here to greet visitors as we showcase their new paintings.

Paulette Melanson, (Left) Hanging Out and Shooting the Breeze 2, acrylic on canvas, 20 x 20 inches,
(Right) "On The Way To The Market" acrylic on canvas, 20 x 20 inches

Catherine Bagnell Styles, (Left) Go Deep, acrylic on canvas, 20" x 24",
(Right), Dr. Seuss Birches, acrylic on canvas, 14" x 11" 

But wait!, there's more!!!...

Craig Baltzer will be in the gallery to draw your house, cottage or special place for just $20 - $50. You can bring a photo with you or email us ahead of time so he can get a head start on them!

Craig Baltzer, House Portrait Commissions, pen, ink , graphite on paper, approx. 5 x 7 inches

Lindsay Hicks is also taking Cat and Dog portrait commissions!  These are drawings in graphite for $50.   Simply email us a photo and we'll pass it along for Lindsay to complete. Payment required upon ordering. Perfect for any animal lovers on your list!

Lindsay Hicks, Cat Portrait, approx. 11 x 8.5 inches, graphite on paper

There's lots to see and do this weekend, So come downtown and make an afternoon of it- local businesses can hardly wait to see you! Stress free & fun shopping with hot cider and treats by The Old Apothecary will await you at the gallery this Saturday!

REMINDER:

WE ARE STILL COLLECTING WARM THINGS FOR THOSE IN NEED, SO IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU CAN SPARE, PLEASE DROP BY. 

SPECIAL HOLIDAY BONUS!!!

EXTENDED HOURS

FRIDAY, DEC 20, 10 am - 7 pm

SATURDAY, DEC 21, 10 am - 7 pm

SUNDAY, DEC 22, 12 - 4 pm

. On these days we will have TAX FREE on all of our Holiday cards too- don't miss out!

Michelle SaintOnge Delights with New Original Watercolours...

Just in time for the Holidays!...

We're proud present these amazing miniature paintings by gallery artist Michelle SaintOnge.  These delightful little gems make great gifts, and are perfect for both art collectors and animal lovers alike!  

These original watercolours on paper have been mounted to wood cradled panels, making them easy to hang, or display on a shelf!  Each unique painting is sold separately, but can also be combined as groupings to add a decorative element to a space for your home or office.

Michelle SaintOnge, (Left)"If A Woodchuck Could Chuck Wood, He Would Be A Beaver",
(Right) "Ms. Bathy Polypus" , watercolour on paper on board, 5" x 5" 

Each painting depicts a different animal with its own witty title.  To quote The Bard "What's in a name?" certainly plays to the "Woodchucks" sensibilities.  Michelle's "If A Woodchuck Could Chuck Wood, He Would Be A Beaver" is an unfortunate case of nomenclature gone awry.  If the Woodchuck could chuck wood, would he? 

Michelle SaintOnge, (Left) "Salt Marsh FisherKing",
(Right) "Woooooo, is the sound you will hear", watercolour on paper mounted on board, 5" x 5" 

"Woooooo, is the sound you will hear" is a reference to the local seal population on Sable Island.  Michelle recently took a trip out as part of an Eco-tour, and noticed the way the Seals responded to the waves crashing over them...Wooooooooooo! (SPOILERS; It's the sound you'll here).  

Michelle SaintOnge, (Left) Woody Struttin' Stuff, 

(Right) Sully McCrankypants, watercolour on paper on board, 5" x 5"

"Sully McCrankypants" was inspired by the recent unprovoked attack by the Geese of Sullivan's Pond on an unsuspecting Dartmouth resident.  It is unclear whether Sully acted alone, or whether the attack was pre-meditated...the usual suspects have since been rounded up and relocated to their winter home...

Michelle SaintOnge, (Left) Come From Away,
(Right) "Good Ol' Gramps", watercolour on paper on board, 5" x 5"

There's lots of great stories attached to each artwork...and lots of new ones to be made when you purchase art.  Buying and gifting art is a great way to connect with other people. Consider giving Art as gifts this Holiday Season!

“As a self-named artist and animal advocate, the majority of my artwork involves animals and the natural world. After 15 years as a screenprint artist I switched gears to watercolour as a medium. Watercolour, being very technical and very unforgiving, provides an exhilarating experience for the both the artist and the viewer. There is no opportunity to redo or undo once the brush hits the paper. In that regard her paintings attempt to capture both the subject and the energy of the intention.” - Michelle SaintOnge, 2019

Artwork by Michelle SaintOnge are available for purchase from Argyle Fine Art.  For details please contact the gallery at (902) 425-9456
or via email; gallery@argylefa.com    

Attention Artists! PRE-SHRUNK TIME IS HERE!

Have you picked up your PRE-SHRUNK surfaces yet from DESERRES or NSCAD Art Supply? 

They have lots of surfaces to choose from including wide profile canvas and board. Go and see them soon for the best selection and start creating. It's hard to believe it's that time of year again to remind all of you artists to participate in our Pre-Shrunk show opening on Friday, January 24th, 2020.

This will be our 16th year for this highly anticipated and exciting event that brings people together, including so many different styles of art and provides a fun accessible way for people of all ages to appreciate and purchase original art. Not to mention, it's just the best show to attend to boost you spirits! We just received an image from artist Sharon Cave of an adorable fox that will be included in the show.

Pre-Shrunk is a wonderful show to showcase your work and reach a huge audience. Many of our gallery artists actually began working with us because of group shows including this one.

The challenge with this show is choosing your subject carefully, as painting on a small 4" x 5" surface may not be as easy as it sounds. Each work is priced at $175 at the show as well, to encourage people to just enjoy the art for what it is, and not necessarily who it's by.

The show opens late January, but because this is a juried show we need to receive your submissions early January, so don't delay.  

CHECK OUT THE CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS HERE

We can't wait to see your art. Of course, feel free to phone or email us with any questions about the guidelines. HAPPY ARTING!

Just in time for the Holiday Season...New Works by Mark Brennan!!!

Argyle Fine Art is proud to present NEW WORKS by Gallery Artist Mark Brennan.  Mark recently delivered 11 new paintings from his studio featuring Nova Scotia landscapes.  We've had an amazing response to this collection so far, and while some paintings have already found new homes, there are still other great works available to choose from!  

Here's a little taste of what's in store...

Mark Brennan, 289 West, oil on canvas, 30" x 40"

“At one time my work represented my own passion for wild places and wilderness travel, while this still holds, I now find new work attempts to capture the essence of the landscape, as well as exploring the human connection to the places we live, work and play..."

Mark Brennan, "Spring, Denis Lake Wilderness, Nova Scotia", oil on board, 11" x 14"

"...The work then is a paring down of the physical elements and my own conscious reactions to find order and meaning in my own life. The final painting, photograph or sound piece, becomes an object of expression in my continued search for some understanding of what it means to be human in contemporary times..."

Mark Brennan, September Morning, Big Island Pictou County, NS, oil on canvas, 18" x 24"

  "...Once the work leaves my studio, it takes on a life of its own, separate from even my own interpretation at the time of making."  Mark Brennan, 2019

Mark Brennan, "Snowshoe View Near Fundy National Park" acrylic on canvas, 11" x 14"

We're sure you'll agree, Mark Brennan's work truly captures the essence of what it's like to live in Nova Scotia.  The raw natural beauty of the landscape, the rugged wilderness, from the clean crisp air of winter, to the soft golden glow of Autumn.  

Collectors of Mark's work are sure to find something special and unique in this new series.  For those of you still looking for that special painting, now is as good a time as any to acquire one of your very own.  Perfect for home or office, Mark's paintings has something to offer everyone.

With the rapidly approaching Holiday Season, these reasonably priced paintings make perfect gifts!      

You can also view the collection online HERE

For availability and Purchase Inquiries contact us at
(902) 425-9456 or via email at gallery@argylefa.com

Mark Brennan is a Canadian/British landscape artist, his work is an exploration of the human connection to the land, home and environment where he attempts to explore both the landscape and the uncanny fragments of life from the seemingly mundane. He works in three principle mediums, painting, sound and photography.

Squares of Stickiness Round Up

This past Saturday we held a show called "Squares of Stickiness" which featured 3" x 3" artworks on sticky notes. It was amazing to see the variety of mediums used and different approaches to this unusual request.The objective of the show was to have some fun but also to remind people that art is affordable and comes in all shapes and sizes.

Although many of the works sold on Saturday, we wanted to highlight a few of the works that are still available- various artists.  Each of these are just $15 each and would make a lovely gift either framed up or mounted, or simply as a pick-me-up for a friend  to hang in their office or to pop inside a card you may sending this holiday season. All are original works- ink, collage, paintings...  

ACT SOON! We will only have these paintings until the end of day Thursday for the most part, so if you want to purchase any, get in touch with us directly via email or phone today!

Beyond Needle and Thread, Mindy Harris' "Wonder Women"

Today we feature the Hand Embroidered "Thread Paintings" of Mindy Harris.  Mindy's "Wonder Women" exhibition is currently on display at Argyle Fine Art until November 6th.  

You can view the collection in its entirety online on our flickr page HERE

As an added bonus, check out Mindy's CBC Main Street interview with Diane Paquette, available online HERE 

We've selected some of our favorite pieces from the show, and wanted to feature the stories of the real-life "Wonder Women" depicted in these works...

"My current work attempts to displace the inherent voyeurism historically linked to the female form in art, and create a space where women are not just subjects, but rather the heroines of their own remarkable stories. The laborious nature of the work can't help but reference the historical constraints of femininity, and with each careful, meditative stitch, I humbly borrow from a long history of women using fiber work to speak in societies where they have struggled to be heard.”

-Mindy Harris, from the Artist's Statement, "Wonder Women", 2019

First up, we take a look at Mindy's portrayal of Josephine Baker...

(Left) Mindy Harris, "Josephine Baker", Hand embroidered cotton on canvas, 14" x 11", 

(Right) Josephine Baker, (Photo Credit, Conde Nast, via online source)

 Mindy Harris, "Be Fierce", hand embroidered cotton on canvas, 4" x 11"

"Josephine Baker was an American-born entertainer, French Resistance agent, and civil rights activist. Her career was centered primarily in Europe. Baker was the first African-American to star in a major motion picture, the 1927 silent film "Siren of the Tropics".

During her early career Baker was renowned as a dancer. Her performance in the revue Un vent de folie in 1927 caused a sensation in Paris. Her costume, consisting of only a girdle of artificial bananas, became an iconic image and a symbol of the Jazz Age and the 1920s. 

She was known for aiding the French Resistance movement during World War II.  After the war, she was awarded the Croix de Guerre, and was named a Chevalier of the Legion
D 'Honneur by General Charles de Gaulle.

Baker refused to perform for segregated audiences in the United States and is noted for her contributions to the Civil Rights Movement." (Online Source, Wikipedia).

From here we move on to noted scientist and innovator Margaret Hamilton... 

(Left) Margaret Hamilton (photo credit, unknown, online source), 

(Right) Mindy Harris, "Margaret Hamilton" hand embroidered cotton on canvas, 14" x 11"

Mindy Harris, "Be Brilliant", hand embroidered cotton on canvas, 4" x 11"

"Margaret Hamilton is an American Computer Scientist, Systems Engineer and Business Owner. She was director of the Software Engineering Division of the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory, which developed on-board flight software for NASA's Apollo Space Program. She later founded two software companies—Higher Order Software in 1976 and Hamilton Technologies in 1986.

Hamilton has published more than 130 papers, proceedings and reports about sixty projects and six major programs. She is one of the people credited with coining the term "Software Engineering".

On November 22, 2016, Hamilton received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama for her work leading to the development of on-board flight software for NASA's Apollo Moon missions." (online source, Wikipedia)

Last, but not least, we examine the life and works of Malala Yousafzai...

(Left) Mindy Harris, "Malala Yousafzai", hand embroidered cotton on canvas, 14" x 11",

 (Right) Malala Yousafzai, (Photo Credit, National Geographic, online source)

"Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. She is known for human rights advocacy, especially the education of women and children in Pakistan.  On 9 October 2012, while on a bus in the Swat District of Pakistan, Yousafzai and two other girls were shot by a Taliban gunman in an assassination attempt in retaliation for her activism. The attempt on her life sparked an international outpouring of support for Yousafzai.  Her advocacy has grown into an international movement.  Based in Birmingham, she founded the Non-Profit Organization, the Malala Fund. The 2013, 2014 and 2015 issues of Time Magazine featured her as one of the most influential people globally. 

In 2017, she was awarded honorary Canadian citizenship and became the youngest person to address the House of Commons of Canada." (online source, Wikipedia)

Mindy Harris, "Be Courageous", hand embroidered cotton on canvas, 4" x 11"

This body of work also includes other important women from history, and still living today; Margaret Atwood, Jane Goodall, Frida Kahlo, and Greta Thunberg are all featured in this amazing show.  Don't miss it!

Mindy Harris is a multidisciplinary artist currently living and working in Lewis Lake, Nova Scotia.  Mindy received her BFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) in Halifax, NS.

She has publicly presented work in a variety of mediums, including sculpture, painting and
handcrafted filmmaking. Her work can be found in private collections across North America.


All artworks by Mindy Harris are available for purchase.  For details please contact the gallery at (902) 425-9456 or via email at gallery@argylefa.com

Argyle Fine Art Welcomes HalCon Attendees!!!

Argyle Fine Art would like to welcome everyone attending HalCon this year.  We've put together an amazing collection of work that we're sure will peak your interest.  From the Weekend Hobbyist to the Pop Culture Fanatic, we have something for everyone!  Admission is always free, drop by (in-costume) and get your geek on!

We're currently exhibiting "Hero"- inspired works by 3 very talented artists.  In the Main Floor Gallery we're featuring Kim Danio's "Big Shoes to Fill", a collection of "action figures", made from re-purposed shoes and hand bags, and Mindy Harris' "Wonder Women", a series of hand embroidered images on canvas, depicting important female figures in history, both past and present. 

Kim Danio, "Batmobile with Batman", re-purposed show and mixed media, 7" x 13" x 5",
Mindy Harris, "Malala", hand embroidered cotton on canvas, 14" x 11"

In the Lower Gallery, we're showing first time exhibitor Hannah Emmett, with her digital print series "The Good, The Bad, and The Funny Lookin'", a collection of iconic characters from film.  We're also pleased to present Angela Carlsen's "Dante's Inferno Room" diorama from Tim Burton's "Beetlejuice"

Hannah Emmett (Left), "The Bride", digital art print, 16" x 12",
Angela Carlsen (Right), "Dante's Inferno", mixed media, 10" x 13" x 4"

JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT YOU'VE SEEN IT ALL!!!...

We've got GREETING CARDS for every occasion from Jodie Hansen. Dr. Who, Harry Potter, Star Trek, Star Wars, and the Marvel Universe are all represented here...we have an incredible selection to choose from!!!

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!!!...

We've got Stickers, Book Marks, Magnets and Luggage Tags...and A TON more art!  There's always something new to see at Argyle Fine Art.  Feel free to look around, explore the gallery and get inspired!  We have lots of great gift ideas and souvenirs for the Sci-Fi enthusiast.  We're sure you'll find something for yourself and that special caped crusader at home!!! 

We wish everyone a safe and happy HalCon.  Argyle Fine Art is located at 1559 Barrington Street (just down and around the corner from the Convention Centre)...We look forward to seeing you all this weekend!!!