Pugs and Cats and Octopus, OH MY!

I remember once when a gentlemen came in, desperate to find octopus related artwork. Sadly enough, the only cephalopods we had in the gallery were of the giant squid variety... but, if that same man came in today, how happy he'd be!! Thanks to artist and crafter extraordinaire Isabelle Pineau, we now have HAND DRAWN brooches set in resin depicting pugs, cats, and octopi. Did I mention they're H_A_N_D  D_R_A_W_N?! oh, I guess I did.. but let me emphasize that again, because it makes these little art pieces extra special:   

Pumped for Brunt!

Ok guys, you're going to have to start shuffling those leggy limbs down to the gallery as fast as possible, because these pieces (below) have JUST ARRIVED and they're selling REEEALLY QUICKLY.  This new body of work is making quite the splash on our white walls, and has 

already attracted people of all ages into the gallery - Isn't that nice?! We've got those fantastic Film Festival T's here too - emblazoned with Nick's fantastic film fest design AND tagged with hand drawn tags (while supplies last! He only drew 20!)

To mark this special occasion, Mr. Brunt will be visiting the gallery on Saturday (August 3rd) from 1-3. 

Please join us! 

Campsite at Long Island 18" x 24"

View from Cliff at Cambridge #2     18" x 24"

Sold & Sold

View from Cliff at Cambrige #1      18" x  24"

Gearing up for New Artwork and of course, the PRIDE PARADE!

Saturday is a great day for the community, with pride week celebrations reaching it's crescendo in Downtown Halifax through the annual Pride Parade. We'll be here in the gallery all day from 10-5:30 with our faces glued to the window trying to catch the sights sounds of paraders barreling down Barrington street. Inside? We'll have officially opened the latest feature of artwork, this time by newly newly acquired artist Stuart Jones!! These pieces are exceptionally lovely with their strong architecture rendered with loose brushstrokes and saturated colours. Please stop in and have a gander!   

Grab your noise makers and start up the cheers!!!! GO! GO! MARY GAROUTTE!

Our hearts are all aflutter with anticipation for tomorrow nights ART BATTLE finals held at the AGO in Toronto. This national live painting competition will feature the very mighty Mary Garoutte (being the recent winner of the Halifax championships) and we can't possibly be jumping up and down with more excitement. Mary isn't one to place herself in the spotlight, so lets all rally together in support of her courageous endeavour.... not that she needs it, because if you ask me she's got this one in the bag. This lady has natural talent in spades.

If you find yourself in Toronto tomorrow evening, please make your way to the AGO at 7pm on behalf of Adriana and I, and go absolutely NUTS with the cheering. Really. You have our full support to make a big, hysterical scene (errm.. so long as it's not distracting to Mary.. please let the girl focus!!Haha)      

(above is one of Mary Garoutte's paintings that will be on feature during her solo show September 21 here at the gallery)

From the Art battle website: 
On Friday, July 26th, you are invited to see the greatest Art Battle event ever. More than 600 people will join us at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) for a truly National Championship. After more than 98 rounds and 250 painters, one night remains in this amazing season of live competitive painting, and we have saved the best for last!

In 20 minutes per round, these champions from across Canada will build beauty and inspiration before your eyes. Then the hard choice comes as you vote to select the 2013 National Champion! The winner will receive a $1,500 cash prize, and will hold the title and glory of being Art Battle National Champion for a year.

Only 600 tickets will be sold, buy online now: artbattle.ca/2013-national-championship/

 Go Get'em Mary. Go Get'em Good.

Hand Made GLASS PENS by JANELLE TYLER

Even after having held one of these beautifully crafted glass quills in my hand, I find it difficult to believe they actually exist... Using a wooden hand turned pen feels regal enough, but a pen crafted from glass?! Unbelievable. Janelle Tyler's pens are a real cinch to use too - with one little bob in the inkwell, you'll be able to scribble for a good period of time. How? Well, small reservoirs spiraling up the head of the pen retain the ink, and when writing, the ink is slowly (and smoothly) dispensed onto paper.  NEAT EH?!?! Stop by sometime through the week (or Saturday!) and we promise we'll let you have the chance to test one for yourselves.

Glass Pens by Janelle Tyler $32 each

Julyness Continues with NEW WORK by Stewart Jones!

Argyle Fine Art is excited to bring you "JULYNESS!" which is a celebration of this glorious month, with new artists and NEW Work for you to discover each week! So far, we've been very happy to present new works by Michelle St-Onge, Dennis Reid, Kim Naumann and Jasper Richard.

THIS WEEK, we are very very excited to share new works by a new artist to Argyle Fine Art:  Stewart Jones. We're picking up the paintings today, and hanging them tomorrow!  

Drop by and see them throughout the week or  this Saturday, July 27th  and watch the PRIDE PARADE from our air conditioned window space while enjoying art and entertaining banter :-)

Here are just two examples of some of the works arriving by Stewart Jones, but these paintings are worth seeing in person to really appreciate them.

TODAY TODAY TODAY!!!

We're so glad to be able to share two new bodies of work with you, from exciting emerging talents: Kim Naumann and Jasper Richard. And to top it off, both artists will be here at the gallery from 1-3 to hang out and enjoy the afternoon with us. It's the perfect opportunity to zip in, say "HI!" and explore the works of these two very gifted painters.

Kim Naumann

 

Jasper Richard

HAPPY PRIDE HALIFAX to All!

Today the PRIDE FLAG is rising at Grand Parade here in Halifax. It signals the beginning of a  week and a half long celebration throughout the city- filled with art, music, dancing in the streets and even a parade!

Many people get married throughout this week as well...and in case you're looking for cards made especially for the occasion, local artist Jodie Hansen has you covered!

Below find the two versions...each handmade with paper! 

In fact, Argyle Fine Art has lots of new cards by local artists-so keep us in mind when looking for an extra special card for someone on your list throughout the year of special events life brings us.

DENNIS REID visits Argyle Fine Art this Saturday, July 13th, 1-3pm

BIG SKIES, Roads, Overpasses, Intersections, Telephone wires….Dennis Reid loves the merging of the landscapes with man-made objects and inventions that fill our roadways and skies. Meet Dennis this Saturday, July 13^th, 1-3pm and see his latest works at Argyle Fine Art. Each week in July,  Argyle Fine Art is excited to bring you "JULYNESS" which is a celebration of this glorious month, with new artists and NEW Work for you to discover.

Each week, the new body of work will be hung on Tuesday morning for you to enjoy throughout the week and then on Saturday of each week, meet many of the participating artists between 1pm-3pm. FREE and wonderful for the entire family to enjoy!

This week, we are pleased to be featuring the work of artist Dennis Reid who you can read all about here, in an article featured in the METRO today at this link: 

http://metronews.ca/voices/backstage-pass-halifax/734294/be-bombarded-by-beauty-at-argyle-fine-art-in-downtown-halifax/

Dennis Reid graduated from Mount Allison University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 1996. Since then he has received the Elizabeth Greenshields Award (2012 & 2007) and an artsnb Creation Grant (2012). His work has been exhibited in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Ontario. It can be found in collections including the City of Moncton, the City of Saint John and the New Brunswick Arts Bank (2008 & 2011) as well as several private collections. Reid maintains a rigourous studio practice in Dorchester New Brunswick.

 

Saturday Showcase : Michelle St. Onge 1-3pm

We're about to kick off our weekly artist feature, showcasing a number of new bodies of artwork starting with textile artist, Michelle St. Onge!! Michelle has just brought us a great series of screenprints capturing our city through her own eyes - and lucky for us, she'll be visiting us here at the gallery from 1-3pm tomorrow (SATURDAY) to chat about her work!

 

Summer Time...and the living is Easy with ART!

SUMMER has just arrived today, at least in Halifax, Nova Scotia where Argyle Fine Art lives. We hope that all of you are enjoying the weather, no matter where you may be dwelling!

These new works by emerging artist Briana Corr-Scott have just arrived at the gallery, and we just couldn't wait to share them with you!

WE'D ALSO LIKE TO REMIND YOU THAT....we will beginning our HIGH NOON AT NOON series again beginning tomorrow Friday, July 5th  until Friday July 12th! This is where we feature a wonderful work of art for a very special price, but only for 24 hours....We upload the new work each day to our BLOG (www.argylefineart.blogspot.com) at HIGH NOON....so make sure to check back tomorrow and everyday to see great art and perhaps find a treasure!

New Work / New Ceramicist : Naomi Walsh

A new ceramicist has joined our ranks, and we're happy to introduce the first two of many pieces we'll have from the artist. Have a look at this absolutely charming teapot and little jar made by Naomi Walsh. Those acorns and oak leaves are so beautifully illustrated.. and that baleen whale.. exquisite!