Friday, October 9, 2026

PRE-SHRUNK 2027 CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

 

PRE SHRUNK 2027

 It’s PRE-SHRUNK time again! BE PART OF OUR PRE-SHRUNK 2027 SHOW! This coming year will mark the 23rd year for PRE-SHRUNK! It’s amazing how such a small idea has become such a BIG show!

 Our much loved annual juried group show asks artists to create small works on 4”x5” surfaces. We encourage submissions from established artists, emerging artists and artists of all ages in their preferred mediums!Take a look at the guidelines below and start making some art! You can work in any medium you choose!

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

●                    Works must be on a 4x5” surface. Pieces that do not measure 4x5” will not be considered. Preferred surfaces are cradled boards or canvas.

 

●                    We do not want artists to use FLAT BOARDS (ie- pieces of wood with art painted or mounted), or thin canvas or masonite boards as they are not easily wall mountable for the buyer and tend not to sell as well as other surfaces in the show. NO FRAMES  or attachments for hanging.

●                    If you are sculpting the base of your sculpture must be 4”x5”, but there is no height limit.

●                    Artists may submit a maximum of 5 pieces.

●                    We ask that you DO NOT attach hanging devices (ie wire, hooks, d-rings, etc). The gallery will take care of this for continuity. SOME EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE can be made, but we will inform you if we want you to prep them after the work is accepted. Otherwise leave as is!

●                    If you are working on canvas please TRIM THE ACCESS CANVAS from the back of your work.

●                    If you are working on paper it must be archival  and mounted on a sturdy 4”x5” surface that can be hung on the wall or if you are a textile artist, get in touch with us for preferred ways of presenting your work for this show.

●                    Works done with materials such as charcoal and pastels must be fixed (ie sprayed) to protect the work.

●                    Please sign your name somewhere on your work (front or back are acceptable) and have a title written on the backside of your work.

 

●                    Submissions must be your own work, new and not previously shown.

●                    To submit by email to preshrunkhalifax@gmail.com

o        Phone number and email address

o        Titles of pieces and materials used to create the work

o        Images of each individual piece, in a jpeg format ONLY, titled as indicated below.

●                    Please title your image files as follows

o        Last name, first initial, title of piece, number of submission

o        Ex: McGuireC_GreenRoom01.jpg, McGuireC_BlueRoom02.jpg, McGuireC_PinkRoom03.jpg, McGuireC_OrangeRoom04.jpg, McGuireC_RedRoom05.jpg

o        SEND A PHOTO OF ALL WORKS TOGETHER on a neutral background, so that we can see how they work with one another and the type of surface used etc.

 

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: SUNDAY JANUARY 3rd  at MIDNIGHT

If the jury selects your work you will be notified by phone or email the following week. Due to the volume of submissions WE WILL NOT BE IN TOUCH WITH YOU UNTIL AFTER THE DEADLINE so that the jury can make decisions. However if you want to check if we received your emails, feel free to reach out. 

 

Once we inform you that you are IN THE SHOW a few days following the deadline,  you will then be required to bring the work in person or by mail. After the show ends, you are responsible for the return of your paintings but we’re going to work very hard to sell them!

PLEASE NOTE

●                    Pieces that are selected for this year’s exhibition will be priced at $175 each, with standard 50% commission. Please keep this price in mind when creating your pieces.

●                    NSCAD Art Supply Store (1874 Hollis St, Halifax) and Deserres (1526 Barrington St, Halifax) have pre-made 4”x5” canvas and cradled boards to supply artists wanting to participate in this show. You can also make your own surfaces to paint on or find surfaces at other locations as well, but they must meet the above requirements.

 

●                    We may be placing an order of wooden surfaces from a local woodworking shop, Mitre & Muse Studio if needed. Get in touch with us if you have trouble finding surfaces.

 

●                    SHOW OPENS TO THE PUBLIC FRIDAY JANUARY 22nd from 7-9PM

Please phone, email or drop in to the gallery if you have any questions regarding the submission process or show – 902.425.9456. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

 

From your pals at Argyle Fine Art,

Adriana, Emily & Hutch
1559 Barrington St, Halifax , NS  902-425-9456

Friday, September 18, 2026

      The Watch Committee

By Marsha Koersvelt

    Tomorrow afternoon we will be hosting the opening for Marsha's new show "The Watch Committee". All of the works are on display now, however if you would like to speak with the artist the opening if a great time to do so. All of these works have such personality. You can see the full show online now if you click here

Marsha Koersvelt, Stand on Guard, Acrylic on Board, 14" by 14"

Marsha Koersvelt, Back Off Bobby, Acrylic on Board, 16" by 16"

Marsha Koersvelt, My Nuts!, Acrylic on Board, 10" by 10"

Marsha aims to create a sense of character, personality and the spirit of the critters that she paints. She hopes that these elements translate to the viewer with joy, happiness and whimsy. Seeing these works in person and watching them watch you is an experience you don't want to miss!

The Artist, Marsha Koersvelt



Introducing Myself

Hello! My name is Hutch and I have just started here at the gallery. I just wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. I am a multidisciplinary artist (however mainly a photographer). I focus on themes of nostalgia, feminism and family dynamics. When I am not running around with my variety of cameras, I am usually in my studio working on a variety of printmaking, watercolor painting, collage, or knitting projects.
I am originally from Minnesota and moved to Halifax in 2018 to attend NSCAD University. I graduated in May of 2023 with a BFA in photography. Since graduation, I had taken some time off to focus on starting a full time job and getting used to a new schedule. In the last year or two, I have been re-discovering my love for creating. Starting at the gallery has been another step towards fulfilling a passion of living a life surrounded by artistic creation.
I am so excited for my future of working at the gallery and can't wait to meet everyone!





Wednesday, September 16, 2026

An Evening at the Stables!

 Last Sunday night, Sept 13th, we partnered with the Halifax Lancers and held our fundraising event An Evening at the Stables. This event, located at the Lancers stable in the heart of Halifax, was a ticketed art show fundraiser in celebration of the Lancers' 90 years of operations! 

 

Let the festivities begin! 

It was a fantastic evening full of art, community and the sweetest horses! 

 

A shot of the artwork on display in the Lancers Stable

We invited several local artists to create an artwork inspired by the Halifax Lancers, bringing nature into the city and community building through animal care. A portion from each artwork sale goes towards the Lancers' therapeutic horses fund.  

$620 Andrea Crouse, Halifax Lancers Stable, Paper Collage, 8"x10"

 
$2150 Mindy Harris, Sable Island, 19.5" diameter, Hand Embroidery on Linen

Artwork from this event is still available at the gallery and part of the proceeds from each sale will continue going towards the Lancers fundraiser!  

 

$400 Amber Gillespie, Ride, Oil on Board, 11"x14"

 

$525 Raquel Roth, Show Time!, Acrylic on Canvas, 11"x14" 

Ava Jane, one of the Lancer Horses

 
A formal affair!

Our fantastic guests enjoying some snacks and refreshments.

Such a special place to display art!

Along side the many gorgeous artworks on the walls, we had artist Jack Ross live painting in the tackroom (supply room) of the stables. Jack's piece, pictured below, is up for auction through the gallery until September 23rd! Want to leave a bid? Contact us by phone, email or visit us in person! 

 
Jack completed this painting live on site within two hours!

Jack Ross, Saddles, Halifax Lancers, Acrylic on Board, 12"x12" 

 $10 increments or more. BIDDING CLOSES on September 23rd. 
At the time of posting the bid is at $300
Giddy Up!

 

Emily the Gallery Manager showing Phinnaeus the horse Jack's painting. Phinnaeus loved the painting and Emily loved Phinnaeus!

 

Left to Right:
Hutch (our newest employee!) Emily, Jack Ross, Adriana and Kassandra posed with Ava Jane.


Many horse kisses were to be had!

The fundraiser continues as there are several pieces still available! 
Check out this link HERE to see the full album of available art. 

Don't forget to check out our NEW ARRIVALS online and join us for one of our up coming events!

 





Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Skies, Pigeons and Faces... OH MY!

 We had a very exciting weekend last week, with three show openings and our biggest Sketch N'Stroll event to date! 

Posters from this past weeks events 

 On Friday the 21st of August we opened Gordon MacDonald's 23rd show with the gallery "Pause for a Moment" featuring over 40 new works from Gordon!

Gordon MacDonald, Mua air an-t-Sabaid, Oil on Panel, 8"x10"

 
Gordon MacDonald, In Between Places, Oil on Panel, 18"x20"

Gordon MacDonald, Seeing Wentworth Again, Oil on Panel, 8"x12"
 

 Gordon on his show:
 "This is my 23rd annual show at Argyle Fine Art.  I'm fortunate that for 25 years now, I have been able to paint whatever I want and have gallery encouragement and support. This show has double the amount of work, 40-50 pieces and covers every subject and process I enjoy, from specific places to imagined ones, to the very abstracted.  Everything is here. I hope you enjoy the show"

A very pleased Gordon posed in front of his work at his opening

Follow this link HERE to see all the new works from Gordon. 

Follow this link HERE to see everything we have available from Gordon... there may even be some deals hiding in there!   

 Alongside Gordon's annual show opening we celebrated new collections from artists Chantel Elysia and Anne Marie MacEachen.

Chantel Elysia, Spring Garden Greeting Committee, Acrylic on Canvas. 20" x 20"

Chantel's showcase titled "Ordinary Magic" really wowed us with just how much magic she could create in these little paintings and mixed media works!

Chantel Elysia, Be Joyful Though You Have Considered All The Facts, Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas, 18" x 24 "

Cutie Chantel posed with some of her magical works at the opening.

Chantel on her show: 
"These paintings are a celebration of urban life. Meet pigeons and one renegade sparrow with lives and relationships of their own. Come be inspired by the ordinary magic of the city!"
 
See the Chantel's full collection of new pieces HERE 

 

Anne Marie MacEachen, January Light, Acrylic on Board, 16"x20"

Anne Marie MacEachen's collection of four new works titled "In Transit" lived up to the gorgeous, slick and reflective style her work is known for!

Anne Marie MacEachen,  Heading Home, Acrylic on Board, 18"x24"

 
Lovely Anne Marie posed with one of her works at the opening.

Anne Marie on her show:
" "In Transit" explores themes of change, growth and acceptance. Familiar scenes such as car lights, street lights and sunlight breaking through clouds begin to connect with feelings of loss, hope, and perpetual movement. The passing of cars on a road can serve to remind us of the fleeting nature of our existence, and the waiting for a light to change can become a communal experience. And in grief, as in all seasons of life, we search for meaning in all of this, as we move from one place to another."

 See Anne Marie's full collection HERE

On Saturday the 22nd we held our 5th Sketch N'Stroll event, bigger and better than ever! Not only did we activate our gallery windows with artists drawing the faces of the community, we also took over THREE more windows along Barrington Street (Where we are located!). 

Close up of one of the Sketch N' Stroll windows!

What is Sketch N' Stroll you might be asking yourself... 

 Sketch N' Stroll is an art installation and community activation event put on by the DHBC and Argyle Fine Art. This is the 5th Sketch N' Stroll event, and the largest one to date, with eleven artists stationed at select windows across Barrington Street! 

Sketch N' Stroll Artists
Top: Danae Lavallee, Fern Pellerin, Rebecca Betts, James Janson, Kerry Hodgson, Matthew Mongraw, William Froude
Bottom: Emily Krueckl, Amber Solberg, Jason Skinner, Kassandra Lois  


The artists invited passerbys to pose for a quick portrait drawn right on the window! 


We love seeing those smiling faces!


Even dogs stopped to get their portraits sketched

And we never say no to teddy bear portraits!

Three of the drawing installations will remain up for viewing until the end of September. See the art in the windows of the Roy building, the Vogue building and next to Weird Harbour on Barrington Street!

 

Art is joy!

And sometimes art is yoga....
 

We had such a blast this last week, but the fun never ends around here!  

Check out the info below to learn about our upcoming events and follow this link HERE to see whats new at the gallery! 

Join our monthly art mail club! New artists every month!

 
Celebrate 90 years of the Lancers with us!

Get creative with Erin Hollingshead!