PRE-SHRUNK is ONLINE NOW!

 Hey friends!  Enjoy PRE-SHRUNK HERE and in person!  We'll be updating the the website as things sell. The most accurate version of the page will be later on tomorrow (Saturday) after the Pre-Shrunk craziness gets a little less crazy. 

 

  

Pre-Shrunk Sneak Peek #2.....Multiple Sneaks Contained!

 Hey folks! We had hoped for another artist spotlight, but the day only allowed for us to share a few of the upcoming PRE-SHRUNKS for 2026 instead...but that's ok!  MORE ART by DIFFERENT ARTISTS TO ENJOY! YAY!  Check back early next week here for another artist spotlight and more sneaks!  

Don't forget the show opens on Friday, January 23rd, 7pm-9pm. Can't wait to see you all in person or online! The full show will be posted online on Friday, January 23rd as soon as we open at 11am that day. 

 

Ok...and now on to the SNEAK PEEKS!

Jennifer Sinclair, Thinking Big Thoughts, Oil on Board, 4"x5"

Zanahoy, CT Lighthouse, Canadian Tire Money Collage, 4"x5"

Mark Brennan, Red Sky in The Morning, Acrylic on Board, 4"x5"

Brianna Killingbeck, Smoked Mackerel, Mixed Media, 4"x5"

 

Laura Huynh Lê, Between Ivy And Shadow, Oil on Board, 4"x5"

 

 

Pre-Shrunk Sneak and Artist Spotlight: Lil Crump

We're featuring a few of our PRE-SHRUNK 2026 artists on our blog every few days, leading up to the opening reception on Friday, January 23rd, 7pm-9pm. It's hard to believe this will be our 22nd year hosting this joyful show. Meet Nova Scotia artist Lil Crump, whose charming cat prints and paintings deliver a delightfully whimsical respite from a world that’s adept at serving up a whole lot of crazy. 

The art of Lil Crump provides a playful magic to the show with her submissions this year. Let's take a peek! We've asked Lil a few questions below which she has answered in her own words below too!

For starters, we asked her...why paint cats?

I get asked this a lot. For me, it comes down to aspiration. I admire a cat’s way of
being—affectionate but independent, dramatic yet quietly thoughtful. Every cat brings a
distinct personality to the canvas, and their little fixations—birds, fish, the occasional
mouse—add humour and energy. They never stop being interesting, which makes them
endlessly fun to draw and paint.

What’s your favourite thing in your studio?

That’s a tough one. My studio is full of favourite things: books, mugs, cards, and images
(Gordon MacDonald’s skyscape included). But what really makes the space is the light.
Two large windows fill the room throughout the day, and in summer when the windows
are open, I’m treated to the smell of roses, lavender, and a hint of salty ocean air. I also
share the space with my office manager, Isla—lovable, occasionally bossy, and happy to
rent out her studio in exchange for treats.

What’s your process?

Balancing spontaneity with design principles, I start with quick sketches to work out
structure and mood, followed by colour sketches to explore the palette and brush
textures. These are often done on my phone using the Procreate Pocket App with an
Adonit Stylus, which means I can do this initial work just about anywhere. My favourite
place to sketch is near the ocean, my most frequent sketching spot overlooks Cleveland
Beach.Once I move to canvas (or wood), I sketch the characters in pencil and then build the
painting in layers—starting with a base layer to ground the composition, then adding
depth, texture, and detail. The final stage is all about refining expression. My goal is
always to create work that feels thoughtful, alive, and lasting.

What inspired your submissions for this year’s Pre-Shrunk show?

One of my previous paintings featured a cat facing his fear of the ocean, accompanied by
a few supportive seagull friends. This year’s Pre-Shrunk canvases build on that idea,
giving me a chance to quietly sneak some of my favourite places and experiences into
the work.

OK!  Sneak peek time...here are two of the four works that will be included in our Pre-Shrunk 2026 show by Lil Crump. Be sure to visit the show in person to see the others as well as art by over 100 artists this year. Visit the gallery in person or online at www.argylefineart.com from January 23rd until February 25th.   

Lil Crump, The Picnic, Acrylic on Canvas, 4"x5"

Lil Crump, Running With Birds, Acrylic on Canvas, 4"x5"

SEE YOU HERE AGAIN on FRIDAY for more PRE-SHRUNK sneak peeks and artist spotlights!

 

ART Saves the Day and the first PRE-SHRUNK 2026 Sneak Peek!

 The world is a little fractured at the moment to say the least...so thankfully artwork can save your day! YAY!  

Take a moment to look at various artworks on our website anytime HERE.

We have so many beautiful works up now by our very talented artists and we also have some fun things ON SALE from our holiday ..check out a few snaps from around the gallery and pop by soon!

 

We have packaged art cards by Heidi Holloway- 6 in a pack...now 50% off so now just $12.50

 

Add a little extra glam to your windows with these resin ornaments by Kim Eddy...you can add them to your Christmas tree next year when the season comes around again too!  NOW just $22.50!

 

Meow meow meow.....NOW just $12.50

 

Look at these beautiful glass pieces to pop in a vase or tuck into your other plants by Rachelle Paul. These were $35 but are now $17.50

 

It's time to BAKE some cookies or maybe even make some art with these cookie cutters...now just $12.50 for a bag. ONLY two left!

 

What day even is it?!!!   If you need a calendar, we've got your covered

...these beauties are 50% off so they are $14 now

 

You're a STAR!  And now you can grab a few of these by Chelsea Legge to decorate your living space and tree for next year too!  They are all hand sewn and beaded. They were originally selling for $25 but are now just $12.50!

 

Check out the art by Adele Webster..and take a larger work home with you or maybe a smaller piece, like these ornaments you can enjoy all year long! 50% off so NOW just $20

 

 Ok!  Congratulations...you've read this far into this blog. YOU DESERVE A BREAK! We are getting ready for PRE-SHRUNK 2026 that opens on Friday, January 23rd...here is the INVITE and here is a sneak peek at 5 that will will be included in the show by Anne Marie MacEachen!

 

 

 

Fresh New Year = Fresh New Gallery!

 Happy 2026 folks! We made it another year... Hooray!!!

All of us at Argyle Fine Art are busy getting back into the swing of things. Starting with a gallery refresh!

Complete upstairs rehanging and a few new pieces in our lower gallery as well.

Upper Gallery - Featuring paintings by Gordon MacDonald

Upper Gallery - Featuring work by Amy Ordoveza

Prints, Cards and Paper goods have been restocked and reorganized.

It's now easier than ever to find a birthday card for your best friend's third uncle...

Refreshed Print Section

Refreshed Cards and Small Gifts

We even have a section for the local Foodies! So much yummy looking art!

All Items Gluten Free and Vegan *not recommended for consumption

We would love to see your beautiful faces in the gallery this month. Drop by, say hello, check out what's new!
We might not chat long since we will be getting ready for our BIGGEST (small) Show of the year. PRE-SHRUNK 2026!!!!!!!

↓ Incase you missed it, show dates are below ↓

and if you really love art, JOIN US for the MEET & GREET SATURDAY FEBUARY 21st!

We are so lucky to have such a supportive community.
Thank you so much for all you do.

See you soon :)

Argyle Fine Art Team

THANK YOU! HAPPY CHRISTMAS TIME!

 'Tis the season to be grateful for all the things. 

THANK YOU ALL for your artwork and hardwork, your smiles, your purchases, your shares, your reading the newsletter ramblings, for being more than staff or customers...friends we look forward to seeing every time you visit. 

 HAPPY CHRISTMAS or HAPPY TIME OFF...whatever the season is for you--we hope you get to spend it with good health,happiness, hope and peace.

Awesome snap shot of a happy day celebrating 25 years in business this July with current and staff of yore...:-) - Left to right: Kassandra, Emily, Adriana, Jasmine, Crystal and Andre

 

SEE YOU IN 2026 for more fun and ART! 

 PS- Remember we are off for the holidays returning on January 2nd, 11am-5:30pm but will be checking our email from time to time. 

 

IF YOU ARE AN ARTIST looking for Pre-Shrunk surfaces, please reach out to Jason Speers at mitreandmuse@gmail.com  or phone 226-976-3661 to arrange meeting up to pick up some surfaces!  

 

 

Last chance for Holiday romance

 Its the final days before Christmas and we are gearing down for a little time off.
If you are looking for that last minute gift or searching for the perfect stocking stuffer, THE TIME IS NOW!

Here are some gift ideas we have that might fit your shopping needs.

Tiny Ceramic Cats by Dariia Dziuba

Stickers, Cards and Tiny Houses! Perfect little gift add-ons

Fried Egg & Bacon fused glass ornaments by Glass House Studios Co

Star Ships Start Here 2026 Calendar

Handmade Beaded Snowflakes by Ashley Carter

AND SO MUCH MORE!

Stop by before the big day and we will help you check off the last on your list.

HOLIDAY HOURS:

SPECIAL HOURS TUESDAY, December 23rd 11am-5:30pm

OPEN December 24th 11am-2pm

CLOSED December 25- January 1st inclusive

Re-Open Friday, January 2nd 11am-5:30pm

**Please Note: Over the holidays we will monitor our emails and can make special appointments should you be interested in purchasing artwork**

"Twas' a night mid December..."

 

'Twas a night mid December, with light winter snowing,

The skies we're all lit, and the winds were a' blowing;

Local art hung all around, festive with care,

In hopes to bring joy, for soon the holidays will be there!

 

     JOIN US tomorrow, SATURDAY DEC 13TH for our HOLIDAY HOP!

Live Painting!

Live Music!

Creative activities & More! 

 

 Check out what else we're up to for the month of Decemeber!

PSSST! Don't forget to bring us socks for donation to Halifax Navigator Outreach Program!

Donating enters you in for a chance to win a "Golden Ticket" for our upcoming PreShrunk mini's artshow!

 

 

 

Argyle Fine Art

1559 Barrington St, 

Halifax, NS B3J 1Z7 

argylefineart.com

 

Weekend Recap

Last weekend was busy in the best way!

We had a double workshop day with Erin Hollingshead teaching lino-cut and Snehal Kank teaching watercolour. It was the perfect Sunday afternoon.

Paint your own Postcard

Upstairs we had Claudia, Patrick and Tom working on watercolour postcards with the guidance of Snehal. They learned about light/shadow and wet vs dry painting techniques.

Patrick, Tom, Claudia and Snehal enjoying watercolour painting.

This was our first workshop with Snehal and it went great! We can't wait to have her back to do more workshops with us in the spring. - if you have suggestions on a theme we should paint next, LET US KNOW! ☺

Intro to Lino-Cut

In our lower gallery we had a full house with Erin Hollingshead.
She taught the basics of lino-cut printing, from carving to stamping Erin's lino-cut workshops covers it all!

Check out some pics of what people were working on! ↴

We will have more workshops and events happening in the new year.

Be sure to keep in touch via our newsletter or follow us on Instagram/Facebook for all the updates!

Thanks for reading ♥

Argyle Fine Art
1559 Barrington Street, Halifax

argylefineart.com

December Happenings ✨

Hello Hello, you fine friends of Argyle Fine Art!

We are feeling so grateful this holiday season with so many amazing events happening each week.

We know... it's hard to keep up with it all!
So here is a round up of everything we have cookin'.

 

First on the schedule is SATURDAY DECEMBER 6th

Join us from 1:30-4:00pm for an afternoon of special guests!

 

We will have Raquel Roth doing live painting from 1:30-3:30pm.

She also has some new work and stickers that will be available at the gallery.

 

Batsala the Himalayan Priestess will be offering tarot readings with a special Nova Scotia local themed Tarot Deck. Happening from 2:00-4:00pm. 

$8 for a 5 minute reading, first come first served. We will be taking a wait list.

 

You also have the chance to Meet & Greet with Kerry Hodgson, the artist behind TAROFAX.

Ask her all your questions and hear about her inspiration for the iconic card deck.

Kerry will be here from 2:00-4:00pm.

 

 

 LAST CHANCE TO GET IN ON THE FUN!

We are so excited for this watercolour workshop with Snehal Kank and it's HAPPENING SOON! Spots are limited, Contact the gallery to secure yours ASAP ☺

 

  

Feeling festive? Stop by SATURDAY DECEMBER 13th from 2:00-7:00pm

Throughout the event we will have Live Music, Live Painting & Cookie Decorating!

 

Starting December 13th we will also start accepting SOCK DONATIONS for Navigator Outreach ♥ Bring a pair or two of NEW SOCKS and we will pass them along to folks in need.

Donations accepted from the 13th-20th for December 

 

PLUS many of our artist are bringing in new work. It's the perfect time to take a peek around the gallery to see what's changed.

 

  

 

DECEMBER 20th, take a break from your busy, panic, holiday shopping... and stop by Argyle Fine Art to paint your own ornament! We have all the supplies, all you need to do is show up.

 

Last but not least, we want to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who supports our gallery. Whether you are away or local, online or offline. We appreciate you. ♥