SCAVENGER ART HUNT- CLUE #3

IF YOU ARE NEW TO OUR SCAVENGER ART HUNT READ THIS: Each DAY at NOON, come to this blog and find your SCAVENGER ART HUNT clue on the main HOME page. If you solve the answer, email us your answer to gallery@argylefa.com.

For each correct answer you provide, your name will go into a draw for a ONE YEAR ART SUBSCRIPTION from our CREATIVE EDITIONS program (Valued at $195) Draw date is Saturday, February 28th at 5pm. Only one answer per entry, per day. We'll reveal the answer the last clue when we release the next one, and so on and so forth.

HERE IS YOUR THIRD CLUE:

  How old is Argyle Fine Art?

Hint: No hint for this one! It's just too darned easy!

Find the answers to the  CLUES on our blog, website (www.argylefineart.com) , and social media channels (Facebook or TWITTER) for the answers.

**The correct answer from yesterday's clue was:  Tuesday, February 5, 2013, and Nibbling on plants

STUDIO SATURDAYS: Starring into Artist's Studios with Special Guest, Cookie Monster

Hello and welcome to the fourth installment of our STUDIO SATURDAYS series. Last Saturday, we spoke with an art collector who loves art and shared her personal views on why art is important to her. This Saturday we thought we'd take a silly and light-hearted approach to art, and we asked our good friend COOKIE MONSTER what he thought of art. Seems that when Cookie Monster looks at art, even he finds himself inspired and it sparks his own creativity.

BUT IN ALL SERIOUSNESS....we also wanted to share a few more sneak peeks into our gallery artist's studios. We thought we'd start with showing you the inside of assemblage artist Ed Beals studio  ( who just so happens to be an artist we'll be featuring during our MARCH BREAK activities at the gallery soon-make sure to click on our MARCH BREAK tab or link to find out more!).

Ed Beals loves to collect things, but the bonus is....he makes things out of bits and bops that the rest of us would dismiss as garbage.  You've probably seen his work at our gallery in the form of Ray Guns or Robots or the most recent edition...a UFO. But he also likes to make things from paper, such as his ever popular FOLD-eds.

The Studio of artist Ed Beals

Another artist that we adore and who will be having a show at Argyle Fine Art in mid-April, is Nastasha Krzyzewski. It's so interesting to see artist spaces and note how even though many are very different, many are very similar in some ways as well. Many of our artists like to surround themselves with "things" to inspire creativity or just to make the space more comfy. Indeed for many artists, their studio IS their home.

The Studio of artist Nastasha Krzyzewski

Make sure to check back each Saturday afternoon, for a new blog posting in our STUDIO SATURDAYS series! Next week, we'll be hearing from a collector of art who has been collecting art for close to his entire lifetime!

SCAVENGER ART HUNT: Clue #2

Last night, we began our first ever ONLINE  SCAVENGER ART HUNT , where you can enjoy looking at art from the comfort of your own "comfort zone" with absolutely no shoveling required...although you will have to do some DIGGING. Thanks to everyone that has already played and sent in their correct answers from last night. TODAY we release the second clue!

 IF YOU ARE NEW TO OUR SCAVENGER ART HUNT READ THIS: Each DAY at NOON, come to this blog and find your SCAVENGER ART HUNT clue on the main HOME page. If you solve the answer, email us your answer to gallery@argylefa.com. For each correct answer you provide, your name will go into a draw for a ONE YEAR ART SUBSCRIPTION from our CREATIVE EDITIONS program (Valued at $195) Draw date is Saturday, February 28th at 5pm. Only one answer per entry, per day. We'll reveal the answer the last clue when we release the next one, and so on and so forth. Find the answers to the  CLUES on our blog, website (www.argylefineart.com) , and social media channels (Facebook or TWITTER) for the answers.

HERE IS YOUR SECOND CLUE:

We do lots of crazy fun things on our blog. We even interviewed a POTATO!  What was the date of this blog entry AND  what was was POTATO's guilty pleasure ?

HINT: Visit our blog site  (double hint: you are already there) and search the blog for interviews with a Potato. There, within the interview you will find your answers.  Also, while you are there, take a moment and read through other funny interviews that were posted around that time...when we were prepping for our very first CAT PERSON show.  OH..BTW...our most recent CAT PERSON DOG PERSON show opens next Saturday, Feb. 28th 1:30-3:30pm. All welcomed!


**The correct answer to last night's question was Damien Webb. He is the artist that created works for our PRE-SHRUNK 2015 Show, using his pet rock collection. **

SCAVENGER ART HUNT begins TONIGHT! Win a 1 year ART SUBSCRIPTION!

OK.  We get it. You're just not going to come outside. And we understand...really we do. It's hard to find the  motivation to do much of anything -especially getting out of the driveway or attempting to walk/skate over wintery sidewalks. But, we miss you!!! We really really do...so we thought- let's create a bit of fun ONLINE.

Starting TONIGHT (Friday, February 20th)  until next Friday(February 27th-inclusive) we'll be running our first ever ONLINE  SCAVENGER ART HUNT , where you can enjoy looking at art instead of Netflix, from the comfort of your own "comfort zone" with absolutely no shoveling required...although you will have to do some DIGGING.

Digging for CLUES on our blog, website (www.argylefineart.com) , and social media channels (Facebook or TWITTER) for the answers. The answers you are looking for will be online!

Each DAY at NOON, come to this blog and find your SCAVENGER ART HUNT clue on the main HOME page. If you solve the answer, email us your answer to gallery@argylefa.com. For each correct answer you provide, your name will go into a draw for a ONE YEAR ART SUBSCRIPTION from our CREATIVE EDITIONS program (Valued at $195) Draw date is Saturday, February 28th at 5pm. Only one answer per entry, per day. We'll reveal the answer the last clue when we release the next one, and so on and so forth.

HERE IS YOUR FIRST CLUE:

This artist was featured in our PRE-SHRUNK 2015 show...His work stands out from the others because it's solid like a rock. What is the artist's full name?

HINT: Visit our Pre-Shrunk Show online,over  at our website for your answer.   Happy ART Surfing! While online, make sure to check out all the other little works of art from PRE-SHRUNK 2015 that are still available for just $175 each.

LIGHT TO BRIGHTEN THE NIGHT: New Works by Janelle Tyler this Saturday!

We're delighted to offer up our windows that overlook the dark and snowy streets of Halifax, for a little bit of LIGHT to brighten the darkness that February can bring. This Saturday, February 21st, 1:30-3:30pm we invite you to drop by the gallery and meet Janelle Tyler- the mastermind behind these works of art that are equal part art and equal part math/computer science!

 Here's just a snap shot of one of the beauties all lit up...imagine a window FULL of them and all the shadows and dancing of lights. We can hardly wait! Of course, all the works are for sale and would make a wonderfully unique way to light your home or office or lobby....They are almost magical!

STUDIO SATURDAYS: The Art Collector

Good-afternoon and welcome to the third installment of our STUDIO SATURDAYS blog postings- where we share sneak peeks into creative art spaces, ask  artists why they do what they do, and  chat to the people who love art just as much as we do!

Since today is Valentine's Day, we thought we'd introduce you to someone that is in love with ART. Contrary to popular belief, the "art collector" isn't always a "dark rimmed glasses and  tweed jacket wearing man with a black turtle neck "- (not that there's anything wrong with that) but we wanted to show our readers that art collecting and the love of art can afflict everyone and anyone...sometimes when you least expect it!  We thought we'd begin with asking our friend Karen to share a few words about how she feels about art. I say friend, because that's honestly what  many of our customers become. Art is a beautiful thing.

Is owning original artwork contagious? 

Yes, but I figure there are worse addictions to have. I will forgo food and drink to pay out a piece, as art is nourishment in itself.

How has owning original art changed the way you feel in your home? 

Art for me is a visual reflection of what I find appealing and interesting, whether it be something that makes me smile, reflect or simply get lost in the atmosphere. Being surrounded by pieces that I feel in some way are a part of me, makes me feel comfortable and warm in my home. I’ve always danced to the beat of my own drum and hence my tastes in art are wide, varied and often quirky. This is reflected in the things I surround myself with.

Folk art owls by Basil Doucette and Owl Painting by Melissa Townsend

Have you met any of the artists who’s work you’ve purchased? Does that affect your relationship with the art piece(s)?

I have. Most often I have purchased or at least admired a piece and afterwards met the artist. I’m happy to say that meeting the artists have added to my enjoyment of the pieces, as they are what I imagine them to be: contemplative, humble and genuine people. They invest themselves in their work and leave some of who they are on the canvass or in the sculpture, so I find generally if the piece of art appeals to me, the personality of the artist also appeals to me. 

In purchasing local artwork, you’ve had a direct impact on our arts community, by helping it thrive and build momentum. How does that make you feel? 

There is so, so much talent right at our doorstep, in the visual arts and the performing arts, why go further. I love nothing better than to help support, in a small way, the extremely talented folks living and creating magic in our region. Life without original art and original live music is unimaginable to me, so doing my part to ensure these talented people can continue to make a living, makes me feel great.

Tell us about your favourite piece! 

Selecting a favourite piece is like picking a favourite family member. I could talk about them all individually and what they mean to me, as each one tells a story. I never buy for financial investment appreciation sake but always because I love the piece and how it makes me feel when I walk by it or stand in front of it in quiet contemplation. Don’t make me pick one! 

Folk art sculpture by Barry Colpitts and small painting by Gordon MacDonald

Has visiting the gallery on a regular basis changed the way you look at artwork / developed, or changed your taste in art?

I think what appeals to us as the years go by may change – fashion trends, colour schemes, etc… but I find if I am drawn to a piece of art, not matter how much time goes by, it doesn’t lose its charm or my favour. I love it now and I will love it 30 years from now. I enjoy being exposed to as much art as possible, all styles and medium, but it just seems to affirm my wide and varied tastes. I can’t pinpoint all the factors that make up, “the one” that gets to me, but I know it when I see it.

How has collecting artwork changed the way you look at the world around you?

It’s a bit of a yin yang situation. My art influences how I see the world, and seeing the world around me influences what attracts me at any given time. The world is a visual feast, if you take the time to really look. You can find it in your back yard, in the quite of a starlit night in the wilderness or in the bustle of a city of several million. I get as much enjoyment from laying down in a field looking at the beauty of the micro worlds of insects, rocks and blades of grass, as much as I do ambling around the Louvre. Art is everywhere. Beauty and breathlessness are everywhere. You just have to stop and look.

Two works by Trevor Van den Eijnden

TEXTUAL FEELINGS OPENS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14th 1:30 - 3:30

Do include us in your Valentine's day adventuring - we've got an amazing text based show opening at 1:30pm,  featuring the likes of Sydney Smith, Nick Brunt, Bryanna Chapeskie, Rose Zack, Brian Porter, and of course, Bee Stanton! Bring your beau, or come as you are, everyone is welcome to partake. We'll have BEE STANTON ON HAND PRODUCING HAND WRITTEN, CUSTOMIZED VALENTINE'S DAY CARDS!! And Nick Brunt will be working on a nifty typewriter that you'll need to see in person to fully appreciate. 

For those of you who live far far away, fret not, the show can be seen online! Just click here : https://www.flickr.com/photos/62710153@N03/sets/72157648423128203/

 TEXTUAL FEELINGS OPENS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH opening reception
 1:30 - 3:30pm
 Show continues until March 7th

Nick Brunt

"K" by Sydney Smith (SOLD, but taking names/orders for prints)

Bryanna Chapeskie

Rose Zack

Brian Porter

Bee Stanton

Honey, I Shrunk the Show and " TEXTUAL FEEINGS" Happening this Saturday!

Today, we took on the labourous task of taking down the BIG show of small art, Pre-Shrunk 2015! Thanks to each and every one of you that participated in some way or another for making this year's show the best one yet! There are still lots of great wonders left for you to explore from this show, so make sure to drop by for another look. In fact, we shrunk the show a little bit, so now you can see a condensed version of the show in one corner of the gallery and online anytime HERE. 

 (PS- they make great Valentine's Gifts)

Pre-Shrunk painting by Brianna Corr-Scott

We're also excited be prepping the walls for our new show, TEXTUAL FEELINGS, opening up this Saturday, February 14th, 1:30-3:30pm. Drop by to meet some of the artists participating, and celebrate the lost art of typography. Don't forget to pick up a Valentine Card or two for special people in your lives!

A work you'll enjoy at the TEXTUAL FEELINGS show by Bee Stanton

New Work from gallery artists are always arriving, such as this found object and assemblage by Ed Beals. It may be just the right thing to tell your Valentine that they are OUT OF THIS WORLD.....

UFO by the amazing Ed Beals

HORRAY for Andy MacDonald!

We're always excited when we all have the opportunity to see and hear an artist speak about their artwork and process. Take a look at this link to watch a portion of the interview with Andy MacDonald, and then follow the link farther to watch the entire interview and explore other great interviews under the STUDIO tab.  Sounds confusing, but you'll see...just start HERE

Below are two examples of Andy's most recent works, that are part of the Pre-Shrunk show. You can see the entire show of PRE-SHRUNK 2015, and more of Andy's work over at www.argylefineart.com 

** Mark Your Calendars: Andy MacDonald's next solo show at Argyle Fine Art will be opening on April 16th**

STUDIO SATURDAYS- Episode Two

As we had mentioned last Saturday, Argyle Fine Art is interested in exploring what ART means to all sorts of people from all walks of life; from those that create it to those that collect it,  in our new blog series "Studio Saturdays: Getting to Know Art".  Today is the second Saturday for Studio Saturdays and today we've asked a few more artists to share their studio images with us, as you will see below.

**Next Saturday, we'll  hear from a  guest blogger about why they love art and choose to surround themselves with local art in their homes.**

This Saturday, we'd like to introduce you to the studios of three very different artists and studio practices.

We'll begin with artist Mark Brennan, whom many know as a "plein air" landscape painter- meaning his "studio" is often just him perched along a stream, in an old growth forest or inside a tent during a snow storm   Wow- Mark....you are a brave brave artist!

When Mark isn't outside he brings his artwork inside, to his home studio. Here he can continue to work on pieces he began on location or expand on an idea, in a larger format that would otherwise be difficult to work on outside.

Studio of artist Mark Brennan

Artist Bryanna Chapeskie is an emerging artist who loves illustration and typography as a form of art. She works predominantly with ink and watercolour on paper, to create lush works filled with texture, colour and light, and a dose of humour in some cases too. She and her twin sister also own a company called "Double Dare" which specializes in screen-printed cards, prints and other products. We love this creative space Bryanna has created. Her lovely black cat named Potato is usually near by and loves art too and is a creative inspiration we think!

Studio of artist Bryanna Chapeskie

Shelley Mitchell is a local artist who is very well-known and collected from our gallery and across Canada. What you may not know is that Shelley likes to plan her paintings out in a variety of ways. She researches her subject matters in person and online, she takes photos and works from those in some cases as a beginning point- but then the work takes on a life of it's own in Shelley's capable hands. To that end, you'll notice that Shelley's studio seems quite organized and that there truly is a method to the madness, which is the wonderful works by Mitchell.

Studio of artist Shelley Mitchell

TUNE IN TO OUR BLOG here, next Saturday and hear from a local art collector and their personal views about art!

Pre-Shrunk 2015 is still shining bright! Exhibition continues until Febuary 10th!

There's still time to stop in and admire all the artwork in our annual miniature show, Pre-Shrunk! The diversity in this exhibition is amazing, and each piece is contained within a teeny weeny 4" x 5" surface!! The show will remain on display until February the 10th, after which point we'll start the work of installing our next exhibition, TEXTUAL FEELINGS opening on Valentine's day. (more on this to come!!)

David Figueroa 

 

Brianne Williams

Kris Webster

Gordon MacDonald

Christa Specht

Luis Figueroa

CARDS! A MILLION TRILLION ADORABLE VALENTINES DAY CARDS!

Well, perhaps not a million trillion, but we're certain you'll find the right fit for your valentine's day card needs. There's no shortage of sweet sentiments and hilarious greeting cards here, and their almost all crafted by local artists! We even have the option to have your own personalized card, penned by the fabulous typography artist, Bee Stanton (and for only 35 buckaroos!!) Stop in and browse through our selection before the 14th rolls around!!

Regional Assembly of Text

Jodie Hansen

Jodie Hansen

Double Dare

Jodie Hansen

Jodie Hansen

Jodie Hansen

Regional Assembly of Text