Today is #Youthday- Celebrate Young Artists!

According to Twitter, today's trending topic is Youth. In fact, did you know that it's International Youth Day? Well....now you know! Celebrate the youth who will make our world an even better place to live! Days like yesterday prove this!

As our blog readers know, we've been fundraising a bit at the gallery, with the help of a puppet made by Darren Moreash of "Weird Al" Yankovic and signed by Al Yankovic on a recent visit to the gallery. With the help of friends and strangers, the word got out that we were hoping to raise enough money to assist an invaluable non-profit in our community: Youth Art Connection.  We are pleased to announce that we raised $2725!  HOLY MOLY!

From Youth Art Connection:   Because of this amazing effort, 6 ArtPreneurs will travel to Ontario in the fall to check out The Remix Project, meet top shelf artist/business mentors, and then present at the Power of the Arts National Forum in Ottawa!

Of course, the real thanks goes to the highest bidder and other contributors to our cause!  Pictured below is Shane MacDonald, who is the proud owner of the marionette for now. He'll be gifting it to a very special daughter later in the year. (sshhhhhhhhh....don't tell her, it's a secret)

Left to Right: Adriana Afford (Owner of Argyle Fine Art) , Caitlin McGuire (local artist & teacher of the arts), Darren Moreash (artist of the marionette) , Shane MacDonald (generous bidder!), Cavell Holland (one of the best success stories of Youth Art Connection) and Ryan Veltmeyer (Co-Director of Youth Art Connection)

HAVE YOU SEEN THESE? New pieces by gallery artists!

Even with Gordon MacDonald's and Toni Losey's show in full swing, we've continued accepting the trickle of summer artwork arriving from a variety of our local gallery artists. From Mary Garoutte's collection of quiet, emotive scenes of Lunenburg, to Sarah Jones's cool, industrial renderings of our waterfront. Oh, and of course there's the new colourful little birdies made by one of our most treasured folk artists, Basil Doucette. We're bursting at the seams with handsome new pieces, ready for viewing during one of our busiest seasons. Stop in, won't you?!

 "The Beginning of Evening, Falkland St" By Mary Garoutte 24" x 24", Oil on Board

 "Dwellings (Light in the Window)" By Mary Garoutte 16" x 20" Oil on Board

 "Harbour (0013)" by Sarah Jones 30" x 60" Oil on Canvas

       Wee little birdie by Basil Doucette!

A Little Campfire

Gordon MacDonald's solo show is now in full swing. We're enjoying speaking with lots of people that have been lured into the gallery by his luminous skies and open spaces filled with colour and abstraction. This show is the perfect sampling of all things Gordon is passionate about painting. Make sure to get in or experience the entire show online HERE

This year more than ever before, we have noticed subtle and engaging narratives have started to emerge into some of his landscapes. If you've had a chance to see the paintings in person, then you probably already know this, but just in case we wanted to point out one very special piece that has people talking each time they view it in person.

The work pictured above is called "Long Lake"  which Gordon MacDonald 

talks about in his own words: 

When we look at something very light like a sky, what is in the darkness falls away and detail is lost. We are aware of what's there, but it's what we know rather than whats in our vision. Since in most cases, the sky is lighter than everything below it and a balance had to be struck with detail and colour. I thought a bonfire would be interesting because  if small enough, it would become something we know given the distance the painting should be viewed at. It also implies a human presence. Canadian landscape painters, as opposed to American ones are more likely to leave people out all together.

Detail of the small surprise- the small campfire in Long Lake by Gordon MacDonald

Gordon MacDonald and Toni Losey Shows are now ONLINE

Two amazing artists were celebrated this past Thursday at the gallery...with lots of pieces finding new homes. There are so many wonderful works remaining which are now online for everyone to enjoy. 

Take a moment and enjoy the beauty!

SEE ALL OF GORDON MACDONALD's works from his current show HERE

SEE ALL OF TONI LOSEY's works from her current show HERE

Going for GOLD: Vote Argyle Fine Art for BEST GALLERY today!

WE LOVE YOU!

DO YOU LOVE US?

___YES!
___meh


VOTE FOR ARGYLE FINE ART  for BEST GALLERY IN HALIFAX in The Coast readership polls, but don't delay...voting closes July 31st!  That's tomorrow..yikes! 

Here's the LINK. Make it so! Thanks everyone!

PS- We love the colour GOLD.

OPENING TONIGHT: New Works by Gordon MacDonald and Toni Losey

We're very excited to be opening two new bodies of work for two amazing local artists tonight- Gordon MacDonald and Toni Losey! The opening reception is TONIGHT, THURSDAY, JULY 30th! All are welcome to join us! 

Here's a great article about Gordon's show, as found in the Chronicle Herald today titled "Capturing the moods of Clouds" CLICK HERE to read the entire article!

Bid on a "Weird Al" Marionette and help the Youth Art Connection

ONLINE Bidding for the "Eat It" marionette is now available by simply clicking HERE. 

We were very fortunate to have a wonderful and unexpected guest visit us on Friday afternoon. The musical and comedic genius, Grammy Award winning and overall amazing human being, known to the world as "Weird Al" Yankovic. He popped by to see some art and show his support for a new body of work by local artist Darren Moreash while visiting Halifax to play two sold out shows while on his extensive Mandatory  Fun  World Tour.

One of the most iconic marionettes depicts "Weird Al" from his music video "Eat It" parodying  Michael Jackson's "Beat It", is up for auction! We're excited to offer this autographed one-of-a-kind artwork of a one-of-a-kind celebrity. Al told us that any charity would be great, so we thought the YOUTH ART CONNECTION would be the perfect choice!  It's a small but mighty organization that works with youth and fosters confidence in the arts and business.Youth Art Connection (YAC) is a Nova Scotia based not-for-profit working with youth, professional artists and community to make positive change. Check them out at: www.youthartconnection.ca  

Watch the latest TV spot on this exciting project by clicking HERE

This is a wonderful way for a fan of the quirky art by Darren Moreash and a fan of Weird Al Yankovic to own a one-of-a kind work of art that can also act as a reminder to play everyday give back when you can. Play your part!

Artist Darren Moreash with "Weird Al" Yankovic at Argyle Fine Art

The eight marionettes by Moreash are hand carved and painted to pay homage to "Weird Al" and the characters he has played in his popular music videos and films. Al Yankovic was very generous with his time and genuinely enjoyed the works and hanging out with all of us for a little while. There was candy and music and of course, a puppet show. The works will be on display until the end of July at Argyle Fine Art and will be online for viewing and purchase by Tuesday, July 28th.  Two have already found homes with fans and one with Al Yankovic himself. We hope he enjoys playing with his marionette when he returns back home from his extensive world tour.

FRIDAY, JULY 24th 2:30 - 5:30 STOP IN TO SEE WEIRD AL, IN GLORIOUS MARIONETTE FORM!!

Click here to see the article in the Metro!

Things are Getting Weird!

Local Artists Celebrate musician Weird Al’s Arrival in Halifax with Marionettes of the man through the Ages

Opening Reception 2:30 – 5:30pm, Friday, July 24th

Weird Al is coming to Halifax so we thought it only fitting to showcase a series of hand-carved and painted marionettes by Darren and Julie Moreash in honour of his arrival between July 22nd and July 30th. These works are sure to tickle your funny bone and remind you that it's important to play and laugh everyday! The opening reception will be held on FRIDAY, July 24th, 2:30-5:30pm, as a lead up to the second concert that Weird Al will perform in Halifax. We want to invite EVERYONE to drop by for some fun.

These unique works have been created based on popular Weird Al music video persona's that Al has portrayed in the past. BEAT IT! EAT IT! LIKE A SURGEON and more! Expect polka and fun and lots of candy too- so bring yourself and your family downtown and party like it's 1984 ish...and beyond! DON'T MISS THE 45 seconds Marionette shows planned to happen on the hour on the hours of  3pm,4pm and 5pm! A small stage was created to facilitate the marionettes in all their glory. LIVE MUSIC will be provided by Mike Diabo of the Urban Surf Kings fame... via the next best instrument other than the accordion...the UKE!

 Artist Darren Moreash had this to say about the works:

 I've been a Weird Al fan for a long time. From the first time I heard " I love Rocky Road” in the early 80's I was hooked. Since I make marionettes of rock musicians and have had them called "Weird " by a lot of people, doing a bunch of Weird Al ones was a no brainer and this show at the Argyle gives me the opportunity." 

 Some Quotes a few  famous people have shared about receiving a marionette from Darren and Julie:

 “I've never played with myself in public before!" -Rick Derringer
"They REALLY are AMAZING!" - Gene Simmons of KISS
"I can chase my cats with it!" - John Cleese

HIGH NOON AT NOON: Jane Rovers

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY for our HIGH NOON AT NOON features , where we feature ONE piece of art at HIGH NOON that will be priced at a special price but for just 24 hours! The works selected for these days, are works that the gallery and artist that created them feel is some of their best works...but haven't found a home yet. We'd like to introduce you to these works and hope that some of them find a home with you.
 

Today's HIGH NOON featured work by artist Jane Rovers. Jane mixes her photography with mixed media and her keen eye for design. Jane will be having a solo show with us this August called "HOME" which you are all invited to enjoy in person or online.

This work is called "Electric Field", it measures 12" x 12", mixed media/photo transfer on canvas, ready to hang. It has a rugged look to it- imperfections make it perfect and are intended by the artist.

Until tomorrow at HIGH NOON, this work sells for $260 and it's regular price is $325

HIGH NOON AT NOON: Mark Brennan

TOMORROW is the LAST HIGH NOON- time sure does fly!

Until July 18th, we'll be featuring ONE piece of art at HIGH NOON that will be priced at a special price but for just 24 hours! The works selected for these days, are works that the gallery and artist that created them feel is some of their best works...but haven't found a home yet. We'd like to introduce you to these works and hope that some of them find a home with you.
 

Today's HIGH NOON featured work by artist Mark Brennan. This work takes you to the lakeside, on a misty morning while everything is quiet and there is only sounds of the birds waking up and beginning their days. Mark loves to wake up with the birds and take his art making outside.

The work is called "Dawn Near Piperlake", it measures 8" x 10", Oil on board, framed in simple black frame as shown (framed dimensions are 11" x 13".

SOLD Until tomorrow at HIGH NOON, this work sells for $285 and it's regular price is $390

 

HIGH NOON AT NOON: Norma Jean MacLean

Until July 18th, we'll be featuring ONE piece of art at HIGH NOON that will be priced at a special price but for just 24 hours! The works selected for these days, are works that the gallery and artist that created them feel is some of their best works...but haven't found a home yet. We'd like to introduce you to these works and hope that some of them find a home with you.

Today's  HIGH NOON featured work is PEI artist Norma Jean MacLean. We thought this work really sums up what summer is finally is feeling like. Freedom to get outside and enjoy all the festivals and fairs!You can almost feel the warm breeze filled with the sweet smells of cotton candy and popcorn in this work.

The work is called "Cotton Candy Stand", it measures 16" x 16", Oil on wide profile canvas  and ready to hang.

SOLD Until tomorrow at HIGH NOON, this work sells for $350 and it's regular price is $450

HIGH NOON AT NOON: Vaughn Gray

Until July 18th, we'll be featuring ONE piece of art at HIGH NOON that will be priced at a special price but for just 24 hours! The works selected for these days, are works that the gallery and artist that created them feel is some of their best works...but haven't found a home yet. We'd like to introduce you to these works and hope that some of them find a home with you.

Today's  HIGH NOON featured work is by self-taught artist Vaughn Gray. This little gem was painted by Vaughn way back in 2008 and has been admired by many, as it's a great reminder of the Nova Scotian landscape. Vaughn is from Yarmouth Country and most of his works are images from places that were special to him as he was growing up there.

The work is called "Richmond Road Pond", it measures 6" x 6", Acrylic on wide profile canvas with painted sides and ready to hang. (these paintings make wonderful gifts!)

Until tomorrow at HIGH NOON, this work sells for $175 and it's regular price is $250