Thursday, November 19, 2015

Vroooooom......And we SHIP ART too....artistically of course! FREE SHIPPING within Canada for the holidays!

Just in case you didn't know, we ship artwork all around the world!  No box is too small or too large to send!  Caitlin McGuire, who has just started to work with the gallery, has taken on the tradition begun by Crystal Ross (off on maternity leave) of shipping and packing art work creatively!!  We can hardly wait to hear the reaction of this client when he receives his art- which appears to be in a box shaped as a truck or delivery van! Just take a look!

****ARGYLE FINE ART IS OFFERING FREE SHIPPING within CANADA on orders $100 or more until Dec. 12th!****

 Art is a wonderful way to celebrate the season and actually many couples and families are opting to celebrate the season with original artwork. In fact, it's become a tradition for a few- each year they set aside a little bit of dollars and select a work of art together. What a grand memory that will be in years to come!!


Monday, November 16, 2015

Time to write some heartfelt notes in these heartfelt cards...

It's time to get out your pen and pick-up some hand screen printed cards, like these beautiful ones by the twin sister duo, Bryanna and Alyssa Chapeskie...aka Double Dare Print Studio.  These are not only cards...but mini works of art and $5.50 each.

Each card is made lovingly and we love the vintage aesthetic each of these have- fits in quite nicely with our nostalgic holiday theme happening all season long at the gallery.  Check out these as well as other cards and prints by local artists arriving almost daily now!







Saturday, November 14, 2015

Gonna Buy Me a Ford Truck (And Cruise It Up and Down the Road)

This holiday season at the gallery we're feeling a little... nostalgic. What better way to enjoy that feeling than a trip down memory lane - with art!

Today we're featuring a new work by artist Andy MacDonald, Orange Truck. This is no ordinary Andy MacDonald painting though (as if anything Andy does is ordinary) - this piece glows.

Orange Truck, Andy MacDonald



When we say it glows, we really mean it. The headlights and the background in this piece actually glow in the dark!

Ouu! Ahhh!

You have to see this piece in person to really appreciate it. Especially if you are a classic Ford truck lover.

Fear not Chevy fans, we have a classic by Andy for you too! 


A few process shots on how we set up our glow in the dark photo booth:

Add a little light...

One tall chair & one heavy coat = the sophisticated photo booth Caitlin set up to keep the light out!


Thursday, November 12, 2015

Sentimental Feelings: Nostalgic for the Holidays

'Tis the season when many of us will start to prepare for  holiday celebrations.One important part of this season, is to say "thank you" to people that are important to us, in our daily lives. One way to do this, is through gift giving and card writing.We've begun to receive lots of new cards by local artists- all different styles for anyone on your list. We also have the most beautiful glass pens, that almost look as if you are writing with icicles.



(Left to Right) -"French Bulldog in Scarf" by Tara Andrews postcard, "Evening Skate" collage card by Angela Carlsen and Glass Pen by Janelle Tyler (various styles)
But you can also show you care with kind gestures. We challenge all of you to do kind things for one another throughout the season and in the year ahead. In fact, we are offering 20% off most purchases over $50 (before tax- some exceptions apply) IF you donate a warm pair of new or gently used mittens or gloves this season until December 15th! Then we'll take all the wonderful warm things and drop them to a local non-profit in time for winter wearing! We plan to hang out a clothesline and thank you publicly too! Of course, if you just want to donate without a purchase, that's wonderful too!


Another thing many of us do, is think back to days past with fondness and good memories of friends, family and fun. This holiday season at Argyle Fine Art, we want to reminisce with you and showcase some works that touch on the nostalgic things associated with a Canadian holiday season- especially an Atlantic Canadian one! So sit back, and relax as we bring you little bits of memories throughout the weeks ahead- with art!  Tell us what you think of when you think of Christmas or the holidays you celebrate!  What makes you feel the "warm and cozies"? 




To start with, we are excited to feature the latest works by Kimberly Floyd in her growing series of vintage products- all of which still exist to this day, and have actually not changed their branding much at all over the years and years. All of these things have a certain memory attached to them for many Atlantic Canadians especially, but not exclusively. All of these works are at the gallery and are waiting for new homes for the holidays, perhaps with you! (and they are even more colourful and alive in person!)  Contact us directly for purchase details at 902-425-9456.


 Drop back often....we'll be featuring lots of new works that will trigger a nostalgic bone or two! Throughout the weeks, we hope to have a Record Playing shopping party and more...stay tuned!


Thursday, November 5, 2015

Nature’s first green is gold, her hardest hue to hold.

The winds of change are in the air as we step into fall in Nova Scotia. As the colours of the leaves change from green to gold, and slowly fade to brown under a grey sky, the nights get a little darker and the air a little cooler.

Fear not fair-weather friends! While it is chilly outside, it's still warm inside with new springtime inspirations from artist Briana Corr Scott.

Briana Corr Scott

Colour, warmth, form and light - Briana's studies are gentle and soft, and help create a calm transition between seasons.

Briana Corr Scott

Join us and step out of the cold and into the gallery today to let art and your imagination carry you through until warmer seasons.

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Happy HOwllllllllloweeN!

Well today's a very special day, for it is Halloween! The streets are filled with children and adults alike celebrating this playful day in full costume and their tummies are filled to the brim with candy! We have decked out our windows with spooky and festive art too....and these hand-embroidered works by Yoko White. are making people do a double take.

Have a HEART!


  Oh if only we had a BRAIN!


BOO! 

 

Saturday, October 24, 2015

City Harvest - Back to the Future Sketch Covers

We celebrated City Harvest downtown today - which meant having a bit of fun at the gallery.

We had Kim Danio on hand, who was the artist behind our Sole of the City Nocturne display. Kim as here with a plethora (a flock? a pack?) of her shoe critters, showing us how she goes from shoe to work of art.

Artist Craig Baltzer was also here doing a painting demo. Craig's work was featured with Kim's downstairs at Nocturne. He also managed to whip up a Back to the Future sketch cover, as seen below:

Sketch Cover by Craig Baltzer

Caitlin McGuire, who you can find behind the counter at the gallery when she's not painting in her studio, also created a sketch cover:
Sketch Cover by Caitlin McGuire

Both Covers with the very limited BACK TO THE FUTURE comic inside are NOW for Sale- They are $65 each. There will never be other ones like it....we hope some lucky folks take the plunge and get in touch with us at gallery@argylefa.com  and call 902-425-9456 for purchase. Christmas is coming...or so we are told! (eeeck)


Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Art inspired by Pop Culture: Back to the Future Day Success

To quote Marty McFly; a main character from the "Back to the Future" movie  trilogies- "That was heavy"- meaning that was unbelievable and amazing!  Yesterday was October 21st, 2015 otherwise known as Back to the Future Day and we had a wonderful day with artwork created by local artists inspired by the movie to celebrate it's 30th anniversary annnnnnnnnnnnd we also had a Delorean that just so happened to look like the famous Time Travel Machine that travels through decades in the 1980's classic. What a happy day it was...people that had never been in our gallery dropped in. Everyone had smiles on their faces and for even just a few moments, art took them on a journey away from their daily routines.

You can see the entire show online here... SHOW ONLINE HERE!
Of course we encourage you to come and see the show in person too! Many of the works represented online are available as prints or originals too!

Here are some of our favourite pictures from yesterday, that really sum up the over all moods of the day.

Here's to the FUTURE!  Things are looking brighter and brighter each day!

photo contributed by rich aucoin
Original hand-lettered work by Kristen De Palma
The Delorean arrived just before lunch...already started to draw a crowd...everyone was just so excited!!!

Surprise visitors from the FUTURE!  Marty McFly and Doc!
Mini Marty McFly with his Time Machine made by artist Kim Danio...from a sneaker!
All ages came out to enjoy the day and even dressed the part!
Ray guns of the...Future?
Thanks to everyone that came out yesterday, to ALL the media that visited too (we were on The National News folks!), to Trevor MacDonald (the owner of the beautiful Time Machine), to the Downtown Halifax Business Commission and to all the artists....thanks for always helping us make Halifax a more fun and happy place to live and work....and of course, play!

Saturday, October 17, 2015

NA-NA-NA-NA-NOCTURNE!!

It's that time of year again! The wind is crisp and there is change in the air. That can only mean one thing... Nocturne!!

Nocturne is Halifax's annual Art at Night Festival that takes place tonight, Oct 17th, from 6pm-12am. The whole city comes alive for an evening of visual, performance, and installation art - and so much more!

Here at the gallery we have so many great things for you to see and experience!

Upstairs we have work by artist Jan Davison. Jan's bright coloured paintings feature local favourites - restaurants, cafes, bars, shops and more! Come tour the city with Jan's work!

Bearly's by Jan Davison


Downstairs you are in for a treat! Artist Kim Danio has created local institutions - out of boots and shoes! It's so impressive you really have to see it with your own two eyes! It's been likened to "the feeling you experience as a kid on Christmas morning" by those who have seen it - so prepare yourself for feelings of uncontrollable joy!

Metro Transit Ferry, Sailboat and Bridge by Kim Danio

Also downstairs are new nightscape paintings by artist Craig Baltzer. His use of warm street lights cutting through the cool night create a very apropos atmosphere for Nocturne.

Chain Lake Drive by Craig Baltzer

All work from our Nocturne show will be up until Nov 7th! Looking forward to seeing you in the gallery!

Sunday, October 11, 2015

Don't Miss Back to the Future Day - October 21st, 2015

ARTISTS and EVERYONE TAKE NOTE: You'll want to take an extra long lunch break on Wednesday, October 21st, 12:30-3:30pm...it's Back to the Future Day. This is the very day in fictional history that Marty McFly and Doc Emmett Brown traveled back to the future and it's also happens to be the Downtown Business Commission's BIG DAY DOWNTOWN day- where all sorts of local businesses have special offerings! 
First of all, there will be an actual DELOREAN .... an actual honest to goodness Time Machine parked outside our gallery from 12:30-3:30pm!  Take your picture with it and use the hashtag #backtothefuturehfx and #bigdaydowntown  Great Scott! 
Secondly of all, we have an OPEN CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR ART online. Anyone and any age can contribute by easily uploading a  doodle, a painting or creation to our ONLINE ART SHOW PAGE HERE. You can upload works UNTIL OCTOBER 21st,  but if you upload a work we adore by October 18th...we may make it into a print or postcard- with your permission of course! If you are a local artist to our area, we may want to showcase your original and  display it that day and until the end of October, with our regular artist/gallery agreement! Let us know if you have anything you'd like to contribute- the more the merrier! For example, check out this amazing marionette of Marty McFly by Darren Moreash!

REMEMBER TO  HAVE FUN!  TELL FRIENDS!  It's free to upload your works from anywhere!
Thirdly of all,  we'll be joined by GIANT ROBOT COMICS and have a very limited edition "BACK TO THE FUTURE" comics for sale that day too!  

Fourthly finally of all,  PRIZES AND FOOD....there will be a few surprises and treats on hand....Enter to WIN some art and more!   If you show up dressed up like Marty, Doc or any of the characters...that will earn you some special treats indeed!!!!  We'll have a few props to liven up your visit too!


Saturday, October 10, 2015

Pre-Shrunk 2016 Submissions Call!


Calling all artists, calling all artists! 

It’s that time of year again! We are announcing our open call for submissions for Pre-Shrunk, our much loved annual group show that asks artists to create work on a 4x5” surface. We encourage submissions from both established and emerging artists in their preferred medium.

Last year's Pre-Shrunk opening as seen from Attica.


SUBMISSION GUIDELINES




  • Works must be on a 4x5” surface. Pieces that do not measure 4x5” will not be considered.
  • Artists may submit a maximum of five 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.
  • If you are working on paper it must be mounted on to a sturdy 4x5” surface that can be hung on the wall.
  • Submissions must be new and not previously shown.
  • Please include:
    • Your name
    • Phone number and email address
    • Title and materials used to create the work



To apply for this year’s show please send photographs of completed work in a JPEG format to gallery@argylefa.com.



SUBMISSION DEADLINE: JANUARY 6th at MIDNIGHT

If your work is selected by the jury you will be notified by phone or email the following week.



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.
  • DeSerress and the NSCAD bookstore have kindly ordered pre-made 4x5” canvas and boards to supply artists wanting to participate in this show. Supplies are limited.



SHOW OPENS FRIDAY JANUARY 22nd

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



From your pals at Argyle Fine Art,

Adriana Afford and Caitlin McGuire

1559 Barrington St, Halifax , NS

902.425.9456   gallery@argylefa.ca

argylefineart.blogspot.com

Saturday, October 3, 2015

Sock Monsters looking for a good home!

Adoption notice! Down here at Argyle Fine Art we're trying to find homes for a wonderful group of sock monsters! We currently have four of these cuddly monsters awaiting their forever homes. We’re so pleased to introduce you to Clifford, Bwibbles, Mr Flynn and Bertrum. All of our monsters have been de-gummy-wormed and their sugar-shots are all up to date!



Bwibbles is the shyest of the bunch, but don’t let his initial reluctance fool you – this one is a snuggler! Bwibbles loves snuggling with all kinds of critters – other sock monsters, dogs, cats, and even humans! Once you pick him up for a cuddle you won’t want to stop! Bwibbles is waiting for his forever home – is it with you?



Mr Flynn, as you can probably tell by name, is the oldest of the sock monsters – but don’t count this old boy out! With his years comes lots of wisdom and a lot of love. Mr Flynn is very protective of his sock monster pals, but he’s also a huge softie. Just look at that smile! Pick him up today and give him a snuggle - he’ll melt in your arms.



Clifford is the most serious of the group – the most serious about cuddles and snuggles that is! Clifford likes hanging out with sock monster pals, but would also be great in a monsterless forever home with the right family. If you think Clifford is the cuddler for you, come in and meet him today!




Bertrum is the youngest of our monsters. Don’t judge his disposition by this photograph, Bertrum is shy in front of the camera. In person Bertrum's energy is infectious. A happy-go-lucky monster who always looks on the bright side of things, Bertrum is certainly the peppiest of the bunch! Come in to meet Bertrum in person and have your day brightened! 

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Our happy sock monsters are made by artist Sarah Bourque out of brand-new socks that have been washed in unscented, gentle detergent.