Curious about local art? We are too!

When it comes to the arts, Nova Scotia is spoiled for talent, and we're pleased to feature local art in many of our Library spaces.

From The Sunroom at Central Library to art displayed in our branches, we want to give local artists space to connect with our community and share their vision.

Current exhibits

The Sunroom at Central Library

On display March 29th through May 9, 2026

Jipijka’m Skin by Diane Langevin

The Jipijka’m (Great Horned Serpent) is a shape-shifting, semi-aquatic sea serpent who moves through the depths, often unseen. It appears only when the world is ready for it, and each reappearance carries knowledge and strength greater than before.

In this form, Jipijka'm hangs on a drying rack: a place of preparation, transformation, and endurance. Its shape is tied to wood that once held new life, a reminder that what is taken can never erase what exists in love, care, and memory.

For generations, families, language, and stories have been disrupted, removed, or suppressed in Mi'kma'ki and across Turtle Island. Yet their histories endure, carried beneath the surface, resilient. The Jipijka’m embodies that endurance: culture, knowledge, and spirit that cannot be taken, no matter the force applied.

To see it is to witness persistence. To honour it is to acknowledge both loss and the certainty of revival.

This piece is dedicated to my grandson, Linkon.

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Alderney Gate Public Library

Information on next display coming soon.

Cole Harbour Public Library

On display April through June 2026

Art by Matthew Mongraw

Matthew Mongraw is a self-taught artist from Dartmouth who works primarily in acrylic paints, pencil and pen. Born in 1984, Matthew has been artistic throughout his life, and has worked in mediums including acrylics, pen, pencil, charcoal, pastel, and watercolour.

Matthew's works consist of Landscapes and portraits reflecting the people and places around him with a focus on a representational yet impressionistic style. He has completed commissions for portraits and landscapes for private commissions, as well as album artwork and concert posters.

Matthew's work has been commissioned by the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly, to be included in the permanent collection and Gallery at the Nova Scotia Province House. His work has been exhibited at Argyle Fine Art, The Craig Gallery, The Teichert Gallery, The Dart Gallery, Woodlawn Public Library, Lawrencetown Beach Cafe, Zatzman Sportsplex, included in the Mosaic for Mental Health through the Canadian Mental Health Association, and featured on CTV Morning Live. Matthew has participated in group and solo exhibits at galleries throughout Nova Scotia.

Follow Matthew on his artistic journey:

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J.D. Shatford Memorial Public Library

Information on next display coming soon.

Keshen Goodman Public Library

Information on next display coming soon.

Musquodoboit Harbour Public Library

Information on next display coming soon.

Sackville Public Library

Information on next display coming soon.

Tantallon Public Library

On display April 2026

Art by Melanie Park

Melanie initially started her adult life in culinary arts. A freak accident cut this path short, and it was time to reinvent herself. She went back to school, earning two diplomas, then two degrees and started working on a professional designation. A move to Halifax gave her career path a new trajectory. All seemed to be moving along swimmingly, when we were thrown another curveball - the COVID-19 pandemic. To keep from going insane, Melanie purchased some acrylic paints and started painting random pieces of lumber found in the yard from a previous building project. What fun! She was hooked! Her pieces are bright and bold, and created with the purpose of bringing a smile to your face. She paints stuff on other stuff.

Welcome to The Mutant Local - all are welcome!

Woodlawn Public Library

On display March through June 2026

Art by Briana Scott

Briana is an author and artist who lives near Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia. Her world is filled with islands, wild horses, seals, birds, tangled weeds, fog, oddly shaped trees, and the sea. She paints from life, and as she walks along the Atlantic coast near her home. She takes these sketchbooks full of words and images, and returns to her studio to write the stories that turn into poems, picture books, animations, patterns and paintings. The subject of her works is an exploration of images that she pulls from her “happy island,” a place in her mind where she goes to finalize her images and stories.