Art Displays

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 April 19 - May 31, 2025

In The Sunroom: The Art of The Book Witch – The Wee White Dog & The Little Free Library by Tegan Thomas

Tegan Thomas is a Canadian artist from Vancouver Island living in Halifax. She graduated from Emily Carr University of Art and Design in 2012 with a Bachelor of Media Arts with a Major in Animation. Her graduating film, Sun Dog, was screened at multiple international film festivals and is award-winning.

Tegan went on to work at animation studios on projects such as Star Trek Lower Decks, Netflix’s Carmen Sandiego, and My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. She also enjoys participating in Halifax’s local art community by selling her illustration work at markets, festivals and shops.

Tegan’s love of visual storytelling has grown to children’s book illustration, and she is thrilled for the release of her first picture book, The Book Witch - The Wee White Dog & The Little Free Library, written by Lana Shupe and published by Nimbus Publishing.

"This exhibit is a collection of the original illustrations I created for the picture book, The Book Witch - The Wee White Dog & The Little Free Library, written by Lana Shupe. Sharing this work is a celebration of my love for picture books, and it’s a privilege to be able to display them in the local Library whose collections supported my journey to being published. I hope viewers enjoy how characters, environments, colour, and lighting can all come together to tell a story."

Alderney Gate Public Library

Information on next display coming soon.

Cole Harbour Public Library

Information on next display coming soon.

J.D. Shatford Memorial Public Library

On display May 2025

Art by Ernest Richmond

After 42 years, Ernest retired from corporate sales and discovered painting through an opportunity presented by a local artist. Her intuition about his ability served as a springboard to what has now become a full-time passion. Self-instructed, Ernest studies the works of talented artists, past and present, on the internet or attending workshops.

"Inspiration to paint a particular scene is rooted in my desire to actually be there on some level. Water, the origin of all life, is my favorite means of expression in nearly all my paintings. Water in some shape, form or color irresistibly draws me: The peace and majesty of cascading mountain streams tumbling in the sunlight, or the glories of a majestic waterfall sporting an equally glorious rainbow, or an ocean wave holding its breath before crashing on shore. Even a dark and thunderous rain-filled sky will someday be a subject for my painting as it appeals to my sense of beauty and the dramatic. I find such elemental moments strangely calming: Perhaps because they are ephemeral moments of beauty born in the turmoil of life, moments I want to capture as remembrance before they are gone. I can only hope that the beauty I have attempted to capture resonates with those who may have had similar experiences in their own life."

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Keshen Goodman Public Library

On display May 2025

Photography from Kaitlin Davidson

Kaitlin is a Halifax-based photographer, who focuses on exhibiting the flora and fauna of Nova Scotia. These mushrooms were found while on various hiking trips; the majority from Hemlock Ravine, with the rest from Blomidon Provincial Park. While she enjoys taking photos year-round, autumn is her favourite season as mushrooms usually begin to appear in September.

This series of photos were taken as a part of an extended studies class offered by NSCAD.

Musquodoboit Harbour Public Library

Information on next display coming soon.

Sackville Public Library

Information on next display coming soon.

Tantallon Public Library

On display May 2025

Art by Bryan Ashwood

"I'm Bryan Ashwood. I was born in Toronto and grew up in southern Ontario. I joined the military at 18, and have recently retired after 19+ years in the Canadian Forces. What's next? Still working on it. Since a very young age—think marker on carpet—I have always been passionate about art. That said, I was never really any good (my brother was the gifted one)."

"I started this journey during the COVID-19 pandemic with my spouse. Paint nights became a regular thing. I carried this hobby onwards and translated it into what you see here now. I am always learning, I am always inspired, I am always looking to grow. I am self-taught, and I am certain I have more than a few bad habits on display. All said, not only does my art insist that I stay focused, it has become my escapism without repercussion."