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 November 2 through December 13, 2025

Small Strides by B Mosher

, opens a new window

Small Strides gathers doodles, repeated words, and playful paper forms into drawings and risograph prints, trying to understand the gradual and unpredictable process of learning. In visiting the fuzzy zone between knowing and unknowing, the works keep with this uncertain haze, sometimes puncturing it with moments of clarity.

Learn more., opens a new window

Alderney Gate Public Library

Information on next display coming soon.

Cole Harbour Public Library

On display October 16 through November 30, 2025

Art by Beverley Lynn Kelly

Two blue herons.

Bev’s original paintings explore the amazing natural treasures found throughout the Atlantic Provinces of Canada, but also the awe-inspiring beauty discovered during her travel adventures. Oceans, Marine Life, Forests, Lakes, Flora, and Fauna! Inspired by masters of post-impressionism, Van Gogh and Cezanne, Bev uses a subjective approach to painting, choosing symbolic colours, bold gestural strokes, and optical effects to evoke a thought-provoking narrative or an emotional response.

The Artist works mainly in acrylics but also engages in a variety of art media and forms. Since childhood, Bev has expressed her view of the world through art. An award-winning artist, she studied Visual Art, Drama and Education at the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Calgary, and the Elam School of Art, the University of Auckland (A Conceptual Art School). Over the years, she has taught in her home and in educational settings in Canada and overseas. Bev especially enjoys teaching classes for students with varying needs and from culturally diverse backgrounds. She enjoys painting theatre sets, murals, and engaging in public art and art shows.

Website, opens a new window

Email

J.D. Shatford Memorial Public Library

On display November 2025

Art by Bridget Sullivan

Decades ago, Bridget Sullivan took one lesson at Spruce Top Rughooking in Mahone Bay and was hooked (no pun intended)! Since then, she’s been cutting up old wool coats and any other wool fabric she finds at second-hand stores and transforming them into rugs and cushions. Her philosophy is to “never buy new,” so all of her work is 100% upcycled.

She gets her inspiration from her garden, family pets, houses she’s lived in and old postcards. She also makes rugs to commemorate family events like weddings and vacations. Currently, she’s working on a series of cushions based on the childhood artwork of her four granddaughters. She has one completed and three more to go. When asked if she’d sell any of her rugs, she enthusiastically responds, “Yes … for $1000!” So far, she hasn’t had any takers.

Keshen Goodman Public Library

On display November 2025

Art by Mahnaz Roshan

Mahnaz Roshan is a visual artist, illustrator, children’s book author, and community leader whose work explores transformation, unity, and the healing power of creativity. Trained in Fine Arts at the University of Cádiz, Spain, she is skilled in pastel, oil, acrylic, and pencil, and is expanding her practice into digital art, NFTs, and new creative technologies.

She is the writer and illustrator of the best-selling children’s book The Adventure of Colour Pencils Travelling, which has been internationally showcased, including at prestigious events such as the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany. Her playful yet meaningful storytelling inspires young readers to discover creativity, teamwork, and imagination. Beyond the studio, Mahnaz travels with different products to perform live painting, bringing art to life in front of audiences and making creativity an interactive and shared experience.

She is also the founder of Mahnaz Wellness & Fine Art Studio/Gallery, where she blends art with well-being, offering workshops and programs that nurture self-love, mental health, and personal growth. She serves as President and Board Member of the Atlantic Spinners Art and Dance Society/Art4Unity, curating multicultural events that connect artists and communities through exhibitions, performances, and collaborative projects.

Her art is deeply tied to service. She actively volunteers with the Breast Cancer Society of Nova Scotia, the Red Cross, and UNICEF, donating artwork and organizing fundraising events. Through her painting, writing, and community work, Mahnaz’s mission is to empower people of all ages—especially youth and women—to discover creativity as a pathway to healing, connection, and transformation.

Musquodoboit Harbour Public Library

Information on next display coming soon.

Sackville Public Library

Information on next display coming soon.

Tantallon Public Library

On display November through December 2025

The Mutant Local, by Melanie Park

A seagull and octopus, together in a ocean scene.

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!