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
Information on next art display coming soon
Learn all about The Sunroom, its history, and how to apply to share your art in this space.
Central Library
On display August 1-September 30, 2021 | First and Third Floor
I am From Asia: An Art Exhibit
I Am From Asia is an art exhibit that aims to commemorate the significance of Asian immigrants' contributions to the cultural diversity and economic growth of Halifax. We are delighted to feature the participating artists who have committed their time and love for visual arts to make this possible. Some have even shared their personal stories as immigrants. These artists come from different backgrounds, ages, level of experiences and expertise, artistic viewpoints, and mediums, but all have one passion— creating.
We invite you to wander around Asia through their arts and their individual stories. You do not need to show us your passports, just bring yourself, and be transported to the beauty of these art creations.
Learn more and meet the artists in this blog post feature
Alderney Gate Public Library
Currently on display
Art by Mark Maestro
Mark Maestro was born in the Philippines and immigrated to Canada in 1981. He received his BFA (Ceramics) from Nova Scotia College of Art & Deseign and trained as an illustrator at Red River College.
Maestro continues to live and work in Dartmouth. He also works at Halifax North Memorial Public Library.
Maestro's work has been shown in solo and group exhibitions in Tokyo, Jakarta, Adelaide, Manila, New York City, and across Canada.
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Bedford Public Library
On permanent display
Sylvia Ireland
A long-time resident of Bedford, Sylvia Ireland is well known for beautifully showcasing the colours of nature.
Bedford School of Art
The individuality of these young artists jumps from page. Each line drawing finely expresses the imaginative perspectives of the artist, demonstrating the benefits of Bedford School of Art's fun and collaborative instructional style.
Janet Englehart
Capturing the fine elements of nature found in and around Bedford, Janet Englehart's collection of photographs has been a favourite for local residents for years.
Cole Harbour Public Library
Information on next art display coming soon
J. D. Shatford Memorial Public Library
Currently on display
Art by Janice Snair
Janice has lived her life in Nova Scotia, travelling far and wide, always choosing to return home.
She graduated from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Design in Environmental Planning in 1984. She took as many 'fine art' elective courses as the program would permit.
Setting art aside, Janice enjoyed a satisfying career as a Member of the Canadian lnstitute of Planners and specialized in various aspects of the Real Estate industry. Since taking an early retirement, Janice has immersed herself in creative pursuits such as oil painting, pencil drawing, embroidery and rug hooking. She is delighted to have the time to express her creativity through a variety of medium. She continues to travel with her husband, often working on artistic skills while she is away.
Janice spends hours working in her gardens, rain or shine, and is an avid reader. She enjoys the freedom to fill her days with creative pursuits.
Keshen Goodman Public Library
Currently on display
Art by Natasha Root
Natasha Root is a Mi'kmaq Mixed Media artist born in Listuguj, Quebec who specializes in painting and digital designs.
She moved to Halifax for three years to focus on combining her Indigenous style of art that reflects on modern-day society, which allowed her to be part of the Warn Inward Exhibition with Jordan Bennett and many other artists. The Exhibition travelled throughout the Maritimes into the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland.
After her experience in Nova Scotia, she moved back to Quebec to pursue her art in her hometown, which allowed her to complete over 50 logos for businesses all over Canada and the US. Her self-taught artwork is especially focused on Indigenous designs which allowed her to explore a brand-new style for the land of Mi'kmaki. She creates work for clients across Canada as a freelance artist and hopes to expand her talent across the nation.
Musquodoboit Harbour Public Library
Information on next art display coming soon
Sackville Public Library
Information on next art display coming soon
Tantallon Public Library
Currently on display
Art by Fabien Lutz-Barabé
"I was born last of 11 siblings in Laval QC on July 2, 1963. My love for drawing started at the age of six when my mother would cut cereal boxes for me to draw on."
Fabien met his current husband in Montreal in 1995 and they moved to Nova Scotia in 1997. He started to paint with watercolours and then moved on to acrylics. Fabien's love of Nova Scotia and its surroundings is the source for many of his inspired works.
"My imagination shows no bounds when it comes to materials I use to create unique pieces."
Fabien has been a member of the Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of the Arts for the past ten years which has helped him grow as an artist.
"In the latter part of 2016, I was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma tongue cancer. It was an extensive surgery that was then followed by a daily six week radiation therapy at the beginning of 2017. My weight went from 180 lbs to my current 124 lbs. I am now in remission and have a positive outlook for brighter future."
After nearly 20 years of doing fine art, Fabien decided that his best form of therapy was to go back to his first love of cartooning. He was a published cartoonist, starting with The Spice of Life which was presented in two Montreal papers from 1994 to 1996. Recently, Fabien was published in a comic compilation, entitled Rainbow Reflections about Gay Men and Body Image using the spinoff cartoon of The Spice of Life, called The Secret Life of a Naturist.
Woodlawn Public Library
Information on next art display coming soon
