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

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.

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.

Contact Mark

Facebook Page, opens a new window

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 Laurie (Publicover) Mireau

Laurie (Publicover) Mireau lives in Hubbards Nova Scotia. She retired early to become a full-time painter in 1994. Taking breaks out of her ongoing career as an educator (public school and university teacher and school administrator) with a BA., B.Ed. (1966) Dal. University, and M.Ed. in Art Education (1976) and Ph.D. in Educational Administration, University of Alberta, Edmonton (1980), she completed 16 art studio courses at NSCAD from 1968 to 1971,  a wide variety of university-level art history, and 46 full-time studio courses through U. of Alberta, Fine Arts Extension, Edmonton 1988-1993. She has the equivalent art training of a BFA.

In 1994, Laurie retired early so she could finally get a brush in her hand. Laurie's watercolours are striking works of tight realism and vivid colour. Marine scenes and boats from Atlantic Canada are favourite subjects for her paintings. A 'native maritimer' from Hubbards and Halifax, she never tires of looking at the ocean and trying to capture its many moods, particularly the early morning stillness and reflections. As well, she paints city street scenes and local tourist attractions. Laurie also works with oils or acrylics when painting larger pieces or wall murals in homes or outdoors. Several summers ago she painted two 7' by 7' murals for outdoor public spaces in HRM, and many Aliant and HRM 'electrical boxes'. She enjoys drawing, so another favourite medium is pen and ink, brightened with loose watercolour washes. Laurie's commissioned paintings include 'portraits' of private homes, cottages, pets, andprized yachts. Many commissions are for out-of-province clients who send her their photo reference material over the internet from which she develops original paintings and larger-sized pieces and wall murals. She uses her prior teaching experience by giving art classes in drawing and painting and can provide day-long workshops. Please enjoy her display at the Library and feel free to come and visit her home gallery in Hubbards—by appointment, call 902-858-2038.

Keshen Goodman Public Library

Currently on display

Landscapes: Floating and Grounded by Evie Dunville

Evie Dunville, born in the beautiful K’jipuktuk (Halifax), Nova Scotia.

I have created as long as I can remember. Sometimes jeweller, sometimes doula, sometimes poet—undeniably a hiker and an Art Therapist. I learn each day, from my clients, through the ocean, and the earth. 
 
This collection began as an exploration of inner landscapes, metaphorically representing the various aspects of myself with animal totems. I found myself floating through this work as the pandemic locked us into our neighbourhoods.
 
I have planted my feet in many places. Some inspired the explorer in me to linger, others whispered memories, and there were those I longed to leave. The granite shore of this coast, piled with rubble left behind by glaciers, sings to my soul. If there was one place to be unable to leave, this coast is my sanctuary.
 
I placed myself in nature, under the sun and sometimes the clouds. To ground. To reflect.
 
To trust the art to tell the truth, whatever the truth may be.
 
From this time a series of landscapes of the Atlantic Coast grew, and the inner landscapes came together, tying the two explorations into a collection both floating and grounded, metaphoric and land-based.

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 Beth Newman

Beth Newman was born and raised in the United States, but came to her senses in 2006 when she moved to Seabright, Nova Scotia. Although she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts as an art major from Denison University in Ohio, she had a checkered career, ending up in IT for a software developer. She has been taking photographs sporadically since 1973, and finds the beauty of Nova Scotia inspirational. She began selling her photographs after joining the Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of the Arts in 2014.

Her thoughtfully composed photographs from St. Margaret’s Bay and around the world, find elegance in the everyday encounter. We are engaged to look closer, see beautiful details, and celebrate moments of light.

Woodlawn Public Library

Currently on display

Art by Marlene York, Seaforth Studio

Marlene works in a variety of media, including paintings in oils and watercolours, drawings in conte, pencils and charcoal, and mixed media pieces. She paints and draws on location as well as in her studio. Her interests include landscape, still life, portraits, and the design of the human figure. She is fascinated by the design created by shadow and light inside the natural world—whether it's people, objects, or landscape. Marlene has participated in many group and solo exhibitions. She has been a member of Visual Arts Nova Scotia since 1996.

 
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