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
Regional
Learn more about our Artists and Innovators in Residence at Halifax Public Libraries.
The Sunroom at Central Library
On display June 4 through July 30
Art by John Bladek
John was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. He attended the University of Toronto and graduated with degrees in geology and geography. He moved to western Canada in 1984, and worked as a geological consultant in the oil and gas industry until 2010 when he retired and moved to the Yarmouth area.
John was introduced to oil painting in a Grade 12 art class and painted very little until late 2015. He now paints full-time, and has recently spent time in Calgary attending classes at the Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD). He paints primarily in two unique styles.
In Geometric Expressions, he is drawn to the challenge of painting landscapes by simplifying them, using only individual shapes of solid colours and their size, geometry, and colour to create recognizable images with depth and three-dimensionality.
His Fish Figments paintings are colourful and fanciful depictions of fish in various flow schemes on a coloured canvas, where viewers are encouraged to see “whatever they want to see” in them. John does not use any tape or stencils in either style of painting, nor does he draw in the individual components—all are painted freehand.
Learn more about The Sunroom at Central Library.
Alderney Gate Public Library
Information on next display coming soon.
Cole Harbour Public Library
On display April through June 2023
Art by Marjorie Davis
Marjorie Davis has enjoyed painting many styles and mediums for the past 25 years. Inspired by the beauty and diversity of nature, she works with acrylic and oil and enjoys painting flowers, birds, and nature. She has attended many workshops and produced three shows.
Marjorie is a member of the Dartmouth Visual Arts Society, and the Avon Valley Decorative Arts Society. She paints with many groups and would like to "paint on canvas" for a few more years.
J.D. Shatford Memorial Public Library
On display June 2023
Art by Jan Shilletto
Jan Shilletto lives in Northwest Cove, Nova Scotia, where she paints in and around the community, particularly enjoying the observation process and taking the time to discover her surroundings. She paints or draws a subject that moves her, or tells a story, and tries to interpret this in visual words.
She has taken art at Seneca College, Schneider School of Fine Art and many workshops. Jan has exhibited in Jamaica, Ontario, British Colombia, and Nova Scotia through solo and group shows, and is a founding member of Aspotogan Arts & Crafts, based on the Aspotogan Peninsula in Nova Scotia. She has instructed through Chester Municipality, Ocean Swells Community Centre, and Artist-in-the-Classroom at Shatford School, Hubbards.
Jan has organized Aspotogan Painting Workshops for many years, bringing groups of painters together from across North America for a week's painting experience on the Aspotogan Peninsula with a different well-known instructor each year. She continues to enjoy the energy that results when painters of many styles and levels come together.
Art by John Fitzpatrick
A native Nova Scotian, John has had a life-long relationship with wood, starting as a toddler whittling boats from odd scraps. Since retirement, he has been able to devote more time to his passion and now makes exquisite bowls, platters, vases, jars, lamp bases, and more.
He uses native woods including red maple, elm, yellow birch, butternut, red oak, ash, and occasionally spalted woods with their exquisitely patterned graining. All wood used is sourced from windfalls or dead trees, many from John’s own woodlot.
Keshen Goodman Public Library
Information on next display coming soon
Musquodoboit Harbour Public Library
On display June 16 through August 18 2023
Art by Dorothy Rice
"I began rug hooking in 2015, inspired by my sister-in-law, who began hooking several years before me. I had always admired the art form and had purchased several pieces for gifts over the years. I am inspired to create patters from subjects in my day-to-day life, nature, living by the ocean in Three Fathom Harbour, colour, and fun geometric designs."
"The method I use is based on a traditional process using both hand-dyed and recycled wool on linen backing, with a hoop and a small hook. I enjoy choosing colour combinations and I hope that my work reflects some of the happiness it brings me. I enjoy the process of the art from conception to design, then to each pull of wool through the linen, as the image comes to life with colour. When I finish the hooking, then I whip the edges and add a binding to complete the work. I enjoy the finished works in my home displayed on walls, the floor and on tables."
Sackville Public Library
On display June 2023
My Home, My Rights, opens a new window is an action research collective bringing together community and academic partners to imagine and advocate for disability justice. They are dedicated to promoting the rights of persons with intellectual disabilities and other disabilities to live in the community as equals.
On display are photo portraits, expressive of participants’ sense of disability justice and injustice at home and in the community, and their respective reflections.
Tantallon Public Library
On display June 2023
Art by Connie Ivany
Connie is a member of Crossroads Artists and PCAFA. She is self-taught and has participated in many classes with well-known local artists. Her style is multi-layered, intuitive, and textual.
"Creating visual work is my latest adventure. Every picture tells a story."
Woodlawn Public Library
On display March through June 2023
Art by Laurie Finck
Laurie has an exceptional eye for design and an affinity for colour. Living with autism gives him a unique worldview, and the ability to devote hours to his passion. Laurie works mainly on wood with oil pastels and acrylic paint. His artwork is full of colour and orderly intricate designs. Laurie loves creating art, and thoroughly enjoys spending many hours each day immersed in his artistic imagination.
