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 March 17 through April 28, 2024

All That Grows: A Spot-The-Difference Exhibit by Jack Wong

All That Grows is an exhibit of original artwork from author/illustrator Jack Wong’s latest picture book of the same name. Rendered in vibrant greens and earthy browns, these drawings depict both the budding of plants in springtime, and the burgeoning of new thoughts, ideas (and anxieties) in the child protagonist’s mind as he learns about gardening and the natural world at large.

This exhibit is simultaneously a peek behind the scenes of illustrating a picture book, from black-and-white first sketches to pastel finished pieces. Curious viewers of all ages are invited to play a game of “spot-the-difference” between the multiple versions of each scene on display!

Please join us for the Closing Reception

Monday, April 22 | 6:00-8:00pm
The Sunroom
Halifax Central Library, Floor 5

We hope you will join us to celebrate creativity, embrace curiosity, and be inspired by budding and celebrated artists from our community.

Alderney Gate Public Library

Information on next display coming soon.

Cole Harbour Public Library

On display April through June 2024

Art by Kathy Snell

Two young children wearing white, stand in a lush green field.

"I am a Dartmouth Based artist who has been painting for 20 years. I began by painting Decorative Tole, but soon discovered watercolours. I have since branched out to other mediums, including acrylics, pastels and finally oils. Inspiration comes from my surroundings and I usually paint from photos I have taken myself. I love street scenes, landscapes, people, and flowers. I have won several first and second-place ribbons for my watercolours at the East Hants Art Show."

Art by Joel Fraser

Painting of vibrant violet flowers.

"My painting journey began in New Glasgow, going to Miss MacAskill’s art studio during elementary, junior, and senior high school, working first in pastels and then oils. I painted occasionally while attending Teacher’s College, and teaching in Northern Quebec."

"When I returned to Nova Scotia, I painted with Colleen Fenwick and then with Bev Hubley for several years. During this time I also explored acrylics, doing decorative tile painting with Diane Hendrickson. Work got in the way, and I didn’t oil paint for several years. My goal when I retired from teaching was to get back into painting, which I am happy to say has happened by working in oils and exploring watercolours."

"I am a member of the Dartmouth Visual Arts Society, and enjoy attending weekly Studio Groups and various workshops. I have participated in several DVAS art shows at the Craig Gallery."

J.D. Shatford Memorial Public Library

On display April 2024

The Passway Show’s Johnny Carson Show, by Lesley Jean Carson Mountain

A black and white vintage portrait of a young man, Johnny Carson.

Johnny Carson was born in 1940 in Montreal; a Gemini, while the Johnny Carson of television fame was born in 1925 in Iowa. Johnny Carson was a middle child who could fix a 737s mid-flight, while hosting late-night television that could make or break careers. Johnny Carson was once described as a mean-spirited human being, while the young Johnny was locally known as the "Flower of the Carsons."

This show invites you to play a game of who’s who. You can view this and other original work on Instagram, opens a new window, the upcoming Aspotogan Arts & Crafts May Show, and periodically this summer at the Hubbards Barn Market.

The artist, a wife, mom, writer/editor, local gal, house painter, product and namesake of Johnny Carson, seeks larger canvases to combine her love of painting portraits with her expertise in decorating walls.