Category Archives: Books

Out and About Antigonish – Book

Discover the wonders of Antigonish and its surrounding areas with the Out and About Antigonish book! This guidebook showcases over 50 must-visit destinations, from quaint towns to breathtaking natural landscapes. Whether you want to hike through the stunning Cape George Trail, take a stroll through historic downtown Antigonish, or explore the charming communities of Guysborough and Pictou, this book has got you covered. With detailed maps, insider tips, and stunning photography, Out and About Antigonish is the perfect companion for exploring the best of this picturesque region. Don’t miss out on an unforgettable adventure – grab your copy today!

Read More and order online

Out and About Antigonish Book Now Available

Out and About Antigonish — Antigonish Town, excursions within 2 hrs, day trips, outdoor recreation, hiking, history, culture, beaches, trails, nature and more. By Denise Davies

Reviews

Out and About Antigonish showcases the beauty of Northern Nova Scotia.  It shares our story with visitors through many incredible pictures.  I would encourage visitors and residents alike to pick up this book and challenge themselves to visit our communities and enjoy all of the authentic experiences we have to offer. 

Cindy MacKinnon,  Managing Director
Destination Eastern and Northumberland Shores

“Denise Davies has created a masterful reference tool for both locals and tourists alike with her Out and About Antigonish guidebook. With excellent directions and descriptions for myriad day trips within a two-hour jaunt from Antigonish, the traveler’s most difficult decision will be which adventure to pursue first. Chock-full of beautiful photographs and succinct descriptions of each waypoint, Out and About Antigonish will help the traveler decide which spots to visit, and ensure no hidden gems are overlooked.  History buffs and photographers will find this tool especially helpful. I highly recommend this superior book!”

Dave Belt
Owner, Seafoam Lavender Company & Gardens
Seafoam, Nova Scotia

Out and About Antigonish is a superb and long-awaited guide to Antigonish and its surrounding counties. While it will particularly attract the growing number of tourists to northeastern Nova Scotia, there is much here for locals to learn about and enjoy. As a “come-from-away” (a mere fourteen years ago), I have made a point of exploring the many highlights of my new home. Yet I found in Denise Davies’s new book a feast of fresh information and excursions to look forward to.

None of this is surprising, because as readers we are in the hands of a highly experienced travel writer and a superb photographer. I counted over 150 photos, almost all in full colour and of the highest quality. Denise has also included an abundance of maps to supplement her descriptions. This makes it extremely easy for the newcomer to follow the wonderful array of trips and trails on offer. She has also kept her descriptions succinct, though never overly so, and there are links to a wealth of websites that allow for further exploration. This is especially appropriate given the depth of northern Nova Scotia’s cultural, political and economic history.

Denise achieves an admirable balance in tackling Antigonish and its environment’s rich tapestry of nature and culture, rural and maritime life. The arts and culture, museums and markets, prominent institutions including St Francis Xavier University and Coady Institute, the many beaches and other recreational spots are, each one of them, more than adequately covered, and I could find not one omission. 

Denise Davies is to be congratulated on producing such a beautiful and informative work.

John Graham-Pole, Publisher. HARP the People’s Press

Antigonish Town and County Calendar 2018

Antigonish Town and County Calendar – 2018

The Out and About Nova Scotia Antigonish Calendar 2018 is now available with beautiful scenes of Antigonish Town and County.

Enjoy Antigonish throughout 2018 with 13 photographs by Denise Davies, This makes a great gift for anyone who has lived in Antigonish or to send to friends.

Scenes include Antigonish Main Street, StFX, Antigonish Landing, rural Antigonish, Ballantynes Cove, Cape George Lighthouse, Antigonight.

Satin paper stock. 8 1/2″ by 11″. Coil bound. Photography by Denise Davies, Out and About Nova Scotia.

The calendar is available at The Posh Peppermint, 200 Main St. Antigonish $20

or ORDER ONLINE

$20.00 CAD

FREE SHIPPING IN CANADA

International shipping will be calculated with your order size and address.

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Antigonish 2018 Calendar

 

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The Antigonish Summer Art Scene – Part 1

The Antigonish Summer Art Scene  – Visual Arts

Antigonish is a vibrant hub of the arts with events, exhibits, art fairs, performing arts.   Whether you are an artist yourself or enjoy participating in events there are many things to see and do. If you live in Antigonish – you’re lucky – if not – come and visit and stay a while.  Stroll around town with its colorful flower baskets and murals. Drop in to one of our many restaurants and Cafés. There is so much to see and do that this article focuses on the visual arts.  Check the links at the end of the article for up to date information from the individual websites and social media.  All addresses are in Antigonish unless otherwise noted in the out of town locations.

EVENTS & HAPPENINGS

St.FX Art Gallery Fundraiser GalaSt FX Art Gallery Fundraiser Gala 2017 will be an exciting evening for the arts. There will be a dynamic mix of Live Art, Live and Silent Auction, Reverse Raffle and Fine Art Door Prizes and an opportunity to watch artists create. The art items are from some of Nova Scotia’s finest artists and collections.  June 10. 7PM. Keating Centre, StFX. Tickets $40.

GoArts 2016 Alan Syliboy speaking at opening eventGathering of the Arts (GoArts) is an annual exhibition of regional artists’ work in the visual arts. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, GoArts will be showcasing 20 art installations in 20 unique venues around Downtown Antigonish. Opening Gala – July 4. People’s Place Library.  Exhibit continues July and August.

Antigonish Art Fair 2017Antigonish Art Fair: A fun filled family evening with a wonderful array of art, artisanal arts and crafts, multicultural foods and terrific performances. This family event includes the Creative Children’s Corner with a multicultural flavour. 2017 dates are Fridays 6 – 9 PM. June 23, July 7, 21, August 4, 18. Chisholm Park. Rain location will be announced on social media.

GALLERIES, EXHIBITS & SHOPPING

St. F.X. Art Gallery is an exceptional exhibit area on the campus of St Francis Xavier University. The gallery interprets a diverse range of art for community members and the public. It connects the University’s cultural life to that of the wider community through exhibitions, publications, and events and fosters an appreciation of visual arts & culture. First Floor Bloomfield Centre, StFX University Campus. Summer Hours Monday – Friday, Noon – 5pm

Lyghtesome GalleryLyghtesome Gallery. The gallery established in 1975, features an outstanding collection of original works by Nova Scotia printmakers, watercolourists & oil painters, as well as award-winning pottery, wood, clay & metal sculpture, art-related books & cards, and Celtic artwork. It represents artists Anna Syperek, Linda Johns and many others. Open year round.  166 Main St. Mon–Sat 10am–5pm.

Down to Earth GalleryDown to Earth Art Gallery displays a great selection of original paintings, carvings and iron work.  Works by J. Franklin Wright, Alan Syliboy, Kate Georgallas and more  240 Main St. Mon-Sat 9am-5pm.

 

 

Antigonish Town & County Library - The People's PlaceAntigonish Town & County Library – The People’s Place. Monthly exhibits in the Bistro area from local artists and art groups. July and August hosts the GoArts Exhibit. Browse throughout the library and the surrounding for art installations commissioned during the building of The People’s Place.  283 Main St.

 

Tall & Small Cafe - Art exhibit by Hearts & HandsTall & Small Café. Monthly art display by local artists.  The Café offers daily soup specials, fresh baking, fairly traded coffee and an array of teas.  342-2 Main St.

 

 

 

The Made in Nova Scotia Store.  Photography and wood, pewter, knitted and woven crafts by Nova Scotia craftspeople. 324 Main St. Tues-Sat 10am-5pm.

 

 

 

Aphrodite Art and FashionAphrodite Art and Fashion. Ladies Clothing Boutique and Gallery of Fine Craft and Art. 292 Main Street. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm. Sat 10am-5pm

 

 

 

Hearts and HandsHearts and Hands Shop.  Building community through art.  Open Monday to Friday 9 am to 3.30 pm. Everyone is welcome to come by and visit us. 4 West St.

 

Kirk Building.  Photography exhibit.  219 Main St. Corner of Main and Church Street.

 

 

 

Antigonish Farmers Market. Art, photography, crafts in addition to local produce, baked goods and entertainment in a great setting to meet the locals.  Saturday 8am – 1pm. Antigonish Arena, James St.

 

SHORT DRIVE FROM ANTIGONISH

Old Barn Galleries & Gardens  The gallery is situated in the middle of 350 acre Beaver Dam Farm with abstract and impressionist art by owner / artist Carol Rivoire, Surrounding the gallery are beautiful, old-fashioned perennial gardens and a charming courtyard. 71 Melanson Rd. Pomquet. Opening June 1.

 

Tickletree Ag and Art.  This is a new gallery that will be creating and showcasing fused glass, art and photography.  Contact via Facebook for opening dates and hours.

 

 

 

A Matter of Tastes.   Art gallery, etchings, work of Vicki MacLean, photography.  Hwy 7, Antigonish.

 

 

 

 

Studio Rally.  Check out the Studio Rally website for visual art and fine crafts studio and information. Select for “Northumberland Shore” for Antigonish area.

ORGANIZATIONS

Antigonish Culture Alive ACAAntigonish Culture Alive – ACA is the community arts council of Antigonish, a non-profit organization which strives to foster the creation and appreciation of the arts in the community of Antigonish.  A directory of artists and a calendar of arts events.

 

 

Arts Health Antigonish AHA! – AHA! values and respects the immense contribution of the cultural sector to community vitality, vibrancy and health and champions the role of the arts in a healthy community.

 

ASAPThe All-of-us Society for Arts Presentation (ASAP) is an artist-run centre located in Antigonish, promoting the work of local and regional artists, and addressing infrastructure, promotion, education, and funding opportunities for the visual arts in the community.

Anything missing? Please send any comments and suggestions of visual arts in Antigonish.  Stay tuned for Part 2 which will feature the Antigonish Summer Arts Scene – Performing Arts

More Information

 

Nova Scotia and Antigonish Calendars 2017

This year I created 2 calendars.

The Out and About Nova Scotia Calendar 2017 is in its 5th year.  I love going over my photos from the past year to produce this calendar to enjoy throughout the year.  It has become a family favorite.

This year, I decided to produce an Antigonish Town and County Calendar.  We live in such a beautiful part of Nova Scotia and you may want to share this with your family and friends.

Both calendars are available online.  Click on the link below the photos for details.

Halifax Library

The Amazing Halifax Central Library

 

 

It was my first time to visit the new Halifax Central Library. The space is spectacular with the central staircases creating angles and patterns of light and shadow and giving the overall effect of expansiveness and encouraging exploration.

The 5 storeys are easily accessible via the elevators. I decided to start at the top and work my way down. The top floor has a green area roof garden with views of Halifax. The Pavia Gallery Espresso Bar and Café rooftop patio with outdoor and indoor tables make a great place for a snack or cup of coffee. Comfortable lounge chairs for reading with a view and the adult fiction section complete this floor.

Every floor has an information desk with helpful staff. Computers and study areas, a changing use of space on each of the floors make the space inviting and interesting.

On the fourth floor you find the local history room, African History and culture, and Adult non-fiction. Quiet reading and study areas and meeting rooms of various sizes that can be reserved are found throughout the library.

The third floor is the home of the First Nations Circle. Adult magazines, multilingual materials, a Literacy Collection are found on this floor.

The second floor includes the children’s and teens and preschool areas. A media studio and creative lab and many computers are throughout the area.

The first floor entrance way has the Pavia Gallery Espresso Bar on the right with a selection of food and drink. To the left is a large comfortable reading area with magazines and selected collections for easy browsing. The art installation of 5000 paintings on the size of the traditional library card is amazing. These are all by the artist Cliff Eyland.  The Paul O’Reagan Hall (seating 307) hosts events and performances.

The Halifax Central Library is well worth a visit and if you live in the area a great community hub. It is wonderful to see such a community space in the heart of downtown Halifax and is not your traditional idea of a library.

More Information