For a small town, Antigonish has a lot going on in the arts. Enjoy a walk through town sampling exhibits and art. The culture of creative people and the support and interest of the community makes this a “happening” place in the arts.
You can do this walk over a day – or spread out your visits. Park your car and enjoy the spring weather and stroll. This walk goes from the West end of Main Street (the Post Office end) ending at the East end where Main Street is getting a new bridge. This walk on Main Street of less than 1 kilometer – plus one side trip to campus will impress you with the variety and creativity of the community. The current exhibitions listed are for May, 2011. Check the location websites or just drop in for changes.
ASAP Gallery Opening
ASAP: All of Us Society for Art Presentation – A small new gallery space currently exhibiting paintings, photography and drawings from 5 art students of St FX – Kara Grant, Steve Scannell, Kevin MacIssac, Travis Myette, and TJ Ediger. I enjoyed the recent gallery opening and getting to meet the next generation artists. This place is at the back of the white building between the Post Office and Shoppers. The summer hours are not posted yet – just see if the door is open and go down the stairs. Kara Grant will be artist in residence till August. The Studio, 319 Main St.
Cross the street to the Tall and Small
Tall and Small Cafe
The Tall and Small Cafe – This popular café currently displays art from John Watt. Grab a coffee or a delicious blueberry spritzer. Hearty vegetarian sandwiches and home made soups are on daily specials. Art exhibition in June by artists Vicki MacLean and Rudolph Hennninger. 342 Main St.
Almost next door
The Made In Nova Scotia Store Suzanne Craig Bio Prints
The Made in Nova Scotia Store – Selection of framed or matted photographs, photo gift cards and bio art prints. All items in the store are from local artists and artisans. www.themadeinnovacotiastore.com 324 Main Street
Cross the street
People’s Place Library – The opening is scheduled for May 24. Art is an important and integral part of the new library complex. Fourteen public art pieces will be permanently located in both the interior and exterior spaces of the new library. These include paintings, murals, textiles, sculptures, and more by local artists and artisans. In addition space for changing exhibits are featured in the foyer. Artists and Artisans selected for the People’s Place Project 283 Main St. www.peoplesplace.ca See Article in The Casket on opening
On the corner of Main and College Street
Bergengren - Frieze by Fenn Martin
Bergengren Credit Union – Frieze by Fenn Martin “The Gift” Read the story of the work which celebrates the journey of the Bergengren through 75 years. 257 Main St.
Just off Main Street on College Street across from the old Town Hall
Alcove Restaurant - Julia Redgrave Exhibit
Alcove Restaurant – The current art exhibit is works by Julia Redgraves. Enjoy an international quality lunch or dinner in a cozy atmosphere www.alcovebistro.ca 76 College Street
Continue on Main Street
Down to Earth Art Gallery and Fine Framing – Visit the gallery of J. Franklin Wright, A native of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia with beautiful marine paintings and limited edition prints. Art by Maureen St. Clair, Alan Syliboy, April Burns, prints and photographs by local artists and photographers. http://www.downtoearth.ca 240 Main St.
Lyghtesome Gallery
Lyghtesome Gallery – This gallery has been a mainstay of culture in Antigonish since 1975. Promoting artists from Antigonish and across the Atlantic region. The May feature is the “Retrospective” exhibit of Julia Redgraves coinciding with the St. F.X. University Gallery exhibition. The gallery has a fine selection of original paintings, sculpture, prints, cards and works of art. www.lyghtesome.ns.ca 166 Main St.
Continue to the East end of Main Street, pass Columbus Field, where the yearly Highland Games are held in July. On the corner of St. Andrew’s Street.
Prissy Pig - Antigonish Photographers Exhibit
Prissy Pig Café and Deli – Antigonish Photographers Exhibit till June 30. Photographs in wide variety of styles and themes on exhibit by: Jeffrey Parker, Peter Jowett, Betty Cameron, Stan Mizgala, Danny Polson, Jennifer Polson, Anne Louise MacDonald, F.X MacDonald, Bernice MacDonald and Denise Davies. Have lunch or a brunch from this great local food restaurant. Antigonish Photographers Exhibit
Side trip to the St FX Campus. Walk or drive up College Street from Main Street, turn right on St. Ninian’s Street and turn left up Notre Dame – just before the St. Ninian’s Cathedral. Continue up over the top of the hill to the Bloomfield Centre the last building on your right. Student Union Building.
St FX Art Gallery - Julia Redgrave
St FX Gallery – The current exhibit is by Julia Redgrave “Life at the Edge” – a series of eighteen large paintings moving through the seasons and each featuring a letter and theme of Life on the Edge. The colours and style are gripping and there is also on display smaller print reproductions.
Upcoming Art Events 2011
Antigonish Culture Alive newsletter – For artists and those interested in the arts this is a “must have” e-newsletter and quarterly print newsletter. Whether you are local or visiting – sign up to get the newsletter for a nominal fee to find out upcoming events to help you plan your calendar. http://www.antigonishculturealive.ca/
The gallery houses original works by ten local Nova Scotia artists: Peigi Alcorn, Annabelle Caissie, Judy MacIntosh, Warren Melanson, Heather Bowman, Marshall Burgess, Anne Duggan, JoAnne Muise, Pat Stewart, Janet Jones
You will find a wide range of styles and mediums including watercolors, acrylics, oils originals and reproductions in various sizes and formats including matted prints, cards and bookmarks.
