Tag Archives: arts

Welcome to Antigonish

Antigonish is a vibrant small town (pop. 5000) on the northeastern corner of Nova Scotia, surrounded by countryside of natural beauty.

Special Olympics Canada 2018 Summer Games will be hosted in Antigonish July 31-August 4,  bringing over 3000 athletes, families, friends, supporters, and volunteers from across the country.  Welcome to all visitors.

This series of articles, posts and photos will share ideas of things to do, places to visit and open possibilities to explore the town and surrounding countryside.

There is something here for everyone.  If you enjoy nature and the out of doors you can enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, bird watching, camping, rowing, kayaking, beach combing, fossil hunting and fishing.

Arts and culture are a big part of the town life with art exhibits, theatre, history, music, film, lectures, and discovering local arts and crafts at fairs and markets.

There is a wide variety of places to eat out and shopping experiences.

Subscribe to the blog to receive regular updates.   Add your comments and questions in the comment box and start your to-do list for your visit to Antigonish.

Welcome to Antigonish

Art Out and About Antigonish

 

 

Antigonish has long been a centre for the arts and artists.  In the past year there have been a lot of new additions to art exhibit spaces and the arts are flourishing.   There are many wonderful galleries and exhibits to explore and enjoy as you stroll along Main Street and then take a drive for more.  See how many you can visit and be sure and add your comments and suggest any others that you find.

Main Street Mural Andrew Murray

Main Street Mural Andrew Murray

Starting from the Post Office end of town and heading East on the right side of the street:

  • ASAP, 319 Main St. (next to the Post Office)  www.asapartcentre.com All of Us Society for Art Presentation, is a newly formed artist-run centre founded by local artists and art supporters.
  • People’s Place Library, 283 Main Street www.parl.ns.ca/peoplesplace/guide Browse the community art in the Bistro area changing monthly.  Permanent exhibits commissioned from local artists are found throughout the building.   July displays the GoArts juried works from 25 artists in a variety of medium.  Free WiFi, friendly staff, great collection of books and bulletin board with local happenings.   Bring in your coffee or lunch to enjoy in the Bistro while you meet or play board games.
  • Bergengren Credit Union, 257 Main St. www.docstoc.com/docs/72284899/THE-GIFT –   Frieze by Fenn Martin “The Gift”- celebrating the journey of the Bergengren through 75 years.
  • McLeod Gallery, 219 Main Street, Kirk Place. www.antigonishphotographersexhibit.com Antigonish Photographers Exhibit.  July and August.  “Scottish Ayres”.  Photography exhibit by APx.
  • Prissy Pig Café and Deli, 20 St. Andrew’s Street (corner of Main St) www.facebook.com/prissypigcafedeli – – Peter Jowett photography exhibit July and August.  Have lunch or a brunch from this great local food restaurant.

Starting from the Post Office end of town and heading East on the left side of the street:

  • The Tall and Small Café, 342 Main St.  The café expanded recently and now has ample seating room and a delicious vegetarian menu.  Changing exhibits of art and photography are displayed along the walls in both rooms.  July Exhibit – Ruth Young.
  • The Made in Nova Scotia Store – 324 Main Street  www.themadeinnovacotiastore.com A treasure trove of hand-made crafts from Nova Scotia.
  • Aphrodite Art and Fashion, 292 Main Street – www.aphroditeartandfashion.com Enjoy whimsical and elegant selection of art from Atlantic artists in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.  Including works from Wayne Boucher, Ann Manuel and many others.
  • Andrew Murray.  www.antigonishculturealive.ca/aca-outstanding-artist-of-the-year-2011 See Andrew’s murals on several of the buildings along Main Street and his interior design of Cameron’s Jewelry.
  • Down to Earth Art Gallery and Fine Framing, 240 Main Street.    www.downtoearth.ca Featuring works by J. Franklin Wright, Alan Syliboy and others.
  • Lyghtesome Gallery, 166 Main Street. www.lyghtesome.ns.ca This gallery has been a mainstay of culture in Antigonish since 1975 and exhibits works from Linda Johns, Anna Syperek, Julia Redgrave and many others. A fine selection of original paintings, sculpture, prints, cards and works of art. The Summer Showcase of Gallery Artists July 6 — Aug 31 – “A Slice of Nova Scotia at its Visual Best”.  New and recent works by gallery artists. Special Feature: “Unheard Music”, Linda Johns’ newest ltd. ed. book

Slideshow of a few of the locations:

[slideshow]

Off Main and out of town:

  • St FX Art Gallery – Bottom floor, Bloomfield Center, St. Francis Xavier University.  The summer exhibit is from the permanent collection.
  • Old Barn Gallery.  Melanson Road, Pomquet (30 minutes east of Antigonish off Highway 104). www.facebook.com/OldBarnGalleryDecor Beautiful display of arts and antiques set in an old barn and surrounded by gorgeous flower gardens.
  • C.A.  MacLean A Matter of Tastes.  3931 Highway 7 (10 minutes from Antigonish) www.amatteroftastes.ca Featuring works by Vicki (V.L.) MacLean

Upcoming Art Events 2012

  • Gathering of the Arts.  GoArts 2012. July 9 – 30. www.antigonishculturealive.ca Peoples’ Place Library.  Exhibition of juried art work from 25 local artists from Antigonish Culture Alive. Opening reception July 9.
  • Art Ceilidh Studio Tour.  July 13 – 14.  www.facebook.com/events/241118522665990 Part of the Highland Games week celebrations.  Tours of artist galleries and studios in and around Antigonish.  Start your tour at Lyghtesome Gallery for maps and directions.
  • Antigonight: Art After Dark. September 21-22.  http://antigonightfest.tumblr.comNighttime participatory festival for all the arts, celebrating the rich arts community of northeastern Nova Scotia.
  • Antigonish International Film Festival.  October 19-20. www.antigonishfilmfest.org Over 40 documentary films.  Peoples’ Place and Empire Capitol Theatre.   Community Dinner and arts at the Prissy Pig Oct 20.

July in Antigonish an Arts Celebration. The Casket, June 26, 2012 by Richard MacKenzie

Directions

View Larger Map

Denise Davies is a travel writer, photographer, filmmaker and entrepreneur.  This article appeared in the Highland Heart, June 29.  www.highlandheart.ca

 

Old Barn Gallery and Design

 

 

Old Barn Gallery

Where can you enjoy stepping back into history, see beautiful art, smell the flowers, admire the horses and experience a 166 year old barn transformed into an attractive gallery where you can browse and enjoy a delightful hour or two?

 

Where else but at the Old Barn Gallery and Design at Beaver Dam Farm Resort in Pomquet. The farm is owned by Carol and Arthur Rivoire  who built it up over 30+ years.  The gallery opened in July 2011 with partnership of Ed Mattie.  They realized that their collection of antiques, paintings and arts and crafts would be wonderful to share with a broader audience.  They setup their gallery in the 166 year old barn which gives the perfect ambiance for enjoying a peak into the past as well and enjoying arts from the current artists and crafts people in the area.

Quilts

Such a variety!  Old fashioned quilts – and new quilts with traditional or newly crafted designs. Paintings by owner Arthur Rivoire, local artist and partner Ed Mattie and others, antique dishes, wood carvings from burls with beautiful and exotic shapes and texture, old cradles, sleigh, and other home implements from the early 1900s,  handmade rugs, locally made wool blankets that remind you of your childhood, colorful antique boxes and containers, hand knitted items,  and more.  Carol Rivoire is welcoming and knowledgeable and loves to chat about the collection.

The gallery is surrounded by beautiful flower gardens, trails, horse stables and paddocks.  It is a delight to visit and I plan to go back often to enjoy more of the area.  It is very easy to get to and is only about 15 minutes drive from Antigonish. A great outing.

Photo Gallery

[slideshow]

More Information

Antigonish Photographers Exhibit

 

 

Antigonish Photographers Exhibit

Antigonish Photographers Exhibit

Antigonish has always been known for its thriving art community.  Now photographers in Antigonish have formed a group called “Antigonish Photographers Exhibit (APx)” which will have their first exhibition beginning April 16 at the Prissy Pig Café and Deli.

The formation of the group is the brainchild of Jeff Parker, owner of Lyghtesome Gallery.  According to Jeff  “Over the years the gallery (Lyghtesome) has been called upon to exhibit photography.  I am a photographer myself and  I am often approached by photographers to exhibit their work.  But we don’t show much photography in our gallery and many photographers have been disappointed. “

“When a request was presented to us by the management of the Prissy Pig to assist them in establishing an exhibition schedule, ‘local photographers’ is what first came to mind.   The Café and Deli has excellent gallery space and according to the General Manager of the Prissy Pig,  “We want to support and promote the local arts scene, local photographers and musicians. “

Jeffrey explained   “I put together a list of photographers that I knew of and then expanded that with the help of Steven Jewkes of the Photo Shop at the Antigonish 5 to $1 and called a meeting to plan a group photo exhibition.    In our initial meeting we decided that we would put up a group show.  Each of us has our own styles and interests and it will be very interesting to see the range in a show of this type.  We haven’t set out any specific themes and the individual works will be selected by the photographers themselves.   This first show will feature 10 photographers and the works will be on sale. “

The Antigonish Photographers Exhibit (APx) will hold its first exhibition opening with a reception on April 16th at the Prissy Pig Café and Deli.  The opening reception will be 7PM to 9PM and refreshments will be served.  We hope that everyone will stop in to view the exhibit and chat with the photographers.   Everyone is welcome.

Photographs will be 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.   The group members are excited at the opportunity and have been appreciating the synergies in the group. Our hopes are that the group will expand and perhaps offer presentation and information nights to assist in technical training and upgrading in this continually changing field. To enjoy and learn from each others expert knowledge is one of our emerging interests in continuing the pursuit and recognition of photography as our contemporary art form.

We would like to thank our sponsors who have supported the group – Jeffrey Parker of Lyghtesome Gallery, Steven Jewkes of Antigonish 5 Cents-$1.00, and Danny Polson of Polson Design Studio and to The Prissy Pig Café’ and Deli for providing the exhibition space and facilities.

A few photos from the APx photographers.  Click on the Arrow key to view the photos.  Click on the “Captions” on the right side to view the photographer name and photo title.

[slideshow]


APx Premier Exhibition and Sale

Group of 10 Prominent Antigonish Photographers
At the Prissy Pig 20 St. Andrews St. (corner of Main St) Antigonish
April 16 – June 30th, 2011
Reception April 16th 7-9 p.m..
Refreshments will be served, All are Welcome

  • Download poster –

  • APx Poster

    APx Poster