Tag Archives: main street

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 Streetwww.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 Murraywww.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

 

Art Walk Antigonish

 

 

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 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

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

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 - 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

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 - 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 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/

X Ring Featured at Cameron’s Jewellery

 

 

Do You Have an X Ring?  Chances are you have been into Cameron’s Jewellery on Main Street, Antigonish.

Camerons_Jewellery_X_Feature

The "X" featured in Floor Inlay and Chandelier

Cameron’s on Main St. Antigonish has undergone a transformation and their new look is bright and inviting.  With the interior design of Andrew Murray of Antigonish the store has a new look that celebrates the traditions of the past but adds the sparkle and modern décor of the present.

The center piece that features its “X” connection is a large black marble “X” inlay in the center of the floor area with an inlay of “1922” when the store was first opened.   Above it is a chandelier with the “X” and crystal pendants.

The X Ring dates back to 1942.  Working with the engineering class of St. Francis Xavier University, Cameron’s Jewellery designed the present X-Rings, a gold ring featuring a black enamel X within a raised gold square, with the date of graduation flanking the X on its shoulders.

The wooden oak cabinets running along the wall are the original oak cabinets with

Cameron's 90 Year Old Oak Wood Cabinets

Cameron's 90 Year Old Oak Wood Cabinets

design that highlights the oak grain.  The cabinets are 90 years old and have been refurbished by CACL to bring out the beauty of the wood.

The large fireplace on the opposing wall gives a comfortable feel to the shopping experience and highlights art work on the feature wall.   According to Donna MacPherson, the store manager “We had incredible craftsmen for the stonework, woodwork, electrical and fittings” in making over the store look.  On our buying trip we looked for new items that were not currently available in Antigonish.

Cameron’s is a great place to shop for gifts, home decorating items, dishes and jewellery.  The tasteful selection of items and the welcoming staff make this a great Main Street destination.

Browse the slide show using the arrow keys and click on the “Caption” button on the right to view the captions.

[slideshow]

In the early evening the lighting on the displays adds a sparkle to Main Street.  Be sure to stop in for a visit to see this new gem on Main Street.