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 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.
Gathering 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: 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 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 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 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 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 Fashion. Ladies Clothing Boutique and Gallery of Fine Craft and Art. 292 Main Street. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm. Sat 10am-5pm
Hearts 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 – 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.
The 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
- St FX Art Gallery Fundraiser Gala
- Gathering of the Arts (GoArts) 2017
- Antigonish Art Fair
- St FX Art Gallery
- Lyghtesome Gallery
- Down to Earth Art Gallery
- Antigonish Town & County Library, The People’s Place
- The People’s Place Artist and Artisan Guide
- Hearts and Hands
- Tall & Small Café
- The Made in Nova Scotia Store
- Aphrodite Art & Fashion
- Antigonish Farmers Market
- Old Barn Gallery and Gardens
- Tickletree Ag and Art
- A Matter of Tastes
- Studio Rally
- Antigonish Culture Alive
- Arts Health Antigonish
- ASAP