Curious about local art? We are too!

When it comes to the arts, Nova Scotia is spoiled for talent, and we're pleased to feature local art in many of our Library spaces.

From The Sunroom at Central Library to art displayed in our branches, we want to give local artists space to connect with our community and share their vision.

Current exhibits

The Sunroom at Central Library

On display November 17 through December 28, 2024

Bloom by Alice Jennex

After becoming a mother, the capacity for growth and change of the body resulted in new explorations of contemporary figurative watercolour paintings in her series of 2D works on paper. By combining imagery of lush Nova Scotian landscapes with the materiality of watercolour paint - thin, thick, textural, and abstracted watermarks are contained within gestures of the human form to convey a collage of elements relating to nature and embodiment in subtle and spacious compositions.

The artwork is created by using the artist’s personal photographs, transferring the photographic source material using cyanotype (solar printing) and hand painting watercolour on paper.

Learn more about the exhibit., opens a new window

Alderney Gate Public Library

Information on next display coming soon.

Cole Harbour Public Library

On display October 2 through December 30, 2024

Art by Steve Townsend

Steve Townsend has had an artist’s eye from a young age. When he was a boy, he started sketching in charcoal. He studied photography and worked in that field for several years. He moved into television production and did camera and lighting for thousands of commercials and promotions. 

He spends his free time studying the light, contrast, and colours of the natural world around him. Whether that be waiting for a cloud to cover the sun, or a good wave to hit the rocks—this method helps him bring his paintings to life. 

J.D. Shatford Memorial Public Library

On display December 2024

Art by Lesley Tulloch

Keshen Goodman Public Library

Information on next display coming soon.

Musquodoboit Harbour Public Library

On display October 10 through December 31, 2024

Flourish on the Eastern Shore, facilitated by artist Julie Adamson

Resembling flora from the Eastern Shore, Flourish on the Eastern Shore is a collective art project created by attendees of “Building Up Rural Community Mental Wellness: The 1st Annual Flourish Forum.”

The Flourish Forum is an all-day event, co-hosted by the Nova Scotia Health - Mental Health & Addictions Health Promotion team and the Well-Being HUB, about flourishing and embracing the strengths of rural communities in Nova Scotia. Paper leaves decorated with pieces of nature are connected by a vine made of words that represent what “flourishing” means to each person who contributed. 

Sackville Public Library

Information on next display coming soon.

Tantallon Public Library

On display November through December, 2024

The Mutant Local, by Melanie Park

Melanie initially started her adult life in culinary arts. A freak accident cut this path short, and it was time to reinvent herself. She went back to school, earning two diplomas, then two degrees and started working on a professional designation. A move to Halifax gave her career path a new trajectory. All seemed to be moving along swimmingly, when we were thrown another curve ball - the COVID-19 pandemic.

To keep from going insane, Melanie purchased some acrylic paints and started painting random pieces of lumber found in the yard from a previous building project. What fun! She was hooked! Her pieces are bright and bold, and created with the purpose of bringing a smile to your face. She paints stuff on other stuff. 

Welcome to The Mutant Local – all are welcome!

Woodlawn Public Library

On display November 2024, through January 2025

Art by Judith Orr

Judith started drawing at an early age, when, according to her mother, drawing kept her quiet and entertained as a child. Judith started painting later in life by taking a few watercolour workshops, but she is mostly self-taught.

Painting adds to a long list of interests, including the French Horn, bee keeping, travel, fitness, volunteer work, gardening, nature, and the environment.

Judith draws on many experiences for subject matter. She has lived in three provinces and has attended five universities. She has worked in dental hygiene, education, domestic violence support, biology, teaching piano, and farming to name a few.

"Painting can be very relaxing and outside your normal day-to-day. I encourage anyone to get out and try new things - like drawing and painting!"

Halifax North Public Library

Information on next display coming soon.