Art Displays
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
Information on next display coming soon.
Alderney Gate Public Library
Information on next display coming soon.
Cole Harbour Public Library
On display January through February 2025
Art by Joe Murphy
A lifelong interest in art led Joe to take up calligraphy and sketching almost 50 years ago. This only whet his appetite for the world of watercolour, acrylics, oils and other media into which he expanded on retirement. He trained in figure drawing and portrait painting at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University and has also studied with such well-known Maritime artists as Tom Forrestall, Ron Hazell, Bill Rogers, Chris Gorey, Nora Gross, Zehava Power, and others. Â
Lately, he has been completing many portrait commissions and figure paintings, returning to landscapes when a Nova Scotia scene or occasion just cries out to be celebrated. Joe exhibits and sells his art regularly in the Craig Gallery, Dartmouth where he has won awards, and again in 2024, was the People’s Choice award winner.Â
He’s delighted to be holding his first solo show at the Cole Harbour Public Library in January and February 2025 and welcomes inquiries about further commissions, especially in portraiture.
J.D. Shatford Memorial Public Library
On display February 2025
Art by Laurie Publicover Mireau
Born and raised on Nova Scotia's south shore, Laurie travelled from the east coast to western Canada in pursuit of her studies in art and teacher education which earned her a doctoral degree from the University of Alberta, Edmonton in 1980. Her extensive career has spanned nearly three decades in public and post-secondary education — including teaching art at the elementary, middle school, and university levels. She retired early and returned to her native province in 1995 to follow her dream, her first love — painting. Her work is inspired by the marine vistas and natural surroundings of her childhood. Laurie's focus on the water as a source of inspiration reflects the ever-changing variety and contrast she finds in the ocean, its many moods and her deep respect for it as an ever-present source of both danger and pleasure. It is this love of the coast that one can see in her various compositions portraying the heritage and working environments of the sea-faring peoples of the Maritimes. She draws attention to the dignity and beauty found in the in-shore fishery and the equipment used by fishermen to ply their trade in the small coastal viallages near her family home in Hubbards. She is also drawn to city scenes and local landscapes.
Laurie's trademark is her use of bold colors in her watercolors and acrylic and oil paintings. She enjoys teaching art and she accepts commissions, which are often required for a family occasion or special gift. Her studio in Hubbards is open by appointment.
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Keshen Goodman Public Library
On display February 2025
Korean Artist Showcase
"We are excited to be able to exhibit our paintings again at the Keshen Goodman Library. A small group of five Korean Canadian artists is showcasing their work in the newly renovated space. Their art reflects the unique journey of immigrants adapting to a new land, capturing personal experiences, emotions, and the beauty they have found in their second home."Â
Musquodoboit Harbour Public Library
On display January through February 2025
Signs of the Times by Swanie Jahn Foley
"As a child I always looked to the green-painted frog on the 107 Highway as a marker, it meant we were almost halfway to home or halfway to town depending on the direction. I took the iconic and beloved frog for granted, as one day it was gone.Â
Like the green frog, the signs that dot the roadsides of the Eastern Shore are unique storytellers. They mark moments in time, speak of businesses, ideas, community needs, and solutions. Some are temporary, while others become woven into the fabric of our communities.Â
My fascination lies in the craftsmanship and story of these signs. Are they professionally made or hand-painted? Where are they placed, and why? The choice of font, material, colour, and design all tell a story.Â
Over the past few years, I've captured images of these signs using just my iPhone. Instead of presenting them in their raw form, I've applied filters to transform these ordinary objects into something new—evoking the illusion of being painted or cartoon-like. The results are what you see here.Â
The Eastern Shore is a place where tradition and change coexist, and that, I believe, is a very good sign. Â P.S: If you encounter a sign that could be part of a future exhibit, please share it with me and I would be happy to photograph it."
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Sackville Public Library
Information on next display coming soon.
Tantallon Public Library
On display February 2025
Art by Cecilia Humphrey
Cecilia’s paintings vary between coastal scenes, seascapes, portraits, or completely unplanned abstract compositions—inspired by the beauty in nature, dreams, imagination or through meditation. Through her artwork, she explores, discovers and expresses the deepest parts of herself, and hopes to connect viewers to that hidden or unconscious realm within themselves.
Obtaining her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Massachusetts, she has a 40-year career as a graphic designer, and is the owner of Creative Capture, a graphic design business started in Calgary, 2010. Running parallel to her design profession, is her involvement in the healing arts and therapies. She has her Master of Arts degree in holistic counselling and is certified in clinical hypnotherapy and Reiki.
As a member of the Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of the Arts, Cecilia will have her art showing at The Prow Gallery in Halifax in May, at the Hubbard’s Barn Opening Night exhibit in early July, and in PCAFA’s annual Studio Tour, also in July.
Woodlawn Public Library
On display January through February 2025
Art by Jim Walker
Jim’s passion for the underwater world began 40 years ago. Since then, he has had the opportunity to explore the shipwrecks of the Great Lakes, pristine waters of British Columbia, clear water caves of Northern Florida, tropical Grand Bahama, Koh Tao and finally to the Maritime’s, where its four-season ocean environment hosts a fascinating collection of marine life.
The most photogenic of this fascinating collection is the American Lobster (Homarus americanus) or as we call it, the Atlantic Lobster! In abundance as the summer warms the coastal waters of Nova Scotia, the approachable Lobster makes very cooperative models. Close-up shots reveal a complex exoskeleton, piercing eyes and flexible spider-like appendages. Other featured and favourite Nova Scotia subjects captured by Jim in this collection are the Hermit Crab, Flounder, Moon Snail, Sculpin and Trigger Fish.
Full videos of these creatures can also be found on Jim’s YouTube page and all social media platforms.
