This is our bi-weekly newsletter of opportunities and information for artists. Become a member of VANS and we’ll email this newsletter to you. Click on items in the index at the top of the page to visit different sections of the VANS Newsletter. Learn more about each opportunity by clicking on the colourful links to visit their website.

Want to submit something for the next newsletter? Check out the VANS Promotion Guide for details on what we need and then send us an email with your event/ program/ opportunity info. Something missing? Let us know!

VANS Newsletter #594
May 14, 2025

INDEX:

VANS Matters
Announcements
Awards and Funding
Education
Employment
Events
Residencies
Submissions
Nova Scotia Exhibition Listings

VANS Matters

You can still register for Teaching an Art Workshop Online with Carley Mullally. Workshops are $40 for VANS members and $50 for non-members. Can’t make it to the online workshop? That’s no problem. You can register and then watch the link to the recorded workshop at your convenience and you’ll still receive all the resources.

On May 14th, join Visual Arts News in Halifax for a spring launch of editor Shannon Webb-Campbell’s latest poetry collection – Re: Wild Her and the Visual Arts News Spring 2025 magazine. We will also be joined by Geoffrey Webster, an arts writer who wrote the review on Graeme Patterson’s Strange Birds featured in the Visual Arts News Spring 2025 magazine. The event is at Compass Distillers, 2533 Agricola Street in Halifax on May 14, 5 – 7 pm. Free admission, cash bar, and refreshments!

Previously posted:

Re/collections is a free, community group installation that invites the public to experience an interactive exhibition that charts and catalogs Visual Arts Nova Scotia’s forty-eight years of cultural impact across Mi’kma’ki. Taking place at the Corridor Gallery, located within the Cultural Federations of Nova Scotia (1113 Marginal Rd, Halifax, NS B3H 4P7), Visual Arts Nova Scotia’s installation, Re/collections, provides the public with an abbreviated timeline of the cultural and artistic contributions fostered by the organization. Tactile and interactive by design, the installation features an array of media (artworks, articles, photographs, exhibition paraphernalia, and other haptic objects of interest) beginning with the inaugural Fall 1976 edition of the magazine, Visual Arts News. Access labels will provide viewers with legible descriptions of selected works. The exhibition is was part of Nocturne Art at Night festival but is still up in the VANS Corridor Gallery. Re/collections is organized by Dan Edmonds, Visual Arts Nova Scotia’s Archiving and Documentation Intern.

Visual Arts Nova Scotia is pleased to officially announce the participants of this year’s Mentorship Program. After receiving many great applications, the program will be supporting four dedicated emerging artists in Nova Scotia. Solmaz Asheri, Elise Campbell, Jools Annie (Julia Hutt), and Adam McNamara and have been individually paired with established artists and mentors François Gaudet, Barbara Lounder, Jessica Winton, and Andrew Maize.

You can now purchase VANS limited-edition merch! The black cotton tote bag ($25) and iridescent stickers ($5/each) are sold individually or as a bundle of all three VANS merch items ($30). The merch was designed by VANS member and artist AGLENNCO and produced by Copy Shop Books. You can buy them at the VANS office or in our online shop (and we’ll mail them to you). We are selling VANS merch as a fundraiser so get yours today and show your support! Click here for more info and to purchase: https://visualarts.ns.ca/shop-category/vans-merch/.

If you want to renew your VANS membership for 2024 but find the membership fee out of reach right now, consider applying for a Membership Bursary. Membership Bursaries provide artists in need of financial support with a VANS membership (which runs from January 1 – December 31). There’s no deadline to apply and applications are confidential. Recipients of the bursary will receive a .pdf of Visual Arts News magazine instead of the print-mailed version, but other than that the bursary membership has the same benefits as any other VANS membership.

Did you know that VANS has an Artist Emergency Fund? VANS established the Artist Emergency Fund to assist artists in financial need arising from severe illness, an accident resulting in inability to work or help with studio replacement in case of a disaster, such as fire, where there is no insurance. VANS Members are able to apply for short-term assistance, up to $500/month for three months maximum. The fund has been used in recent years to help member artists who have been injured in a car accident, had a surgery that prevented them from working, who were ineligible for benefits but could not work during the pandemic, whose studio was damaged by natural disasters, and more. The fund is supported in part by donations from VANS members – and we are so grateful for their generosity! If you would like to make a donation to the Artist Emergency Fund you can do so anytime here.

A subscription to Visual Arts News makes the perfect gift for the art-lover in your life and costs just $24. Two times a year, your gift recipients will be reminded of your generosity and good taste when you give them a year-long subscription to Visual Arts News, the magazine that is an ongoing conversation inspired by the artistic vision of artists and writers pushing the boundaries of art and culture in Atlantic Canada. Order, here: https://visualartsnews.ca/subscribe/.

Without the generosity of its many supporters, VANS could not offer such a wide range of programs and services. Last year over 30% of our total expenses were fees paid out directly to artists in Atlantic Canada and with more donations, more artists can be paid! Here are some examples of how your donation could support an artist at VANS:

• $50 supports a membership bursary
• $240 supports a three-hour PAINTS project
• $500 supports one month of Artist Emergency Funding

Donate $20 or more to receive a charitable tax receipt. Donate before December 31 to include it in your tax deductions.

At VANS, we love sharing events and news from Nova Scotian arts organizations, galleries, and our members on social media or in our biweekly newsletter. When it comes to asking for people, organizations, or media outlets to share your project or event, we find there’s a way to do it to maximize your chance of getting promoted. Check out our new Guide to Getting Your Project/ Event Promoted Digitally! Learn the things that VANS needs you to provide in order to share your event (and what NOT to do)!

ART RECESS is a new collection of short, accessible workshops that can be delivered online at times that work for teachers in the school year, or for parents and other caregivers in the summertime!  VANS’ commissioned 9 artists to create ART RECESS workshops and videos available for free to educators, students and parents. Part of the PAINTS  (Professional Artists In the Schools) Program, these workshops are made to be quick (15 – 20 minutes) and use materials that most people would have around the house. Check out all the ART RECESS videos on the VANS’ YouTube channel today!

VANS has launched a Facebook Group! This group welcomes any visual artists living in Nova Scotia. This community space can be used for exchanging opportunities, resources or news with one another. Click here to join, and invite your friends so they don’t miss out on this information hub.

We are now including an Artist Page (formerly known as an E-studio) with EVERY membership! Artists say this is one of our most valuable membership benefits, and with everyone on board it will be THE destination to find Nova Scotian artists online. The Artist Pages provide a page on our website where artists can post up to six images, an artist statement, selected biography, and contact information. It can provide an increased online presence for artists or provide an online presence for artists without a website. As members renew their membership they will get a login and be prompted to create their Artist Page. We’ve created a template to follow (that will appear when you click on Create My Artist Page in My Account) so it’s never been this easy. If you already have an Artist Page, you can still edit it, as usual. We are just a phone call away if you need help with a step.

VANS Members can now access the Arts & Entertainment health plan. ACTRA Fraternal Benefit Society (AFBS) is a Member-owned, not-for-profit, federally incorporated insurance company and financial institution operating since 1975. AFBS has proudly underwritten the Arts & Entertainment Plan® since 2011. They offer multiple types of plans and you’re eligible if: you are a VANS Member; you are a professional in the arts, living in Canada; you have a valid Provincial Health Card; and you’re under 71 years of age. See their website for details on their plans, coverage and get a free quote.

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Announcements

The 16th Annual Antigonight: Art after Dark Festival is accepting submissions! For this year’s Festival, artists and community groups are invited to respond to the theme, Lore: The Stories We Share. Antigonight: Art After Dark Festival is a free, immersive and participatory, public art festival that aims to be inclusive and accessible to all persons. This year, the festival runs from September 19th to 20th in Antigonish (Nalikitquniejk) Mi’kma’ki/Nova Scotia. They are inviting artists from anywhere in the world who have roots in Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada to create experimental new works for the festival, including but not limited to: video, performance, dance, sound, sculpture, and installation, which can be presented in-person in the town of Antigonish. The heart of Antigonight is that all projects are interactive and/or participatory in nature, the selection committee will prioritize projects that have a participatory component, as stated in their mission statement. Deadline: June 7.

Seeking local artists and art galleries for a weekly local artist features on Halifax Guardian, an arts and culture website launching next month and the fifth website in the series of local arts and culture websites across Canada. Every Wednesday they will feature a local artist in each city and on each website. It is called the “Day in the Life” series. If you are an artist, or you represent or know an artist the Halifax Guardian should feature, they would love to make that happen. Potential artists will need to send the following things: An original bio (not on the internet) written by a friend or family member (200 words); 8 photos from your daily life with descriptions (landscape orientation); Answers to these 4 questions (published as is) Which ’hood are you in? What do you do? What are you currently working on? Where can we find your work? Send your submissions to Joel Levy, Publisher at  info@halifaxmedia.com.

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Creative Pictou County is excited to invite artists of all disciplines to participate in their upcoming Art Auction Fundraiser on November 15. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your work, connect with collectors, and support a great cause, all while earning a share of the funds raised from your artwork. Your participation helps fund Creative Pictou County, which works towards creating connections between artists, organizations and the local community to support the growth of the creative sector in Pictou County. 50% of the auction sale price will go directly to the artist. The remaining 50% will benefit Creative Pictou County. Deadline: May 30. 

Gallery on Lincoln, a contemporary fine art gallery owned and operated by 11 respected Nova Scotia artist-entrepreneurs, will officially open its doors on April 3, 2025. Gallery on Lincoln is located at 167 Lincoln Street, in the very heart of “Gallery Row” in Lunenburg, NS – one of Canada’s most-loved UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The gallery features a dynamic collection of contemporary landscape, figurative, still life, and abstract works created by a talented and professional group of artists whose work is held in public and private collections around the world. Gallery artists include Catherine Bagnell Styles, Michelle Darwin, MJ Dominey, Lynn Ellis, Janet Griffen, Mary Kersell, Paulette Melanson, Mary Morey, David Shimp, Katy Maria Shimp, and Sharon Wadsworth- Smith.

Creative Pictou County is thrilled to have an artist studio in the new deCoste Culture Hub at 99 Water Street in Pictou. This beautiful open space is ready for artists to teach their craft to the community. Artists can rent on an hourly basis. For full details including rental rates and how to apply, please visit their website.

There are many things to consider when shipping art abroad. Each country has its own requirements for temporary and permanent imports. Prepare in advance to avoid unexpected travel delays! Make sure you have your paperwork in order ahead of time. Check out CARFAC’s tips on taking artwork over the border. Due to ongoing tariff discussions between Canada and the United States, there may be changes affecting the movement of artworks across the border. They strongly recommend consulting a customs broker and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for the most up-to-date and accurate information on current regulations and potential costs.

Peer Gallery opened for their 24th season on April 17th. The exhibition includes works by gallery members Allyson Simmie, Anne Tweed, Barb McLean, Carol Morrow, Diana Baldwin, Douglas Boutilier, Heather Sayeau, Joan Bruneau, Michael Peters, Sally Warren, Steven Farmer, Susan Hudson, Teresa Bergen and Tom Ward. Open Hours in April and May – Thursday through Sunday from 12:30 to 4:30 at 166 Lincoln Street, Lunenburg.

To create an art space that truly reflects the needs and dreams of the community, Festival Antigonish needs to hear from YOU. They’re launching a New Facility Survey to gather insights and feedback from artists, organizations, and community members. Your responses will directly influence decisions about: The kinds of spaces and features the new facility should include; Programming that reflects the community’s diverse interests; How they can best support artists, educators, and audiences alike. Take the Survey: Your feedback is invaluable. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey. Every opinion matters!

Exploring themes of Earth and Ritual. Land and Belonging. Communality and Collaboration. Nailah Moon will be Eyelevel’s spring artist in-residence for the month of April at 2482 Maynard Street. During their time in-residence, Nailah will be building an interactive installation featuring tech gourds in the studio space and welcoming members of the public to visit by appointment. Artist Talk June 19th @ 6PM at the Khyber Centre for the Arts. ASL will be provided and the talk will be streamed online.

Cuts and Paste Gallery has moved to 5511 Cunard Street in Halifax! Hours have changed and so has the resource center. Wednesday to Friday, 5-8pm and Saturday 2-8pm. The resource center is now available for $10 per person, $15 if a coffee or beverage such as water is added and $20 for the addition of a snack. A soft opening is scheduled for January 18 from 2-8pm. Please join them in the new space, which now doubles as the home of Canadian collage! Events are back up and running and as always, the best place to find out about these events is their website, www.cutsandpastegallery.com.

Creative Pictou County is seeking submissions for four curated group exhibitions at the deCoste Culture Hub in Pictou in 2025. The exhibitions are “Open theme” (February 3 – March 15), “Textiles” (April 28 – June 7), “Colour” (July 21 – August 30), and “10×10” (October 14 – November 22). The hanging system at the deCoste Culture Hub uses suspended wire and hooks. Paintings and prints must be framed and frames must have wire on the back. For non-frameable works (such as textiles) Creative Pictou County will work with the chosen artist(s) to showcase the work. Creative Pictou County will take a 20% commission on any works sold. Sold work may be picked up once the exhibition is completed. If you have any questions, please email Carissa@creativepictoucounty.com. Each exhibition has their own deadline to apply.

There is a large space available for rent on Kempt Road in Halifax that could be used as a shared communal artists space. The owner doesn’t have much time to run it, and seeks someone with a bit of ambition and vision interested in managing the space who could take it over. It would be a great opportunity for someone to get a studio space for free for themselves, provide super affordable studio spaces for the community and make a bit of a profit for themselves. You could rent out space for a low price and give you the freedom to augment your needs, find renters to fill the space, manage and run the space how you would like, make reasonable modifications to the space, have a private office/studio to work from and rent another area or rent out the entire space. It is a shared spaces that can be divided and separated or left open with one big open space and two separate lockable studios connected to it (30×30 windows, 15×15 no windows, and 10×10 windows), keypad entry with 24-hour access, chairs and dividers, desks included, bathrooms/sinks in the building, Wifi included. Rental cost is $1600 Per month (everything included). Contact Brandon Tolliver at brantoll7@gmail.com or 902-452-4654.

Attention nonprofit professionals: NSCC is pleased to announce that their Nonprofit Leadership graduate certificate program will be moving to both full-time and part-time delivery in September of 2025. Additionally, the program’s entrance requirements have been updated to include industry experience as a pathway into the program via NSCC’s PLAR policy. In anticipation of these important changes, they are looking to gather some feedback from our nonprofit industry stakeholders to support the continuous improvement of this program, while raising awareness of this pathway for professional development in the sector. Take a few minutes to complete this short survey to give them feedback on industry trends and program curriculum.

The Canadian government has passed Bill S-202 which will create Canada’s first parliamentary visual artist laureate (like the poet laureate). The visual artist laureate position will be a two-year term, with a mandate to promote, foster, develop and bring awareness to the visual arts in Canada. The visual arts laureate will produce art or “cause to be produced artistic creations at the request of the Speaker, especially for use in Parliament on occasions of state,” as well as sponsor artistic events, including exhibitions, and give advice on the collection and acquisitions for the Library of Parliament. Details are still being finalized, but the position will be open to all Canadians and the primary official language will alternate.  Applications for the new position will be made to the Library of Parliament. The Speaker of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Commons will select the parliamentary visual artist laureate from three names submitted in confidence by a committee that includes the Parliamentary Librarian of Canada, the director of the National Gallery of Canada, the commissioner of Official Languages for Canada, the chairperson of the Canada Council for the Arts and the president of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts or designates.

2B Theatre has arts space for rent at the former Video Difference Building on Quinpool Road in Halifax. The Criterion Room with Rehearsal Support Space has been in full swing this season with 2 productions rehearsing that opened at the Bus Stop Theatre, and 1 full production workshop, in addition to many smaller/shorter rehearsal bookings in between. They have several options for meeting spaces… and are working to develop more options to host folks for co-working  / part time office or meeting space. If you are interested please get in touch! Please send an email to bookings@2btheatre.com.

Nova Scotia based Caribou Loft Art Prints is a growing e-commerce retailer specializing in large format giclée art prints with a Canadian influence. They’re currently seeking up-and-coming Canadian artists, painters, photographers and digital creators to partner with them in an endeavour to bring Canadian inspired art to the home decor market. Artists represented at the loft will remain full copyright holders of their work, receive a 30% commission on sales and rentals, and receive a 10% discount at their print lab. They’re also waiving all fees associated with the digital scanning of any artwork under contract with the loft where applicable. All styles are encouraged to submit. Please be sure to tell them about yourself and include links to your work. They’re also happy to answer any questions you may have. Visit www.caribouloft.art or e-mail your submissions directly to: submissions@caribouloft.art.

ArtSeen is a digital venue that showcases contemporary art programming, creators and practices from a variety of artist-run and community arts organisations. In spring of 2020 ARTSPLACE, located in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, was awarded funding through the Canada Council Digital Strategy Fund to develop capacity to run hybrid (digital and in-person) programming and to develop a strategy to amplify its programming impact. After a period of consultation with various stakeholders, it was decided creating a website designed as a digital venue would best serve our shared initiatives. ArtSeen first went live in Fall 2022 and officially launched December 2023. The project continues to recruit partners to work collaboratively, broaden contemporary art audiences and amplify the work of artist-run and community-led initiatives and the artists they present. Would your gallery or organisation like to be an ArtSeen collaborator?
ArtSeen is managed and maintained by ARTSPLACE. They are always looking to add to our community of contributing partners. If your organisation is interested in learning more about how to join ArtSeen, please contact admin@arcac.ca.

Therapeutic Arts Practitioner Gerard McNeil MEd, BEd (VAS), BFA,TAPC is excited to offer a new therapeutic arts service. This service is designed for those who want new ways to explore personal growth, stress reduction and overall mental wellness. To facilitate these therapeutic services a range of media from drawing to digital imaging will be utilized with a focus on personal development and wellness for individuals and community wellness for organizations and groups. McNeil is offering Personal Development and Wellness sessions (including Creative Wellness Through the Lens, and Creative Wellness One–to–One) as well as Community Wellness (Creative Wellness Through Connections). For more information about this therapeutic arts service, you can check out the website www.gerardmcneil.com/creative-wellness.html, contact Gerard by phone at 902-456-0861 or by e-mail at gmcneiltap@gmail.com.

Do you like to sketch? Want to share your passion for urban sketching with other like minded artists? Why not join the Urban Sketchers Halifax Facebook group.  Here you can share your urban sketches with other members and you will have the opportunity to attend a weekly sketchout.  Each week, they meet at a different location and sketch that location on-site in your medium of choice.  You are not obligated to attend each week, but the opportunity is there.  They are a very friendly, helpful group that love to share their passion for urban sketching.  They would love to have you join.  No fees of any kind.

Plein air painting/sketching immerses you in your surroundings. Artists often find their outdoor work is more spontaneous and vibrant than studio work. To succeed you need simply need to be persistent, and patient. Painting with others builds camaraderie and self-confidence. We recommend you join in group critiques. They are educational and act as social contact. Several plein air groups exist in Nova Scotia. Of those listed here, the groups meet weekly, rain or shine. You decide whether to come or not. No event is canceled or rescheduled due to weather. PAAHRM and PAAAV (Plein Air Artists HRM and Plein Air Artists Annapolis Valley) meet Thursdays with an optional date on a weekend. Some prefer weekdays. Some prefer weekends. Some like to go twice to each paint-out site. There are no fees involved with any of these groups. All artistic levels are accepted.

AFCOOP is proud to begin streaming 50 selected works from their nearly 50 years of helping members and the greater community make great films! There is so much work in the basements and closets of Atlantic filmmakers that is in danger of being lost to time. The AFCOOP Archives seeks to address this imminent loss by providing digital storage and an online streaming portal for the preservation and dissemination of AFCOOP members’ and community films.

Artists in Canada has a fixed pension plan for visual artists. Started in 2016. This Pension Plan is for all Canadian Artists (Visual Artists, Musicians, Writers, Performance, Graphic, Web development and Film Artists). Commercial, Public Art Galleries and Art Resource businesses and their staff are also eligible.

ART= WORK T-Shirts Available! VANL-CARFAC is excited to be re-launching the ART=WORK campaign in partnership with the Mary MacDonald Foundation. This joint fundraiser will support visual artists, curators, and art workers living in Newfoundland and Labrador through programs and awards distributed by their organizations. The T-shirts are $20 each and come in sizes include, XS (ladies S), S, M, L, XL, 2XL.

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Awards and Funding

Tourism Nova Scotia is offering the Tourism Digital Assistance Program for Communities which will provide up to $15,000 in services from a qualified digital expert to help communities bridge the digital gap and improve their online marketing and services to attract visitors and encourage spending. The pilot program expands on the successful Tourism Digital Assistance Program for businesses and will also be delivered in partnership with Digital Nova Scotia.

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Education

CARFAC Maritimes is presenting a webinar called Exhibitions at a Public Art Gallery: Demystifying the Process on May 25, 1:30 – 3:30pm. Pan Wendt, Curator at Confederation Centre Art Gallery in Charlottetown, PEI, will provide an overview of how the institution builds an exhibition programme; how a public art gallery develops and fulfills its priorities; and how artists can best access curators. Topics may also include publications, studio visits, artist talks and other public outreach, the advantages and disadvantages of juried vs. curated shows, the process of working with a curator, and the specifics of working in so-called regional spaces. Following the presentation, Wendt will be available for questions and conversation. Register by emailing anna.rail@carfacmaritimes.org.

Expand your art practice with a Workshop and Exhibition in Abruzzo, Italy! Imagine spending a week immersed in creativity, guided by award-winning artists Christopher Webb and Lorna Mulligan, against the stunning backdrop of Italy’s Adriatic coast. This October, in the historic town of Vasto, you’ll have the chance to explore new techniques, deepen your practice, and connect with fellow artists — all while preparing for a curated group exhibition that will open to the local Italian community. Through a blend of plein-air sessions, hands-on workshops, and meaningful critiques, you’ll expand your artistic voice and have the rare opportunity to showcase your work internationally. All visual mediums are welcome, including drawing, mixed media, collage, and painting. With limited spaces available, this promises to be an unforgettable journey of inspiration, growth, and celebration. Click here to learn more and reserve your place.

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The Est-Nord-Est team is thrilled to announce the inaugural edition of the Interstice Seminar! To launch this series of interdisciplinary exchanges, artist Diane Borsato is the mentor for a seminar titled Outdoor School, taking place June 24–26, 2025, at Est-Nord-Est. At this seminar, Diane Borsato – artist and co-founder of the Outdoor School collective with Amish Morrell – will share pictures of and stories about her own environmental art practices informed by her many seasons as a mushroomer, beekeeper, swimmer, orchardist, and tea sommelier. Together with many local collaborators, Borsato and attendees will participate in a series of activities that may include lectures, conversations, an outdoor movement workshop, foraging, walks, teas, cold-water swims, and a communal dinner. The seminar is June 24–26 at 335 Avenue de Gaspé Ouest, Saint-Jean-Port-Joli. The fee of $270 includes participation in the seminar as well as 3 lunches.  Please note that basic comprehension of French and English is recommended to take this seminar. Accommodation is at the participant’s expense. 

Registration is open for spring courses and workshops at the Cape Breton Centre for Craft. They have an awesome line-up this spring, including: quilting, pottery sculpture, leather working, knitting, weaving, oil painting, stained glass, acrylic painting + more. To view the whole list, visit: capebretoncraft.com/learn/courses. To sign up, email: tammy@capebretoncraft.com.

Lunenburg School of the Arts offers courses led by professional art educators and working artists this summer. Their small and intimate class sizes allow students to work closely with instructors and each other, fostering self-expression in a supportive atmosphere. They offer courses in a wide variety of mediums and their programs encourage exploration, discovery and development of skills and ideas. With its historic townscape and a working waterfront, the Town of Lunenburg is their campus. They are offering great courses including The Magic of Monotypes: Explorations in Printmaking, New Adventures in Acrylic Paint, Sketchy Business, Trifling Textures and Defining Details, You’ll be Hooked! Punch Needle Fibre Art, Painting Watercolour Landscapes on Site, and many more.

Wondering what a tariff is, how it’s collected, and how it affects Canadian artists? With so much uncertainty in our trade relations with the US, Canadian artists who sell art in the US or rely on American materials could be facing rising costs and new export challenges. Staying on top of changes to export rules can be frustrating and stressful. With this in mind, CARFAC has compiled some resources to help you navigate this challenging environment. Check out their resources on what Canadian artists need to know about US tariffs.

This spring, NSCAD Extended Studies will be re-offering some of their most popular classes, as well as developing new classes. The classes range in media from graphite to screen printing to digital art, and in subjects from landscape to portraits to fabulous fungi. They even offer online courses that you can take from anywhere! Take a look at the fresh and new courses that are running this spring, including Illustrating Time: Intro to Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, Handbuilding: Potting in Full Bloom, and Introduction to Textile Collage

Poppy Balser, a painter and judge at the Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival, is giving a 3 day course in painting plein air with watercolour June 23 – 25  in Parrsboro. Painting outdoors in watercolour can be an extremely rewarding practice. It is also intensely frustrating at times. Poppy will share how she sets herself up to make the experience of painting outside as successful as possible. She’ll walk you through her process of choosing a scene and identifying the elements of the landscape she wants to include in her painting.  She will show how she simplifies the scene to make a convincing, compelling painting. In the case of truly inclement weather, class will be held indoors.  Students should come prepared for painting in chilly weather. Poppy will begin each session with a quick demonstration on location.  She will adapt her demonstration to the unique challenges presented by the day and the painting location. Students will then have the opportunity to work at their easels with Poppy circulating to offer problem-solving advice and encouragement. Join Poppy and eleven other artists keen to learn new skills and approaches in the quest to become better, more confidant plein air artists. The cost is $300.

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Employment 

The StFX Art Gallery is looking to hire a recent graduate for its 2025-26 Curatorial Internship. Working closely with the Director, the Intern will play a key role in the gallery’s administration and delivery of programming. First, they will assist in curatorial planning, installation, and programming for the exhibitions in the 2025-26 academic year. Interns will be given the opportunity to work on exhibition planning and design (online and in the gallery), curatorial writing, and public programming. Second, they will help manage the documentation, organization, storage, conservation, and preservation of the permanent collection. Candidates must have graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution and ideally demonstrate interest in the cultural sector. Studies in Art, Art History, Anthropology, History, Sociology, or Museum Studies will be considered an asset. This position is funded by the Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage Program and St. Francis Xavier University. The position is $25/ hour, 7 hrs per day, 35 hours per week, 29 weeks beginning September 2 and ending March 27, 2026. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 3 references to Dr. Andrea Terry, Director, StFX Art Gallery, aterry@stfx.ca. Deadline: June 6, 5 pm AT.

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Job Call 2025: Art Bikers Community Art Facilitator. This position is for a mobile community art facilitator through Wonder’neath Art Society. The successful candidate will work as a member of the Art Biker team, delivering art programming to the public by bicycle and other sustainable transportation in outdoor spaces around greater Kjipuktuk/ Halifax. Wonder’neath Art Society is a visual arts organization and studio facility that encourages and promotes art as a tool for expression, connection and social transformation through community programming and partnerships. This position requires riding a bicycle daily in an urban setting with an appropriate level of physical fitness and comfort on the road for safety. This is a Full-time term position May 29th – Aug 29th, 2025 (35 hours/week @ $24.00/hr). Deadline: May 14.

ViewPoint Gallery is hiring a Gallery Assistant for 8 weeks (July 7-August 29, 2025). ViewPoint Gallery is an artist-run, non-profit cooperative located on the Bedford Highway. ViewPoint’s members work together to nurture and promote the practice of photography, to operate a Gallery that exhibits their work as well as the work of guest photographers, and to enhance the cultural life of the broader photographic community. With financial support provided by the Canada Summer Job program, ViewPoint Gallery plans to hire a Gallery Assistant for 35 hours per week for 8 weeks, beginning Monday, July 7, 2025 and ending Friday, August 29, 2025. The salary is $15.70 per hour (Nova Scotia minimum wage).  This is an exciting opportunity that will provide hands-on experience in an art gallery. The usual work-week will be from Monday to Friday, 10-5 pm. The Gallery Assistant will be responsible for leading a one-week photography camp for youth and teenagers.  During the summer camp, the Gallery Assistant’s hours will be from 8 am to 4 pm.  Deadline: May 15, 5pm.

Wonder’neath Art Society in Halifax is hiring a Summer Art Programming and Outreach Intern (Art Coordinator – Education). The Summer Art Programming Intern will support the delivery of art programming and outreach to engage a variety of participants. The Summer Art Programming Intern should have art making and art facilitation experience, and a strong interest in the role of community-engaged arts.Terms: June 24, 2025 – August 24, 2025 (9 weeks) $24/hour, 30 hours per week, located in Kjipuktuk/Halifax, NS. Generally, hours will be Tuesday through Saturday and may include evenings. Deadline: May 15.Generally, hours will be Tuesday through Saturday and may include evenings. Deadline: May 15.

Are you an artisan with a Victorian-based practice? Sherbrooke Village, Nova Scotia’s largest living history museum, is seeking people that have a passion for sharing their skills and knowledge to help keep heritage arts and traditional trades alive through practice, demonstrations and teaching. They value authenticity and historical accuracy with particular interest in Mi’kmaw and rare Maritime crafts.  As a 19th century settlement, Sherbrooke Village includes historic spaces for blacksmithing, woodworking, weaving, pottery, letterpress, costume design and heritage building trades. The museum site contains other spaces that can be adapted for other types of trade and craft practices. If you haven’t demonstrated or shared your skills before, their team can support you to develop or expand your skill set to include teaching, communication and engagement skills. No enquiry is too small, whether it be about the types of opportunities and working relationships they seek to develop, the equipment they have for use, about what it takes to become a heritage artisan. Many of their advertised positions are full-Time, seasonal and pay $21.01 per hour at 35 hrs per week, plus 4% vacation pay and 2% in lieu of benefits.

A list of presenters/galleries that pay the CARFAC/RAAV Minimum Fee for artist exhibitions was compiled by CARFAC Maritimes to guide the membership in their search for paying venues. You will find public galleries, galleries in other establishments, artist cooperatives and artist run centres. They will update the list on a regular basis. Should you find any information missing or incorrect, kindly let them know at anna.rail@carfacmaritimes.org  with the pertinent information and they will make the necessary changes immediately. Here is the link to the list:  http://www.carfacmaritimes.org/en/exhibition-opportunities-maritimes/

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Events

Shelburne County Arts Council presents the next presentation in their Arts Talk series featuring mixed media visual artist Jane Huson. The talk will take place Saturday, May 31 at 2 pm at the Shelburne County Museum, 20 Dock Street. SCAC Arts Talks are free and open to all and donations to support the Shelburne County Arts Council are always gratefully accepted.

Art Lab Studios in Parrsboro is having a Re-opening Weekend Celebration, May 16, 17, and 18, 10am – 5pm. Everyone is welcome as they open their doors to a new season of creativity and exploration.

Come to Family Day at ARTSPLACE: Create like an artist! This is a guided, drop-in activity inspired by The Masks I Wear exhibition. All materials provided. Children must be accompanied by a guardian. Activities are designed and led by early childhood educator Sherry O’Dell. Children must be accompanied by an adult, but no registration required. Free to participate. Family Day is Saturday, May 24, 11am – 1pm Upstairs at ARTSPLACE, 396 St. George Street, Annapolis Royal.

Start your summer with an unforgettable evening of art, music, drinks, and bites on Friday, June 13, 6 – 9pm at the AGNS in Halifax! Immerse yourself in the AGNS with two buildings bursting with fresh, thought-provoking exhibitions including Sonia Boyce’s Feeling Her Way, Oluseye’s Negro Crossing and the Mi’kmaw porcupine quillwork by the Quill Sisters. Plus three new exhibitions from their permanent collection: From One to Many Natures, Jawbone Corner, and Blacklight. RSVP to agns.ca/rsvp by June 9.

Previously posted:

Step right up—tickets are selling fast! Join us under a soaring sailcloth tent for the Carnival of Colours, Chester Art Centre’s most spectacular summer fundraiser yet on Saturday, July 5, 7–11 pm. Expect music, dancing, amusements, prizes, and artful surprises galore—plus delicious carnival-inspired food & drinks. Big Top Admission: $175. Double the Fun: $250 (includes double the carnival cash to spend on amusements, food & beverages). Reserve your tickets now at chesterartcentre.ca or email info@chesterartcentre.ca. Tickets are applicable for a $50 tax receipt! Let the summer magic begin!

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Residencies

A Position on Retreat focuses on creating experiences of connection to the natural world, personal well-being, and self-actualization to cultivate creative expression and flow. They aim to create experiences between the natural world of Lake Cowichan on Vancouver Island and the curated groups of artists that reorient us to the collective goals of peace, acceptance, and wholeness. The program welcomes all media of artistic expression, including painting, drawing, digital photography, video, film, 3D animation, AI, creative coding, game development, XR, emerging digital practices, web3, creative and academic writing, and more. They aim to balance digital/emerging practices with traditional practices. Residents can select whether they would like individual/self-directed time or if they would like to participate in skill and conceptual development. They also offer thematic residencies throughout the year. Two-week residencies cost $1300. There is no deadline to apply.

Studio H Canada International Artist Residency and the Northern Women Arts Collaborative are excited to announce a new textile residency in honour of artist, activist, and social worker Irene Borins Ash (1952-2020). Irene was passionate about weaving and art in all its forms. She gifted the studio her Leclerc Tapestry Loom and to honour her memory and her art, we are now offering a partially funded, one-month intensive textile residency. This residency is open to proposals of experimental to traditional and hybrid approaches to weaving. Textile artists interested in tapestry weaving using the Leclerc Loom (Tissart model pre-1990), are invited to apply for this special residency to undertake new work and research in Metchosin, BC Canada – the unceded territories of the Sci’anew First Nation. The selected artist may choose a one-month period for the residency, but some months may be more relevant in the local community. The selected artist is welcome to propose a longer period for the residency which may not be fully funded. $1,500 CAD stipend. January 2024-April 2024.

Studio H Canada art residency and exchange is hosted in Metchosin, a rural municipality of Victoria, BC. Artists from around the world and Canada, in all disciplines and media, are invited to engage in collaborative projects or to develop new work on their own in this creative and inspiring setting. The vision of the Studio H Canada Art Residency program is to create meaningful, collaborative connections between artists from around the world and Canada, in all media and walks of life, that will result in new art, opportunities, friendships, and supportive circles of creativity. Artists can create, exhibit, do public presentations and workshops, research, and network. Fees for the art residency average $40 – $60 per day. There is no deadline to apply.

The Ross Creek Centre for the Arts in Canning offers residencies to professional artists working in one or more of the following media: visual art, writing, theatre, dance, film, music, performance art, photography, fibre arts and video. Their residencies provide a spectacular rural environment free from distraction. Each season offers a unique and changing landscape guaranteed to inspire artists of all disciplines. Apply individually or as a collaborative team looking to make some creative explorations in a safe and welcoming space. Ongoing submissions are welcome.

Apply to be an Artist-in-Residence at the Caetani Cultural Centre (a historic heritage house) in the small town of Vernon, BC. The residency is open to emerging and established artists and writers in most mediums: installation, earthworks, sculpture, painting, drawing, photography, digital media, printmaking, etc. Fees range from $10 – $35 per day, depending on the room, studio and season. There is a minimum two week stay. Applications for Caetani Cultural Centre’s Self-Directed Artist-in-Residence Program are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Looking for artist residencies? Res Artis: Worldwide Network of Arts Residencies is a 26 year old network of arts residency operators from around the globe. Their easy to navigate website has tons of listing of open calls from organizations around the world, or you can search their list of residencies by location, disciplines, fees, and more. They also link all the residency descriptions back to the individual arts organizations websites.

The 360 Xochi Quetzal Artist and Writer’s Residency Program is located in Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico on the shores of the largest lake in the country where the perfect year-round climate and stunning lake and mountain views have long established the region as an international artist mecca. They now offer four live/work spaces. Residents will be inspired by the natural beauty, history and culture of this special part of central Mexico. They offer a personal residency that can be applied for throughout the year.

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Submissions

Inkwell Modern Handmade Boutique in Halifax is seeking to consign handmade products for their retail and online stores! Do you have work you’d like to see featured at Inkwell? Or maybe you know a maker who produces great handmade items? The talent of the local and international maker community is infinite. They believe representation matters and those who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, Disabled and any minority groups are encouraged to apply. Know a maker who might be interested in working with Inkwell? They look forward to seeing what you’ve been making!

The J. Franklin Wright Gallery in Port Hawkesbury welcomes submissions from visual artists at all stages of their career for their 2022 season. Submissions must include; CV, Biography – 100 words max, Project Proposal – 500 words max (please note in your proposal whether there are any special requirements), 5- 10 images relevant to your project (Image list – artist’s name, title of work, medium, dimensions and date). Please see their page for more information and floor plan of the gallery. There are no hanging fees; however, a 25% commission from sales arranged directly between the artist and the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre is charged. Please forward submissions to: ryansharon2012@gmail.com. There is no deadline for submissions.

The CSARN Mentoring Program. CSARN (the Canadian Senior Artists Resource Network) offers emerging and transitioning professional artists the guidance of a mentor with a lifetime of talent and experience to share. Their award-winning mentors have inspired and empowered and they want to empower the next generation of artists so that they also can change the world. There is no cost to our program. In fact, mentors for their time and cover mentees’ expenses. Mentors and mentees must be professional artists. If you are not sure you qualify, read the Canadian Artist Code. For more information see their website. 

The Clay and Glass Gallery in Waterloo is looking to build a database of artists who work with glass, clay, and ceramics. This database would be for research purposes with the intention of finding artists to potentially work with in the future- whether that is through exhibition opportunities or otherwise. Interested artists are encouraged to visit the following link: https://forms.gle/cnxk3rob6yZp19uS8 or contact Cheyenne Mapplebeck directly at Cheyenne.mapplebeck@gmail.com.

C Magazine is seeking to expand their pool of writers. Do you want to write for C Magazine? If yes, enter yourself in their Writer Directory. The purpose of this directory is to allow writers at all experience levels to express interest in working with C Magazine, and to tell them a bit about themselves, without pitching a specific piece. By completing this form, you are consenting to the possibility that you could be contacted by C’s editorial team for an assignment at any time. They pay all contributors a minimum of 35 cents/word (CAD).  If you’d like to pitch something specific, please visit the submissions page to read about C Magazine’s sections, style, and submission guidelines.

Artwork Archive just published their Complete Guide to Artist Grants and Opportunities. They’ve compiled a list of artist grants, residencies, and calls-for-entry in the upcoming year and although some of them are US specific, there are several international opportunities as well. You can download a free copy of the guide and start submitting your applications!

The Teichert Gallery at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is currently accepting submissions. New works are juried biweekly by their volunteer accessions committee who meet every other Monday. The deadline for submission is every other Sunday before 3pm. Artists may submit up to five works at a time. Please have your works titled (title should be written on the back of the work along with your name) and attach or email your biography, CV, or both. You will need to determine the sale price for you work. The gallery’s commission rate is 35%. If you are unsure about pricing your work they encourage you to browse around the gallery and look at comparable works. Works may be dropped off anytime during gallery hours, no need to set up an appointment. For more information see their submission guidelines.

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Nova Scotia Exhibition Listings

ADMIRAL DIGBY MUSEUM, DIGBY: D’où s’tu d’vonne? / Where’ve you been, Conseil des arts de la Baie, May 5 – June 27.

ANNA LEONOWENS GALLERY (NSCAD), HALIFAX: Gallery 1: Please Seat Yourself, Murryn Steele; Gallery 2A: shapeD & sh.IF.ted, Nadine Sures and Bianca McDonald; Gallery 3: Interdimensional, Audrey O’Neil, May 27 – 31. Gallery 2B: 2025 Alcuin Awards for Excellence in Book Design in Canada, May 27 – June 7.

ART GALLERY OF NOVA SCOTIA, HALIFAX: Jawbone Corner: Watercolours of Henry M. Rosenberg, ongoing. Blacklight, May 3 – ongoing. From One to Many Natures, ongoing. Oluseye: Negro Crossing, April 5 – March 29, 2026. Nova Scotia Spotlight: Alex Livingston, until November 9. (Tea)chings: Sircle of Sisters, until September 14. Mi’kma’ki Artists’ Spotlight: The Quill Sisters, until September 14. TA’N A’SIKATIKL SIPU’L | CONFLUENCE, ongoing. Realism’s Reach, until September 21. Léopold L. Foulem: Reshaping Function, ongoing. Maud Lewis, ongoing.

ART LAB GALLERY, PARRSBORO: Group exhibition, opening May 16.

ARTSPLACE, ANNAPOLIS ROYAL, Embedded Histories, curated by Ursula Handleigh, featuring works by Carrie Allison, Anna Heywood-Jones, April Hickox, and Jennifer Long; Honest Animals, James C. E. Lightle and Jaime Lee Lightle; Speaking, Dayna Schaly; The Masks I Wear: My Journey Through Expressive Arts, Group Show, April 5 – May 24.

THE BLUE BUILDING GALLERY, HALIFAX: Negotiating +/–, Marcia Huyer, May 3 – June 14.

CAPE BRETON CENTRE FOR CRAFT AND DESIGN, SYDNEY: A Natural Evolution, Brian Geary, May 12 – 29. Opening reception: May 15, 4pm.

CAPE BRETON UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY, SYDNEY: Look What I Found!, Stephanie Steele, Nathan Eugene Carson, and Beto Janz, March 14 – June 6.

CHASE GALLERY (NS ARCHIVES), HALIFAX: The Contemporary Art Society’s 50th Annual Juried Show & Sale, May.

CHESTER ART CENTRE, CHESTER: Folk Art, May 7 – 14.

THE CRAIG GALLERY, DARTMOUTH: Main Gallery: Invaluable Characteristics, Sean Brenton; Case Gallery: Women’s Work and Laundry Day, Katherine Harriott, April 29 – May 25.

CUTS AND PASTE GALLERY, HALIFAX: Fresh Start, group exhibition, May 10 – July 5.

DECOSTE CULTURE HUB, PICTOU: Textiles, Creative Pictou County group exhibition, April 28 – June 7.

ELTUEK ARTS CENTRE, SYDNEY: Nova Scotia Art Bank at 50 (installations in Cafe Marie and the Corridor Gallery), April 8 – June 28.

14 BELLS FINE ART GALLERY, HALIFAX: Strewn, Melanie Currie-Unsworth, April 12 – May 2.

GALLERY ON LINCOLN, LUNENBURG: Catherine Bagnell Styles, Michelle Darwin, MJ Dominey, Lynn Ellis, Janet Griffen, Mary Kersell, Paulette Melanson, Mary Morey, David Shimp, Katy Maria Shimp, and Sharon Wadsworth-Smith, opened April 26.

HARVEST GALLERY, WOLFVILLE: PRESS, a group exhibition featuring the work of 16 Nova Scotia printmakers; Alex Colville: An Exclusive Show & Sale, May.

HERMES, HALIFAX: Event Horizon, Andrew Hunt, April 27 — May 25.

ICE HOUSE GALLERY, TATAMAGOUCHE: Familiar Transformations, Corinne Redden, May 5 – June 15.

INVERNESS COUNTY CENTRE FOR THE ARTS, INVERNESS: Polyglots, Enora Sanschagrin, May 18 – June 15.

KATZMAN ART PROJECTS, HALIFAX: Where Water Holds, Katharine Burns, April 25 – May 27.

LUNENBURG ART GALLERY, LUNENBURG: Birds of a Feather, group exhibition, May 2 – 31

LUNENBURG SCHOOL OF THE ARTS, LUNENBURG: Student Exhibition from Michael Peters’ Workshops ‘Big Beautiful Blooms: Mixed Media’, May 12 – 26.

MMFI GALLERY (THE MARIGOLD CULTURAL CENTRE), TRURO: The Other Side Of Me, Sam Dill, May.

MSVU ART GALLERY, HALIFAX: Together Apart / Under One Roof, Aganetha Dyck, Reva Stone, and Diana Thorneycroft; Epekwitk Quill Sisters: Etleoogoeiog (Talking Together/ Dialogue), Kay Sark, Melissa Peter-Paul, and Cheryl Simon, May 10 – July 27.

PAVIA GALLERY – ESPRESSO BAR & CAFÉ, HERRING COVE: Clare Goulet featuring supportive works by Frankie Macauley, Jennifer Escott, and Jacqueline Steudler, May 14 – June 6. Opening reception: May 14, 6:30 – 8:30pm.

PEER GALLERY, LUNENBURG: Ink & Glaze II, Anne Tweed and Carol Morrow, May 21  –  June 1. Reception: May 24. Gallery members also represented throughout the month:  Diana Baldwin, Teresa Bergen, Douglas Boutilier, Joan Bruneau, Steve Farmer, Susan Hudson, Barbara McLean, Michael Peters, Heather Sayeau, Allyson Simmie, Tom Ward and Sally Warren.

SMU ART GALLERY, HALIFAX: Zephyr Vulgaris & Johanna Steffen, April 26 – July 6.

SECORD GALLERY, HALIFAX: Live Dreams, Leya Evelyn, RCA and Mindy Moore, May 9 – June 6.

THE SUNROOM (HALIFAX CENTRAL LIBRARY), HALIFAX: The Art of The Book Witch – The Wee White Dog & The Little Free Library, Tegan Thomas, April 19 – May 31.

TEICHERT GALLERY, HALIFAX: Upside Down & Inside Out, Patrizia Berdkan, until May 27.

TIDES CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY, KENTVILLE: Nova Scotia Gold, Jose Urbay, April 30 – June 1. Artist talk: May 21, noon.

TREATY SPACE GALLERY (NSCAD), HALIFAX: Hunting the Jipijka’m, Diane Langevin, May 27 – June 6.

GALERIE LE TRÉCARRÉ, CLARE: Prints from La Manivelle and Beyond, April 5 – May 11.

VIEWPOINT GALLERY, BEDFORD: Gallery A: Visions of Home, Colin Chase; Fresh Eyes: Unsettled Times, Kas Stone; Featured member: Both Sides Now, Allan Neilsen, May 1  – June 1.

THE Y’ARC, YARMOUTH: Arden Gaudet and Suzanne St. Pierre-Gaudet, until May 31.

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You can subscribe to the VANS Newsletter here.

Visual Arts Nova Scotia makes every effort to provide information which is relevant and as complete, up-to-date and accurate as possible. However, neither Visual Arts Nova Scotia (nor any of its employees) can be held responsible to users of the information or any other person for any errors or omissions, or for any losses, costs or claims which arise as a result of relying on such information or advice. The publication of information does not imply an endorsement.

To have your notice or current Nova Scotia exhibition included, please complete this form. All Gallery and Group members of Visual Arts Nova Scotia, will be linked to their individual web pages for exhibition listings, VANS does not include links for other exhibition listings.

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