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 #582
November 13, 2024

INDEX:

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

VANS Matters

There is one workshop left in the VANS Fall Workshop Series – Networking and Talking About Your Work with Christopher Webb, Artist and Director of PAVIA Gallery. We have extended the registration deadline so you can still sign up for this in-person workshop. In this workshop you’ll learn how to discuss your work with confidence and how to use these skills to create your own opportunities. A professional artist is recognized by their peers; learn how to build your networks and gain recognition for your work in the broader arts community. The workshop is Saturday, November 23, 1 – 4pm at Visual Arts Nova Scotia, 1113 Marginal Road. Registration Deadline: November 21.

On behalf of the eight federations that comprise the Cultural Federations of Nova Scotia, we warmly invite you to our 2024 Holiday Gathering! Join us as we celebrate the culture, artistry, and heritage of Nova Scotia with an evening filled with festive cheer on Thursday, December 12, drop in between 4 pm – 7 pm at the CFNS Offices, 1113 Marginal Road, Downtown Halifax (Garrison Building). Enjoy light snacks, drinks, live music, a holiday photobooth, and more as we come together to toast the holiday season and the vibrant cultural community we share. Please use this RSVP link to let us know if you will be attending.

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

Eltuek Arts Centre will have two private studio spaces open up for December 1, as well as a handful of hot desks in the Open Studio. These spaces are open to visual artists of all mediums and writers. They are affordable, inspiring, and accessible. Artists have 24/7-hour access to their space as well as a wonderful ecosystem of artists currently working in the building. If you know of an artist or writer who may be interested, please feel free to direct them to their general contact at eltuek@newdawn.ca.

Check out ArtChat with Art21, Topic: Decolonize on November 19, 7 – 8 pm. Examine recent and early histories, the artists viewed criticize the legacy of colonialism and advocate for the withdrawal of its ideologies in our structures and culture. ARTSPLACE is partnering with the renowned Art21 organization to provide a series of lively hour-long virtual ‘art chats’ with Emma Nordin, Education Director of Art21. As part of this unique pilot program, Ms. Nordin will join via Zoom from New York City and provide participants with glimpses into the work of contemporary working artists and facilitate a discussion among the group. Attendees in the room or online will have the ability to interact with Emma in real time. You can attend in-person at ARTSPLACE (Pay-What-You-Can at the door, suggested $10) or online over Zoom ($10).

Peer Gallery mourns the loss of one of their founding members, friend and fellow artist: Zalman Amit. A Retrospective of Zalman’s fabulous woodturning and sculpture will be featured at the Gallery from November 7 to 17.  The gallery is open Thursday through Sunday from 12:30 to 4:30.  The gallery will be closed on Saturday November 9th for a private Celebration of Life.  If you are unable to visit the gallery you can see the exhibition virtually at www.peer-gallery.com after November 10. Peer Gallery is located at 166 Lincoln Street in Lunenburg.

Previously posted:

Parrsboro Creative is looking for volunteers to help with Winter Programming. Ideas are floating around for courses, artist’s talks and other fun events in the new year, if you would like to help with the creativity and the planning please reach out parrsborocreative@gmail.com.

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.

Hallie Watson’s exhibition Farm Walk: Large Works will take place November 1 – December 19 at the Saint John Art Centre in Saint John, NB and you are invited!

Eyelevel’s 50/50/50 Archive Fundraiser. For their 50th anniversary, Eyelevel is celebrating all the artists they we have worked with over the last 50 years! The boxes come in a cardboard container branded with a 50/50/50 sticker. Each box contains 25 items from Eyelevel’s archives, each box is different, and full of surprises from the past and present. Everything on the bookstore website can be shipped right to your door, bought in person, or arranged for curbside pickup. Eyelevel bookstore hours are in person 12-5 pm, Wednesday to Friday, and online 24/7. The boxes are limited edition with only 50 available and they will only be selling them until December 13, 2024. Purchase a 50/50/50 box through their bookstore here!

The NSCAD Jewellery Design & Metalsmithing department is conducting a research study titled, Jewellery Making, Manufacturing and Marketing in Atlantic Canada, aimed at gaining deeper insights into the practices, challenges, and innovations within our regional jewellery industry. The study is initiated by Professor Sims’ JEMM (Jewellery: Engaged Making & Manufacturing) research lab. Respondents should be over the age of 18 years and should have professional experience (emerging or established) within jewellery related industries, whether as an artist, maker, manufacturer, supplier, educator, service-provider, promoter, entrepreneur, business or retailer etc. The survey will take approximately 30-50 minutes to complete. Participation is entirely voluntary and will remain confidential to the extent of one’s choosing. The insights gathered will be used for academic purposes, aiming to enhance understanding and potentially drive positive changes within the industry. In appreciation of participants’ time and effort, they are offering a chance to win a $50 gift card from Yu Yo Craft Supply and Tea House a local Nova Scotia (and online) jewellery supply store (5 prizes in total will be awarded).

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.

Hal-Con will be launching a scholarship for Visual or Performing Arts, with preference given to those with a vested interest in the genres of Sci-Fi or Fantasy. They are partnering with the Nova Scotia Talent Trust to establish this opportunity for emerging artists. Founded in 1944, the Talent Trust is a registered charity that provides scholarships to aspiring Nova Scotian artists studying music, dance, film, theatre, literary arts, and visual arts. Hal-Con is going to match your donations to DOUBLE the impact! Donate to Hal-Con Scholarship Fund today.

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

Bridging the Gap exchange forum is a great opportunity to ask any question about your art practice or business and connect with other visual artists and CARFAC Maritimes. Concerns/ questions about the Fee Schedule? Copyright? Contracts? Best Practices? They’ve got the answers. The event is November 17, 1:30 – 2:30 pm over Zoom. Free for CARFAC members and $20 for non-members.

Cuts and Paste Gallery in Halifax is offering a Holiday Ornament Making workshop, November 23, 1-3pm. Learn to create a stained glass holiday ornament with materials supplied by the gallery for up to 3 ornaments for each person registered. Max. 6 persons, $25.

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The Creative Wellness Through The Lens Workshop Series is a guided photo – based therapeutic / creative wellness program developed for anyone who wants to explore and address such issues as stress reduction and personal – growth. The first workshop in the series will be Frame And Re – Frame: A Focus On Stress Reduction. Everyone deals with stress in their life. This stress can be activated by a number of events such as issues with relationships, toxic workplaces, physical health challenges and loss. Stress can also motivate us to move in new and even positive directions in life. When stress causes us to withdraw from life events, work and the things that we enjoy doing it is time to take action and find new ways to manage and reduce your stress through the lens. The workshop facilitated by Gerard McNeil, MEd, BEd (VAS), BFA, CSP, TAPC, will take place Saturday November 23, 1:30 – 3:30pm at 1455 Summer Street, Halifax (Barat Spirituality Centre). Workshop Fee: $75. To register for this workshop please use this form and select Creative Wellness Through the Lens. For more information about this this workshop and the other Therapeutic Arts and Creative Wellness services contact 902-456-0861 or email gmcneiltap@gmail.com.

Are you a member of Creative Pictou County? Check out How to Teach an Art Workshop on November 16 at the New Glasgow Library (free workshop)! Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1056770080759?aff=oddtdtcreator. Interested in teaching art classes, but don’t know where to start? Whether you are a professional artist or an emerging artist, teaching doesn’t always come naturally. In this afternoon workshop, we will look at: planning lessons, how to be prepared, working with children vs working with adults, long term courses vs short mini workshops and many more tips on how to be a successful teacher of your art form! The goal of this workshop is to have you feeling confident about taking those first steps to start teaching. Instructor: Marla Benton.

AFCOOP’s Fall Workshops offer a selection of introductory filmmaking sessions designed to give participants a balanced overview of independent filmmaking in Nova Scotia. Space is limited so please register early. AFCOOP recognizes there are systemic inequities that create barriers for people in accessing film training. In an effort to address and recognize historical and present-day inequities, we have created a pay-what-you-can style pricing plan for our workshops. Please feel free to sign up for whatever price point you are most comfortable with, no questions asked. See this year’s lineup of workshops, including Intro to Filmmaking, Intro to Directing, Intro to Screenwriting and Intro to Cinematography.

Chester Art Centre gives you the opportunity to make art, get messy, have fun and put some colour in your life! They provide opportunities to learn about art, art history, theory, and the practical application of various mediums in their workshop series. You can register for some great courses this fall including Constructing a Watercolour Painting with Audrey Nicoll, Junk Journals with Barb Thompson, Mother-Daughter Portrait Workshop with Liz McCurdy Therapeutic Art, Happy Hand-printed Holidays Linocut Workshop with Inbal Newman, Fall Florals Paint Night with Ed Coleman, and many more!

Looking to get your creative juices flowing? Take a workshop this fall at the Cape Breton Centre for Craft! Their workshops foster collective creativity, encourage individual expression, and promote innovation. They are offering Holiday Cards – November 23, Christmas Wreath – December 7, and Felting Snowman Ornament – December 14.

Course and workshop registration is OPEN at the Cape Breton Centre for Craft. Some of the courses and workshops coming up include Introduction to Linocut Printmaking, Creating a Quilt (Introductory Level), Natural Mold Making (Intermediate to Advanced Level), Felting a Snowman Christmas Ornament (Introductory Level), Holiday Cards-Create a Collage Style Image (Introductory Level), Dried Flower Wreath Workshop, and a Christmas Wreath Workshop. For more information or to register, email tammy@capebretoncraft.com.

Fall workshop registration is open at the Lunenburg School of the Arts. They are offering Watercolour Techniques with Tom Ward, Pattern Translation with Liquid Clay with Tim Worthington, Intro to Wheel-Throwing with Laura Piquado, Crochet the Day Away with Doris Miles, Crow Lab: Drawing & Painting Crows with Michael Peters, English Willow Basket Making with Heather Sanft, Punch Needle Fibre Art for Beginners with Alison Mitchell, Linocut with Inbal Newman, Let There Be Light: Oil Painting with Amy Funk, Servers with Surfaces with Joan Bruneau, Fundamentals of Painting with Heather Sayeau, Embracing Creative Play: A Self-Care Experience with Liz McCurdy, Exploring Textile: Mali Mud Cloth with Letitia Fraser, and Curious Encounters with Clay! with Marla Benton.

Course/ workshop registration is open at the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design for members and non-members! They are offering courses in jewellery, crochet, macrame, quilting, pottery, watercolour, stained glass, and much more. To see the full list of courses available, please visit capebretoncraft.com/learn/courses/. For more information or to register, email tammy@capebretoncraft.com.

Whether you’re into photography, graphic design, illustration, fine art, textiles, ceramics, printmaking or beyond, NSCAD Extended Studies offers a multitude of classes for the dabbler and the dedicated. Looking to try something new? Their Introductory classes are designed for beginners or those who want more practice and guidance in art mediums! Check out their youth offerings for evenings and weekends! Or, if you’re looking to advance your career or creative skills, they have classes to help you get to the next step.

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Employment 

Ross Creek Centre for the Arts in Canning looking for the perfect person to be their Director of Programming, and they can’t wait to find that person who loves the Valley and the arts and want to make this their home. Their ideal candidate has or has had a strong visual arts practise with a love of alternative forms of education and collaboration. Start date is negotiable, but ASAP! Ross Creek is also looking to hire next season’s cohort earlier so they have more time with them to get ready for the bigger camp seasons. They will be focussing on Post Secondary students so if you think camp life, the theatre, or admin might be an amazing way to spend your summer, apply now!

The Bus Stop Theatre in Halifax is hiring a Communications & Outreach Coordinator. The Bus Stop Theatre Co-operative is an equal opportunity employer. We recognize that individuals from marginalized communities may have limited access to opportunities to build experience in arts administration. We also acknowledge that lived experience can be as valuable as formal training. We encourage applicants to describe the unique contributions they would bring to the organization in their cover letter. This is a designated position for applicants who are Indigenous, Black, or a Person of Colour. The Coordinator will manage and moderate the Bus Stop Theatre Co-op’s social media accounts; reshare promotional materials from renters on social media; create promotional content for Bus Stop Theatre Co-op events, programs and members for its social media platforms; seek and develop sponsorship opportunities in support of the Bus Stop Theatre Co-op’s operations, programs and fundraising, and more. The contract is a year-long position with possibility of renewal, 15 hours per week at $26.50 per hour. Deadline: November 18.

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Are you a press-ready pro? Breakhouse in Halifax is looking to add to their roster of freelance Graphic Artists. They need someone with a minimum 5 years work experience with exceptional attention to detail in graphics, layout and typography, mad multi-tasking abilities and strong communication and organizational skills. Working with the Art Director, the Graphic Artist will be responsible for following brand guidelines to prepare a wide range of creative assets while ensuring consistent quality and correct file specification for print production. This is a freelance position, but flexibility is needed on occasion to work in the office alongside the Art Director. Please send your resume and portfolio to jobs@breakhouse.ca. Applicants of interest will be notified and maybe required to demonstrate their skills with a creative test.

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

Christopher Webb announces his first solo exhibition since his award-winning show in Venice, Italy earlier this year. CONTAINED: An exhibition of paintings exploring the intersection of global commerce, environmental impact, and the human condition will be happening on Friday, November 22,  between 4 pm and 9 pm at the Ralph Medjuck Building – Exhibition Room, Dalhousie School of Architecture, 5410 Spring Garden Road in Halifax. To coincide with the event, there will be a moderated artist talk between the exhibition curator Shuvanjan Karmaker and Christopher Webb taking place from 6:30pm – 6:55pm. Please note this is event is free and open to the public.

The 2024 Holiday Open House is on Sunday November 17, noon to 3pm at Elephant Grass Printmaking Studio. As a special treat, they are hosting a Polaroid Pop-Up Photo booth in Bonnie Baker’s adjoining studio as a fundraiser. Dress festive and have your bespoke Holiday Portrait taken as a vintage style Polaroid. Bring friends, bring family, as many heads as you can fit into a square photo (no pets please because Penelope the building cat would not be pleased). While you wait for your polaroid to develop, move on over to EGPS studio and print a paper card to frame your photo on their truly vintage letterpress. $15 (Supplies and guidance included). First come, first served as polaroid supplies are limited. Proceeds go towards EGPS studio upkeep and purchase of studio supplies. Camera shy? You can still take part of the printmaking fun for free and print Gift tags at our hands-on demos with the help of the friendly studio elves. Elephant Grass Printmakers is located at 240 St. George Str., 2nd Floor, Annapolis Royal. For more info, email elephantgrassprint@gmail.com.

Join us at the Craft Nova Scotia Designer Craft Show from November 15-17, and experience an incredible showcase of local craft. Discover unique, handmade designs from makers across the region, perfect for holiday gifting or adding something special to your collection. The schedule is Friday, November 15: 12 – 7pm, Saturday, November 16, 10am – 5pm, and Sunday, November 17: 10am – 4pm. The venue is Pavilion 22, Halifax Seaport, 1031 Marginal Rd. A Weekend Pass is $8, Friday & Saturday: $5. Sunday: Free Admission.

Holiday Pop-up Clay & Cloth is happening at the Local Council of Women (the Wright House), Corner of Inglis St. and Young Ave, Halifax on Friday November 29: 12 – 8pm, Saturday, November 30: 10 – 6pm, and Sunday December 1: 10 am – 5pm. The artists are Mindy Moore, Donn Sabean, Susan Wakefield, Lynda Shalagan, Deborah Wheeler, and LaHave Weaving Studio. 

Deck the Halls Artisan Market has been bringing together the ambiance of the wonderful St. Patrick’s Museum and excellence in hand crafted products from Cape Breton artisans, all in celebration of the holiday season. This year, the market will take place November 15-17 at St. Patrick’s Museum in Sydney.

Bring out your Holiday Cheer for the Agricola Street Holiday Market in Halifax! Live Music, Beer Garden & warm Mulled Wine, Food Trucks, Local Artisans, Family Activities… an all around good time! Make the market part of your holiday fun and check out the Agricola Streets great restaurants, bars and shops before heading over to the Market. Sunday, November 17th, 12  – 5 pm.

Get in the Christmas Spirit: deCoste Performing Arts Centre’s Craft and Food Fair is back! The holiday season is just around the corner, and the deCoste Performing Arts Centre in Pictou is ready to kick off the celebrations with its much-loved Christmas at the deCoste Craft and Food Fair! After a four-year break due to COVID and the addition of the Pictou Library, this festive weekend event is back and better than ever this coming weekend, Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, November 17, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Not only is this fair a wonderful way to dive into holiday shopping and find unique gifts, but it’s also a major fundraiser for the deCoste Centre, a not-for-profit venue that brings incredible artists from across the region and beyond. So, by attending, you’re also supporting the arts in Pictou!

This year, Home Crafters of Cape Breton will be hosting Christmas Festival of Crafts “THE BIG ONE” at C200 in Sydney showcasing the unique talents of our local artisans. With an average of 6,500 visitors over the three-day weekend and around 200 crafters participating each year, the BIG ONE is a fantastic holiday market for both customers and artisans. The show is November 15, 2 – 8 pm, November 16, 10 am- 6 pm, and November 17, 12 pm – 5 pm.

Previously posted:

The Evangeline Artists Cooperative will be at a New Location for November 16th’s Art Show and Sale! They’ll be at the Legion’s “New” digs on Main Street in Wolfville!!! Come in and check out the talent!

Haley Bernard, one of the artists featured in the beading showcase in the Artist Kiosk, will be at the Museum of Industry in Stellarton on November 23 from 1-4pm demonstrating beading techniques. Bring a friend and check out the exhibition as well!

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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

Inverness County Centre for the Arts is accepting submissions to the Cabinet Gallery, a small but vibrant space in the foyer of their building that they want to use to showcase Cape Breton/Nova Scotia based artwork. They are seeking submissions for as soon as June and beyond to activate this new space.  If you have an idea or interest in putting work in the space, let them know.  Submitting is simple. Send an email to info@invernessarts.com with your idea, a small diagram or visual aid (if applicable) and your contact info. The exhibits will be displayed between 4 – 6 weeks at a time. Information about the Cabinet Gallery exterior measurements are 55 ½” width  x 86” height, interior measurements are  53 ½” width x 80 ¾” height with a depth of 15 ½”.  Artists must return the space to the condition it was in when they began their project. ICCA will provide the necessary tools/materials (touch up paint etc) to return it to its original condition, any major or large alteration to the space is at the expense of the artist. ICCA will offer an honorarium to the artist(s) exhibiting their work.

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

ACADIA UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY, WOLFVILLE: Beyond La Llorona: Women & Resistance in Oaxacan Printmaking, curated by Dr. Laurie Dalton, September 12 – December 5.

ANNA LEONOWENS GALLERY (NSCAD), HALIFAX: Gallery 1: New Skin Old Bones, Megan Johnson; Gallery 3: I WANT TO BURST FORTH, Gabe Moore, November 12 – 16. Gallery 2: Home Economics (More Love Hours Than Can Ever Be Repaid), Rachel Crummey, November 12 – 23. Gallery 1: The container is the Content, Kwame Owusu Brobbey, November 19 – 30. Gallery 3: Climb, Axe, Forest, Lands and Parks Based Practices, November 19 – 23.

ARGYLE FINE ART, HALIFAX: Kissing the Shoreline, Mark Brennan, until November 21.

ART GALLERY OF NOVA SCOTIA, HALIFAX: 2023 Nova Scotia Art Bank Purchases Exhibition, ongoing. Léopold L. Foulem: Reshaping Function, ongoing. Realism’s Reach, various artists, ongoing. Miss Chief’s Wet Dream, Kent Monkman, ongoing.Ta’n a’sikatikl sipu’l | Confluence, various artists, ongoing. The Shape of Cities, ongoing. Maud Lewis, ongoing. Recent Acquisitions: Carol Wainio, ongoing. Three Dimensions, Jennifer Marman & Daniel Borins, until January 26, 2025.

ART LAB, PARRSBORO: Coleen Davidson and Judith Newman, until November 22.

ARTSPLACE, ANNAPOLIS ROYAL:  Main Gallery: All That We Are, Roxane Fiore, November 2 – December 20. Tidal Notes, Lorna Mulligan; seek not god on the wing, but by the water, Felicity Hauwert, November 1 – 26.

THE BLUE BUILDING GALLERY, HALIFAX: Susan’s Sword, Sheilah ReStack, September 21 – November 16.

CAPE BRETON CENTRE FOR CRAFT & DESIGN, SYDNEY: Fall 2024 Student Exhibition, until November 8.

CAPE BRETON UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY, SYDNEY: ‘Kina’masultinej’, Dannerri Anne Marie Gould, Rosalee Doucette-MacNeil, Jocelyn Marshall and Neve Stevens, until February 21;  Wheels Without Borders: Eagar Brothers’ Auto Rickshaw, ongoing.

CHASE GALLERY (NS ARCHIVES), HALIFAX: Nova Scotia Society of Polish Artists Art Show and Sale, November.

CHESTER ART CENTRE, CHESTER: Festive Mini Auction, November 22 – December 1.

LE CONSEIL DES ARTS DE CHÉTICAMP, CHÉTICAMP: The Revival of Cheticamp Rug Hooking: A Pop-up Exhibition on the Future of Craft & Tradition, October 24 – November 22.

THE CRAIG GALLERY, DARTMOUTH: Main Gallery: Judith Newman; Case Gallery: Linda Inge Tremblay, November 4 – 24. Main and Case Gallery: Mechanical Moments – A Collection of Kinetic Art, Chris Little (LoHiFi), November 26  – December 29.

DALHOUSIE ART GALLERY, HALIFAX: 69th Annual Student, Staff, Faculty and Alumni Exhibition, November 29 – December 22.

DESBRISAY MUSEUM, BRIDGEWATER: The Warrior In Me, until December 31. Working Boats, Bridgewater Photo Club, until January 31.

HERMES, HALIFAX: Every One Every Day Community Art Exhibition, November 7 – 15.  Artists’ Talking Circle: November 15, 2 – 4pm.

ICE HOUSE GALLERY, TATAMAGOUCHE: Nova Scotia Potters Guild Retrospective, November 2 – December 15.

KATZMAN ART PROJECTS, HALIFAX: Finding Now, Toni Losey, November 8 – December 3.

LINCOLN STREET STUDIO, LUNENBURG: The Alchemy of Flow: An Exhibit of Handwoven Art, Mary Anne Donovan, November 8 – 14.

LUNENBURG ART GALLERY, LUNENBURG: Raymond Chow, November 12 – 21. Places I Have Felt At Home – Art Show & Sale, Vanessa McKiel, Erika Nicholson and Liz Hammond Sweet, November 22 – 24.

LUNENBURG SCHOOL OF THE ARTS, LUNENBURG: Sky & Sea, Marla Benton, November 7 – 27.

MARY E. BLACK GALLERY, HALIFAX: Neriage Work, Isako Suzuki, November 7 – January 5.

MSVU ART GALLERY, HALIFAX: Still Tho: Aesthetic Survival in Hip Hop’s Visual Art; East of East Atlantic Hip Hop Archive, September 21 – November 23.

PEER GALLERY, LUNENBURG: Peer Gallery Members Artists exhibit together throughout the season. 2024/5 members are: Zalman Amit, Diana Baldwin, Teresa Bergen, Douglas Boutilier, Joan Bruneau, Steve Farmer, Susan Hudson, Barbara McLean, Carol Morrow, Michael Peters, Craig Rubadoux, Anne Tweed, Heather Sayeau, Allyson Simmie, Tom Ward and Sally Warren. Zalman Amit Retrospective, November 7 – 17.

ROSS CREEK CENTRE FOR THE ARTS, CANNING: Flax Ecologies Exhibition, Jennifer Green’s Flaxmobile Project, November 12 – December 15.

ST FX UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY, ANTIGONISH: Chronos, Greg Davies, October 30 – December 7.

SMU ART GALLERY, HALIFAX: The NEW Secret Adventures of Thesis Sahib & Friends, James Kirkpatrick, Steve Ruthe, October 5 – December 15.

THE SUNROOM (HALIFAX CENTRAL LIBRARY), HALIFAX: Bloom, Alice Jennex, November 17 – December 28. Opening reception: November 24, 3 – 5pm.

TEICHERT GALLERY, HALIFAX: Little Moments, Doretta Groenendyk, November.

TIDES CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY, KENTVILLE: FORGED in Translation, Scott Thomson and Gracie Quinones, November.

TREATY SPACE GALLERY (NSCAD), HALIFAX: Po’ks Pop-Up, November 16, 11am – 4pm.

LE TRÉCARRÉ, CLARE: Littoral, Dany Sheehy, October 7 – November 29.

VIEWPOINT GALLERY, BEDFORD: Have you seen my ghost? Stories of the human spirit, Kim Ottenbrite, November 7 – December 1. Artist talk: November 17, 2- 3 pm. Guest Artist: Tim Krochak; Featured Member: What a Wonderful World!, Terry Humphries, November 7 – December 1.

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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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