Erin Morton will be the guest speaker at a reception for our exhibit “Influence: the lessons of Trudy and Paula Garson“ on Saturday, April 28, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia Yarmouth.

Erin was one of the kids growing up in Yarmouth who took group art lessons with the Garsons . She is now a professor at UNB, teaching courses that use art and cultural practice   “ as a launching pad to think about history as both an intellectual practice and a lived experience”.   Her new book “ For Folk’s Sake” looks at art and economy in 20^th century Nova Scotia, and is dedicated, in part, to “Trudy and Paula Garson who inspired generations of weird art kids in Yarmouth”. Copies of her book will be available for purchase, courtesy of Coles in Yarmouth.   (Price is $45.00; cash only.)

Also, the following day , there will be an afternoon program from 2 until 4,”‘Sharing the Stories”. Former students and others who knew Trudy and Paula are invited to share their memories.   One special guest will be Burton LeBlanc, now the head of the make-up department for “The Handmaid’s Tale” .   Burton credits childhood classes with the Garsons for wakening and encouraging his artistic development.

People are also encouraged to bring artwork—either paintings by Trudy or Paula, or student work of their own, to show and talk about.   It will be an interesting and entertaining afternoon!

Hope to see you at one or both events!

Influence:Trudy and Paula Garson and Their Lasting Legacy

                              Summary of Events

1. Workshop with Lauren Walker Saturday March 31 2018, a free introductory workshop in abstract and mixed media painting techniques from 1 to 4 pm at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. Ages 16 and up.

2. Reception at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia from 6-8 pm on March 31, 2018. Meet Lauren Walker she will give an Art Talk ;   and will run through the work on display, and talk about process, concept and inspiration etc. , this will be followed by refreshments.

3. Opening Reception for ‘Influence’ at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia from 6-8pm on Saturday April 28th 2018. Guest Speaker is Erin Morton she will talk about Trudy and Paula Garson; being a student in their art classes,their place in the art and economy of 20th century N.S. Erin’s book, For Folk’s Sake (2016) will be on sale.

4. “Sharing Your Stories” a Creative Mind program wiil be held 2 to 4 pm on Sunday April 29th 2018 at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia .Students and others who knew Trudy and Paula are encouraged to share their stories.Special guest  is Burton Leblanc Head of Makeup Department ‘The Handmaid’s Tale.’

5. Workshop with David Gorman, Saturday June 16, 2018 .The lesson will be ‘Scratch Art ‘and the free workshop will be held from 2 to 4pm at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia for ages 13 and up.

6. Workshop with Andre Haines, Wednesday July 4 2018, ‘Theatre and Art ‘ a free workshop with theatre, games and related art activities.From 1 to 4 pm at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Ages 7 to 10.

7. Workshop with Laura Hatfield, Friday July 27 2018, Still Life drawing ; an event based work.This session is based on the still life lesson that began each term with the Garsons.From 6 to 8pm at the Art Gallery  of Nova Scotia, Ages 16 and up.

Creative Minds: Creating a Landscape Design                 

with Alice d’Entremont

Sunday, March 25, 2018    2pm – 4pm

Alice presented the  group with a slide show and handout on the basic principles of landscape design. Many proceeded to application with a hands-on example in the workshop portion. Alice provided helpful advice how to design and create your own back yard oasis.

Creativity, questions and ideas contributed to this fun afternoon workshop.

This program was supported by the Friends of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia Yarmouth.

Family Sunday: Create Your Own Toy Studio Portrait                                 with George Clairmont

March 18, 2018     1pm to 3pm

Photography basics like composition, depth and light were scaled down to tell stories about a favorite toy, using simple props and backdrops. Participants only needed to bring a digital camera and favourite small toys. All other materials  were supplied. Ages 6-12; children were accompanied by an adult.

This program was supported by the Friends of the Art Gallery-Yarmouth.

PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR NEEDED

FOR: a New Horizons seniors project titled “Looking Out, Looking In: Windows with a Community View” sponsored by the Friends of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Yarmouth.

DUTIES: to lead, organize and manage the “Windows” project.

OVERVIEW: The primary objective of the project is to engage seniors of diverse backgrounds by creating inclusive opportunities to enjoy social interactions with their own and other generations through a series of arts-based workshops and other arts-related activities.

A secondary objective is engaging seniors in the community through the mentoring of others through sharing “folk” arts and crafts, music, stories and skills. Measurable outputs include the production of an art exhibition, arts events, and recorded stories that preserve folk knowledge, and stimulate community-building social activities and cultural exchanges.

This position involves outreach work with seniors and others, as well as members of various community organizations in the Tri-Counties. A valid driver’s licence and access to a vehicle is required.

DURATION:  April 04, 2018 – March 29, 2019

SALARY: 26 hours per month @$20.00 per hour

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Application must arrive by 4 pm. March 29, 2018.

HOW TO APPLY: Send resume and cover letter to the Friends of the Art Gallery, c/o Angela Collier at angela.collier@novascotia.ca; or deliver to the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, 341 Main St. Yarmouth, N.S.

This is the first of groups of local area students who will be visiting the Community Room exhibit and hearing the inspiring story of its creation and the people represented. Chuck Smith, on of the creator’s of the show was on hand to give his ‘first hand’ experience of growing up in Yarmouth African Nova Scotian community. He personally knew or is related to many of the portraits and photographs. Dan Earle gave a short presentation on looking at portrait painting from the artist’s viewpoint and the students did some quick studies.

The Family Sunday event, Water-Colour with Dan Earle vent very well. The morning snowfall did not hold back the 12 registered participants that included elementary, high school students and parents. Dan stressed “water” as being the key word to remember in watercolour and talked about colour mixing, density and the importance of letting the water do the work. He did demonstrations and coached individuals. All seemed pleased with the event and the waiting list indicates further watercolour interest.

The opening of the Reminiscences show was held at the Community Room of the AGNS. It was attended by over 100 people. Presentations were made  to introduce and honour the show and its contribution to the history of the African Nova Scotian Community and the Town of Yarmouth.