Last Sunday July 11 the GAPACC artists were demonstrating :

Abbey Allen in paintings, Helen Jones in wood carving, Nancy Stevens in people drawing, Felicity Redgrave in animal drawing, Bruce Campbell in canvas painting, Larche artists in papermaking, Michel de Noncourt in sculpture, Greg Melchin and his brother in a drumming workshop and Ann Comozzi in silk painting.

This is the first time ever that GAPACC artists have been formally invited to participate actively at an Highland Games cultural event. The invitation was brought to GAPACC by Ann Marie MacKenzie Secretary of the Games.

Thank you to the artists who took time to not only be present but to engage in demonstrating and asking participation from the visitors.

Art reaching the community at the ground level as our GAPACC mandate.

Thank you specially to Tila Kellman who coordinated this GAPACC  Exhibition Committee event. Let’s all be back next year !

GAPACC and the Gathering of the Arts are pleased to present a number of workshops for people of all ages!

Riding with the Romans: Classical Sculpture

Wednesday, July 7^th, 1.00pm, St. James United Church

In this session Fenn Martin will be leading a presentation on how to sculpt figures in clay. In this participatory group project, we will create an action packed adventure scene, and mount it for display. Time to dig in, get your hands dirty and create your favourite heroes in clay! All clay and tools provided.  All ages welcome!

The Art of Calligraphy: Japanese-style Ink-Brush Painting

Saturday, July 10^th, 1.30pm, St. James United Church

Local artist and professional designer Ruth Young will provide an introduction to Japanese-style ink-brush painting. Come learn and participate in this introduction to an ancient and sophisticated art form! Materials provided on site. Ages 8 and up.

Groove Workshop: Hand drumming

Sunday, July 11^th, 1.00pm, Columbus Field

Professional drummer Brendan Melchin will introduce concepts of rhythm and “groove” to young people while developing basic hand drum technique. No prior musical experience is necessary, and hand drums will be provided at the workshop.

The Camera Eye: Photography

Wednesday, July 14^th, 10.00am, St. James United Church

Cara Jones of Intuitive Eye Productions (www.carajones.ca) will host a workshop on techniques of artistic photography. Get an introduction to the techniques used by professional photographers! Don’t forget to bring a camera!

Landscapes/Streetscapes: Watercolour

Wednesday, July 14^th, 2.00pm, St. James United Church

Local artist Felicity Redgrave will help participants develop their watercolour technique. Participants are encouraged to bring a photograph of their choice for painting. Watercolour supplies provided.

For all workshops, pre-registration is not necessary – just show up before the event! There is a $5 registration fee for all workshops. For more information, call 867-2172 or e-mail Greg Melchin at gmelchin@stfx.ca

Guysborough Antigonish Pictou Arts and Culture Council (GAPACC) is pleased to announce the thirteenth annual Gathering of the Arts (GoArts)! The exhibition is open to artists working in all media. All pieces must be new submissions to the Gathering of the Arts. A jury of peers from the Nova Scotia arts community will select the works to be exhibited. The decisions of the jurors are final. Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, June 9th.

SUBMISSIONS

Applicants may submit up to five 35mm slides, color photographs, or .jpg files saved to CD (300dpi resolution, 5”x7” size).  No actual art work will be accepted for the application process. The title, medium, size and artist’s name must be attached to the slide or photograph. Place a red dot in the lower left-hand corner for correct slide viewing. CDs must be labeled with the artist’s name, and digital .jpg files must be numbered to correspond with the submission information given on the entry form. E-mailed submissions will not be accepted. Submission material will be returned to artists following completion of the jury process. Please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope for the return of slides, photos and CDs. A completed entry form and applicable fees must accompany submissions.

FEES

Applicants must join or be current members of GAPACC to participate. Membership in GAPACC is open to all interested artists and is not limited to residents of Guysborough, Antigonish or Pictou Counties. If your 2010 membership in GAPACC is current, then please enclose payment for the $15 entry fee. If your membership is due, or you are joining GAPACC for the first time, please enclose payment for $20 membership and $15 entry fee ($35) and a completed membership application form. Payment is by cheque or money order. Completed application package with CV must be postmarked no later than Fri June 4, 2010 and mailed to GAPACC, PO Box 1175, Antigonish, NS, B2G 2L6.

RESTRICTIONS

A maximum of five pieces may be accepted based on jurors’ recommendations. Works that are larger than 48”x 84”, or that are fragile or difficult to install and transport cannot be accepted.  All works must be for sale.  Work must be ready to hang or display.  For transport art work must be packaged with folded cardboard wrapped in each direction and marked with artist’s name and artwork title on the outside.  If these conditions are not fulfilled at the time of delivery, art work will not be included in the exhibition.

TRANSPORT

Initial delivery of art work to the Antigonish location, and final pick-up after the exhibition is over, is the responsibility of the artist. More details on where to deliver accepted art work will be forthcoming when the juried submissions are returned to you. At the end of the show, art work can be picked up at the venue in Antigonish, July 19^th and July 18th.

SECURITY

All exhibition venues are secure, and attendants will be present during open hours.  Art works will be insured for 67% of listed selling price for the duration of the exhibition.

CATALOGUE & PUBLICITY

Exhibiting artists will be listed in the Official Program. Participants are asked to submit a CV or brief biography with their application.  Artist statements and any contact information for display may be submitted with delivery of art work.  GoArts will be publicized through radio, newspapers, flyers, tourist publications, GAPACC broadcast email, and the GAPACC web site.

SALES

GAPACC will handle all sales and will charge 33% commission. GAPACC will issue artists a cheque for their sales at the conclusion of the show. Artists are responsible for negotiating further commissions with their dealers if they are represented.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE GATHERING OF THE ARTS SUBMISSION FORM

For more info e-mail info@gapacc.ns.ca

Nick and Tila goof off at the Easting Bread & Honey.

The enthusiastic crowds were spilling out on to the sidewalks in front of The Tall & Small Café and Easting Bread & Honey Bakery on Main Street on the evening of May 3, buzzing about the exhibitions by Reuben Irons, John Levangie,  and Ron Hines at the T & S, and Nicholas Johnson at the Bakery.

John Levangie with friendly face.

Reuben showed heavy metal in forged iron sculpture, counterbalanced by John’s graceful, even sensuous designs in welded iron rods.  Nick Johnson, at the Bakery, lit up the  space with colourful interpretations of Antigonish’s own power station at the corner of Hwy 7 and the TCH.

See More Images from this event in the Photo Gallery…

Ruben Irons in his shop

GAPACC Members Open Exhibit on Main Street, Antigonish.

Main Street,  Antigonish will be met with a torrent of new art works on Monday May the 3^rd with simultaneous openings at 5pm at the The Tall and Small Cafe as well as The Easting Bread and Honey Co.  GAPACC (Guysborough, Antigonish, Pictou Arts and Culture Council) proudly presents two local metal artists and two painters for the month of May.

The show includes John Levangie of Heatherton, known for his graceful lines within ornate rod iron arbors and Ruban Irons of Salt Springs, Pictou County, famous for his forged steel foliage and custom railings. Together they will transform the Tall and Small Cafe with their latest two dimentional metal sculptures.  The work of Levangie`s and Irons` will be intermingled by Lochaber oil painter Ron E. Hines, who focuses on vibrant colors and architecture, one particularly example is the St. Patrick’s Church in Lochaber.

"Trailer court on the #7" Example of Johnson's work

Nicholas William Johnson of Ohio Valley, a self described surrealist romantic will exhibit in the Easting Bakery with a work he promises to be “an extremely large surprise“.

The exhibition will be up until the end of May.    Everyone is invited to attend the opening on Monday May the 3^rd at 5pm for some complimentary snacks and refreshments provided at the Tall and Small.

example of the Artists work

“Dreams and Fantasies: Drawing your Imagination”

This workshop, led by local artist Abbey Allen, will be showing how to draw fantasy scenery entirely from the imagination. This particular lesson will be focusing on natures most beautiful place, the forest. With soft pastels and pencil crayons, observers will learn the proper techniques of drawing, shading, and coloring an entire enchanted forest…All from your head! The fairies and elves need a place to live, will you create it for them?   Interested click on the more

 Saturday, March 20 from 1 to 3 pm
Antigonish Education Centre, 2nd floor Art Room
Cost $10 
Bring sketchbook and coloured pencils

ART at the ALCOVE

Synergy is perhaps the best words to describe a new, cooperative relationship that has just begun between the Alcove Bistro and Lyghtesome Gallery, two well-known businesses located in downtown Antigonish. These businesses are cooperating on an ongoing show titled “Art at the Alcove” to strengthen our local and regional fabric.

With Lise Roy’s interest in highlighting local produce and Nova Scotia food producers at the Alcove, comes a natural enthusiasm for supporting local visual artists from both the vibrant arts community of Antigonish and the province as a whole.

Jeff and Beth Parker at Lyghtesome Gallery have been promoting Antigonish artists and leading painters, printmakers, potters, and sculptors from across Nova Scotia for over three decades. And this summer’s showcase titled “A Slice of Nova Scotia at its Visual Best”, July 1 to Aug 29, will feature new and recent work by gallery artists.

Both establishments share and promote the same values – a commitment to excellence, to community well being, to an aware and enriching future for everyone. Working together is what the energy of synergy is all about.

Keep an eye on what unfolds from this homegrown creative connection!

For more information about the Alcoves local focus and sustainability, such as the Alcove garden and chef, Jennifer MacDonald return to Antigonish – call Lise at 863-2248

For more information on Antigonish’s “Slice of Nova Scotia” artists such as Anna Syperek, Linda Johns, Vicki MacLean, John Levangie, Julia Redgrave, and Alice Hoskins to name a few – call Jeff or Beth Parker 863-8122

Valerie with a sculpted chicken

New AFFA workshops to choose from!

AFFA  (Artists and Families Fostering the Arts) is proud to present a February line up of workshops to choose from. In this series there is a special opportunity to learn drawing from local living treasure Alice Hoskins. Also presenting workshops are local artists Sarah Avmaat, Nancy Turniawan and Fenn Martin. Click more for the particulars.

Hoskins will teach a children’s workshop on drawing. We will look at drawings. Then Alice will demonstrate, followed by time for the children to draw. Work will be in pencil and drawing pens. Children are encouraged to bring their sketchbooks.

When: Saturday, January 30^th, from 1pm-3pm

Location:  117 Old South River Road. (immediate left after the bridge on St Andrew’s Street.) Small green bungalow on left side of the road.

5 children and 1 parent maximum.

Cost $10 per child.

Printmaker Sara Avmaat and Nancy Turniawan will hold a printmaking workshop.

Insects and fish are the subject of two types of printmaking. Participants will get to explore monoprints and relief prints, before choosing one method to make a final work. Sarah Avmaat, and Nancy Turniawan will share examples of their work. .Bring a light- coloured old cotton tee-shirt or pillow case that you can use to make your monoprint.

When: Saturday, February 20^th, from 1-3pm

Location: At the Mini-Trail Community Centre (formerly the Lakevale school).

Lakevale is on Hwy. 337. Drive approximately 20 kilometres past the hospital .

6 children maximum. Ages 8 and up.  Parents are welcome.

Cost $10 per child. $25 per family.

Clay artist, Nancy Turniawan will teach a workshop on drawing in clay. A partially dried (leather hard} slab of clay will be worked with simple tools. The result will be a low-relief surface, which after firing will be finished with of all things, shoe polish!

When:  Saturday, February  27^th, from 1 to 3 pm

Location:  At the Mini-Trail Community Centre (formerly the Lakevale school).

Lakevale is on Hwy. 337. Drive approximately 20 kilometres past the hospital .

6 children maximum. Ages 8 and up.  Parents are welcome.

Cost $10 per child. $25 per family.

“Keep your Hands on the Table!” .  Saturday February 13^th 1-3pm,

The Ohio Valley Studios with Fenn Martin

In this workshop we will practice making all kinds of hands in clay, Gnarly ones, nice ones big ones and industrial ones.  With the eyes of surgeons we will build/create the new hand for the people of the future, so join us and give yourself a hand.   Materials $5. (or pay hat you can.  One piece from each participant will be fired and returned at a later date.  Ohio west road, call for direction (902 863-8190)

For inquiries about any of these workshops please contact Elizabeth Leighton at 735-2371 or by email at  eleighton@eastlink.ca

The GAPACC board of directors is pleased to announce four mentorship opportunities for youth in Guysborough, Antigonish & Pictou counties.  The mentorship program is a new initiative which will pair young artists (age 8-18 yrs) with established GAPACC member artists who wish to share their expertise.  We are accepting applications for both mentors and students in all disciplines: music, dance, thatre, film, and visual arts. Deadline for submissions is January 27th.  For more information and to download the application form click to keep reading…

We are seeking GAPACC member artists who wish to share their expertise and enthusiasm with an interested young person. This will be a pilot project for 2010, after which, it will be evaluated and decisions made re the future.

GAPACC is now seeking applications from interested members in all 3 counties. The following information will detail expectations.

1. Mentors will be members of GAPACC resident in Antigonish, Guysborough or Pictou Counties.

2. The mentorship will begin Feb 2010 and extend for 6 months.

3. Mentors will be matched with interested youth from their own local area. Local school authorities will be asked to assist in matching students.

4. Students will be aged 8-18yrs., and will be given a free GAPACC Membership for 2010. Parent permission will be required.

5. All mentors will be required to submit an application (see below), and have an RCMP clearance (required for anyone teaching/dealing with children under age 16 yrs.)

6. Mentor applications are invited from any area of the arts– visual art, dance, film, music etc.

7. Mentors will be paid a stipend of $250.00 for the 6 months.

8. Mentors and students will be required to meet at least 6 times.

9. Students will be responsible for materials, travel etc.

10. Mentors and students will be required to submit an evaluation at the end of the period.

11. Work created by students during this program will be made available for GAPACC’s summer exhibition, the Gathering of the Arts .

APPLICATION PROCESS

Mentors are asked to submit

• A letter of interest, with some indication of teaching experience/interest and a description of teaching/mentoring location/facility (home/studio)

• A current CV.

• RCMP clearance. Drop by your local RCMP office to get your criminal record check completed. Bring a piece of identification plus the $20.00 fee. If not already obtained please indicate that you will do so – and submit as soon as available.

All information may be mailed to: GAPACC PO Box 1175. Antigonish, NS, B2G 2L6 or submitted electronically to gapacc@gmail.com

Closing date for applications from Mentors is Jan 27, 2010.

To download this application form click here.

Friday evening January 29th and Saturday the 30th at Bethany Center in Antigonish a workshop will be led by local artists, Anne Camozzi, Anna Syperek, and Nancy Turniawan. The workshop goal is to share experiences on how creativity nourishes inner space while experimenting with different art forms. No previous experience required for this playful way to release hidden potential in the heart of winter.

Cost: All inclusive: $100; commuter $40

Pre-register by January 22

For more information and to register:

Phone 863-4726 or email: bethaycenter@themarthas.com