Time for my last check-in from ArtLab on Main Street where I have spent the past month. Late this afternoon I will be packing up my art quilts on display, various supplies and the 31 doodles created while occupying this space. I shall miss the interactions with the other artists, the general public popping in for a quick visit or to check out the latest exhibition in the gallery. I will also miss the view from my window where I witnessed the changing levels of the tides and the cloud formations illuminated magically depending on the sun’s path.
It has been a month of incredible opportunities and experiences and they will stay with me as fond memories. My sincerest thank you goes to the artist collective at ArtLab for inviting me to participate in the day-to-day routines. Krista Wells, a multi-talented artist who is a great sounding board when it comes to researching resources and materials and I feel so fortunate to have known her since the first time we dropped into the space in late September 2018, Krista Levy Odlin, an equally talented and accomplished costume designer and textile artist who has become a good friend in just such a short time, Jill Langford who shares my passion for using natural matter for her amazing paper creations and paints the most evoking figures. A special thank you goes to Michael Fuller, Pleine Air painter and primary organizer at Art Lab when it comes to booking workshops and inviting artists like myself to apply for a residency.
I might be moving back into my home studio but my connections with ArtLab will remain strong. Meanwhile, stop in for the annual members’ exhibition which will be up till mid-December. I have four pieces on display. I am also chatting with Michael about the possibility of presenting a weekend workshop at Artlab in 2022.
Yesterday was a momentous day for the Fundy Geopark and Parrsboro as a central location of the 75 communities that make up the GeoPark. The GeoPark was nominated for a Community Spirit Award, the first award presented in person by the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, the Hon. Arthur J. LeBlanc, ONS, QC following the pandemic.
The day started out a bit grey and wet after a night of strong winds and much rain. We don’t call this place “paradise” for nothing… by the time we were to gather at the Bandstand to set up our artist booths the sun was pushing through the clouds, the wind did its magic and we had brilliant blue sky in no time.
Here are just a few images of those artists who were able to quickly respond to the call to participate. I brought my “Inspiration Kantha” books and samples which proved to be a good decision. Within minutes of setting up I had sold the first copy!
In good Nova Scotia fashion, there was entertainment by local artists…
…and we didn’t have to wait long until the dignitaries arrived for the award presentation.
There were some proud moments during the speeches and Colin and I were grateful to witness and participate in the festivities. Following the official part of the event, Lieutenant Governor Arthur J. LeBlanc spent time visiting with locals. He made a point to stop by every artisan’s booth for a chat. In the process, he welcomed Colin and me to Nova Scotia, a completely unexpected gesture that made us feel right at home and added to the already positive impressions we have gathered for the past 13 months.
After taking down the booth I returned to Art Lab for a couple of hours. The sky provided me with a wonderful show of colours on the way home around sunset.
It’s windy today… My pups didn’t want to walk far! Teak decided that after about 500 meters he had enough. He stopped and dug his feet into the ground and no matter what I tried this little 9 lb ShihTzu would not budge. As soon as I said “OK, I guess we go back home” he turned around and walked toward our house. He certainly knows what he wants.
Wishing you all a restful Sunday, Anna
Anna Hergert, Art & Design 