Brian Atyeo

We are very lucky that Brian Atyeo has a home and studio in the Peggy's Cove Area. He is a wonderful artist who has had a tremendous influence on many local painters.

HIs paintings are well known for their bold and spiritual impressions of jazz, figure, and the Canadian landscape.  His work is a constant exploration of colour and form showing remarkable confidence. Here are four of my favourites that demonstrate the range of his work.

A native of Toronto, Brian shares his knowledge and skill at workshops across Canada. Early each summer he offers a workshop locally which many of our artists participate in.

From July 31 to August 12 2011, Brian will be the feature artist at  Jo Beale Gallery in Peggy's Cove. Drop in on July 31 between 2 and 4 to meet him and discuss his work.

And The Winner is......

Last Monday Suzanne Day and I presented Laura Charlton, winner of Suzanne's painting, "Peggy's Cove Crescendo," with her prize. Laura was thrilled to win the painting and we were pleased to know it is going to such a good home.

Not only did Laura visit 5 of the open studios but she brought along guests from Ontario AND purchased 5 paintings from our participating artists and now has a lovely collection of Peggy's Cove Area Art in her home.

Laura Charlton, Suzanne Day and "Peggy's Cove Crescendo"

Open Studio Weekend - look for this flag

Not all studios/locations are open each day - look for this flag as you drive along. It indicates that that location is on the tour and open.

Open Studio Weekend

There are 15 locations along the Peggy's Cove and Prospect Roads (rte 333) today and tomorrow. Visit at least five of them and you will be entered into a draw to win the painting below:

You will find the name, address and a map of the open studios here

Meaghan Smith/Ryan MacGrath Concert tonight.

Today is a big day on our festival schedule with the concert at St Luke's Church in Upper Tantallon. There are still tickets available so if you haven't made plans yet you can pay at the door.

The church is very easy to find and is just 20 minutes from the Armdale round-a-bout. Take highway 103 from Halifax to exit 5. Turn left at the top of the exit ramp and follow Hammonds Plainds Road to the end. Turn right and go straight at the lights at route 333 and continue for about 1 km. You will see St Luke's on your left.

View Larger Map

See you tonight.

A Day to Visit Our Festival Exhibits

Today is a busy day as we prepare for the Meaghan Smith/Ryan McGrath tomorrow night today. It is going to be a great one. Great music, great door prizes (think music, hammocks, art) in a great setting.

We have several exhibits of local art you may want to drop in on today:

At Jo Beale Gallery in Peggy's Cove: Several local artists display there. Featured artists today are Sarah Irwin and Leya Evelyn.

At Oceanstone Cafe in Indian Harbour: The photography of Roger Morin.  The cafe is a new concept at Oceanstone. I had lunch there a day or two ago and it was excellent! Drop in, enjoy Roger's photography - it is truly amazing what he sees through the lens of a camera - and a tasty lunch or coffee break.

At the Finer Diner: Lee Fraser is the guest artist today. He will be on the Ice Cream Deck with his wonderful and realistic paintings. As always, Sarah Irwin, co-owner of the diner - has a selection of her wonderful art on display in the diner. Another opportunity to enjoy lunch in an art filled atmosphere.

And then there is Mother Nature's Art Gallery. Take your time driving around our area, stop often to savour the beauty we are surrounded by. It will lift your spirit and brighten your day.

And looking towards the weekend: You could win this painting during our Open Studio Tour on Saturday and Sunday.

A Busy Day Today

Festival Events:

10 am to 4 pm, At The Finer Diner: Photographer Joanne McCarthy will be showing her photographs and art cards on the ice cream deck.

6 pm to 9 pm, at Shining Waters Marina: Art and Hamachi Sushi night. Eight or so artists will be displaying their work (including a Japanese Calligraphy artist) and a Hamachi Sushi chef will be preparing and serving sushi. More info here

8 pm at 7143 St Margaret's Bay Rd: A house concert featuring Maple Blues winner Thom Swift. $20/person. Pay at the door.

Come on out and have some fun!

This Weekend: Come Celebrate the Art of our Area With Us

What a spectacular weekend it is going to be in The Peggy's Cove Area. We couldn't ask for a better way to kick of our festival.

Shining Waters Marina hosting Canada Day fireworks at 10pm

Kayak out to Clam Island From Shining Waters

The Aspotogan Peninsula in the distance 

And there is a lot going on this weekend:

ArtScapes: 15 Local Artists will be displaying and selling their work at St Luke's Church, Upper Tantallon. Watch for their signs. Show hours are:  June 30 - Opening 7pm to 9pm

                                   July 1  10 am to 8 pm 

                                  July 2   10 am to 6 pm

                                  July 3   10 am to 4 pm

Artisans on the Ice Cream Deck at the Finer Diner: 

July 1 Joyce Brooks: Joyce is showing her sewing. She makes a wide variety of handmade things, from baby bibs, to scarves and handbags!

July 2 Mary Jane Lundy: Mary Jane has been throwing pots and making hand built clay sculptures for many years. Come and see her down by the sea creations, and get an up close view as she demonstrates her skills.

July 3 Irene Jollimore:  Showing a wide variety of things knitted both with and without a pattern, Irene makes and sells the best socks in the world. 

The Finer Diner will be open until 7 pm and is a great spot to enjoy a casual lunch on the deck overlooking Hacketts Cove.

Exhibit of the Photography of Roger Morin:

8 am to 3 pm at the Cafe at Oceanstone Inn and Cottages in Indian Harbour. Learn more about Roger and view some of his amazing photography here. The Cafe at Oceanstone is new. I dropped in on Wednesday for lunch and it is excellent. It will be a perfect weekend to dine on their lovely deck and soak up some sun.

Celebrate Canada Day at Shining Waters Marina:

July 1 2011 6 pm to 8 pm - Shining Waters Marina will be hosting a Canada Day Party to celebrate the opening of our festival. Drop by for nibbles, drinks and to view and meet some of the artists who are participating in the festival and view examples of their art. Andrew Tremaine will host an open mic during the evening - if you are a local musician and would like to show your stuff email events@shiningwaters.ca to book a time.

And, don't miss Paint Peggy's Cove:

On July 2 and 3 2011 several artists will be Painting Peggy's Cove. During these two days, between 10 am and 4 pm, you will find them scattered through out the village depicting what they see in which ever medium they work.
On Sunday July 3 from 5 to 7 pm you may view and purchase their finished work at an art sale at the Old Red School House.

Jo Beale Gallery:

While in Peggy's Cove be sure to drop in to Jo Beale Gallery. Sarah Irwin is the feature artist this weekend and Leya Evelyn has an exhibit opening there on July 3rd, just before the sale of the work by Paint Peggy's Cove artists. It is going to be a busy day at Jo's. Lots of fun.

More things to do in our area here