New Kentville art gallery exhibit schedule announced

The Hardware Gallery, Kentville’s new art gallery, is opening its doors on March 29.

The season begins with a group exhibit by local artists Shasta Grant and Simone Labuschagne, followed by a solo exhibit by artist and arts educator Terry Drahos.

The first exhibit, entitled Rural Roots, runs from March 29 to April 25. The two artists’ work creates a dialogue of complementing and contrasting styles and subject matter. The show is an examination of nature – Grant’s depictions of animals in their natural setting is paired with Labuschagne’s striking visual study of flora.

From April 27 to May 30, Terry Drahos will present her body of work inspired by architecture. She uses bold colours and shapes reminiscent of both rural and urban constructions rendered into abstraction.

“We’re very excited and honoured to be showcasing talented artists for our first exhibition season over the next six months,” says gallery director Sasha Nelson.

Hardware Gallery is the brainchild of Nelson, who holds a master’s degree in fine arts from the University of Waterloo, a degree in painting from NSCAD, and is a Red Seal carpenter. Nelson saw a need in Kentville to offer a public creative space. In addition to monthly rotating exhibits, the gallery will host workshops and talks, as well as offer an art rental program.

“We’re hoping that we can create a space and a general atmosphere that will inspire people to engage in the arts more,” he said. “The gallery is open to all media, traditional or otherwise, so there will always be a space for what emerges as people become more engaged.”

Run by volunteers, Hardware Gallery owes its existence to an outpouring of community support. Provision of space by the Town of Kentville for the first year of operation and a donation to cover the costs to renovate the space from the Kentville Community Fund have made the undertaking possible. The original hardwood floors have been exposed, and the space now has gallery-grade track lighting. Local businesses are also doing their part to ensure the gallery is successful by helping to fund the organization or making in-kind donations.

A grand opening event will take place in June, featuring the work of artist Meaghan Bray and photographer Justine Macdonald. A community show in July will showcase both established and emerging artists, and will be centered around the theme of Red.

Hardware Gallery is run by the Kentville Art Gallery Society (KAGS). Established in 2017, KAGS is a non-profit society with the mission to offer cultural experiences in downtown Kentville and provide exposure to contemporary and historical aesthetic practices.