Main Street Gallery promotes local artists

The Main Street Art Gallery in the New Waterford Credit Union is in its 11th year of showcasing both wellknown and new artists.

The gallery hosts four to five shows a year.

“Over 50 artists have shown in group and solo shows,” said artist Patsy MacKinnon, who is the museum curator.

“Shows have also included woodworking, jewelry and fabric. The talent is endless.”

MacKinnon said they’ve featured well-known artists such as Kenny Boone, Jan Gyorfi-West and woodcarver Murray Gallant but also have given new artists a start including Amanda MacAulay of New Waterford, who is now teaching at the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design in Sydney.

Photographer Corey Katz was featured early in his career.

“He has gone on to some nice photography including in magazines.”

About 12 years ago, the New Waterford Credit Union was renovating the building’s interior when MacKinnon pitched the idea of purchasing local artwork for the walls. Credit union officials asked MacKinnon to purchase pieces that reflected both the heritage and culture of the island.

There are now more than 35 permanent pieces throughout the credit union featuring work by artists from New Waterford and throughout Cape Breton.

Eleven years ago MacKinnon began organizing monthly art shows in the boardroom and the Main Street Art Gallery was born.

MacKinnon said it’s amazing how the art gallery has taken off and the interest it draws.

“I’m usually booked two years in advance,” she said. “That gives the artist two years to prepare the work.”

MacKinnon credits the management, staff and board of directors of the credit union for making it all possible.

“They don’t take any commission, they are just pleased to be able to put it forward.”

The next featured artist at the art gallery is Kim Brown MacDonald and her solo show opens Friday. A show by students from Breton Education Centre, under the guidance of teacher Robert White, will open the first week of April.