Do you Know Your ABC's?

July 6 — December 10, 2023

This exhibition takes inspiration from alphabet books as a way to explore highlights of the permanent collection at Acadia. Established in 1978, the Acadia University Art Gallery has a permanent collection of over 3,000 art objects. The exhibition presents well-known artists from the collection, such as Alex Colville and Mary Pratt, alongside rarely exhibited objects from the collection, such as portrait miniatures and Chinese silks.  In addition the exhibition includes recent acquisitions of BIPOC artists, including Kent Monkman, Robert Houle and Deanna Bowen.

'Do you know your ABC's?' explores the collection as a living entity: a place for dialogue, discourse and discovery.

Curated by: Dr Laurie Dalton

Laura Kenney: Judy - Valley Edition

February 15 — April 6, 2023

Acadia University Art Gallery invites you to the new exhibit “JUDY: Valley Edition”, by artist Laura Kenney, which focuses on three main themes: feminism, environmentalism and Nova Scotia through the art of Rug Hooking. The 40 rugs hung on the gallery walls depict an adventurous, courageous and outspoken character called Judy. This character is always seen with fiery red hair tied up in a bun, a signature black dress indicating readiness for a funeral at a moments notice, and stellar red boots with attitude to stomp change everywhere she goes.

Artist, Laura Kenney, invites viewers into the realm of Judy which explores topics that are familiar to ours in the real world. Artist Laura Kenney uses Judy as an alter ego or superhero-like figure to bring awareness to topics such as environmentalism and feminism. She is able to work through frustrations and anxieties through Judy, on issues revolving around climate change and women feeling invisible— especially mothers. Judy echoes the history of pro-active feminists that want to make a change and aren’t afraid to shake things up.

The art of rug hooking has its own power and message to the artist. Hooking has been widely used by women throughout history to express their feelings and the environment around them, however, women would in turn lose their voice through the introduction of rug hooking patterns. These patterns were widely repeated throughout many households and thus in turn led to creative restrictions and or limitations placed upon women according to Kenney. This is something that she wants to change in the hooking community. Kenney’s vision is to bring back the endless possibilities that rug hooking can lend to.

Curated by: Dr Laurie Dalton

Miya Turnbull: Inward, Outwards

November 12, 2022 — February 9, 2023

"I am drawing from the traditional uses of masks worn for disguise, transformation and protection, as well as a metaphor for persona, archetypes and identity. Each different self-portrait is a way I can explore variations, my experiences, perceptions, inner world and my mixed Japanese Canadian heritage, making these visible, tangible and wearable. Ironically, I am placing my likeness on the front of the mask at the same time concealing my face behind it. I can then manipulate how you see me and reveal only certain parts of me. I'm particularly interested in the liminal space between defined margins; private vs public (what we present to the world and what we hide), ‘beauty’ vs 'grotesque' (shifting or blurring the line between), and bi-racial identity (duality and 'in-between-ness')." – Miya Turnbull, artist statement

Curated by: Dr Laurie Dalton

Annual Acadia Art Exhibition

September 17 – October 22, 2022

Thinking of the best way to celebrate this occasion, and realizing it has been now three! years since the presentation of the much beloved community art exhibition (normally held in January). We have decided that for 2022-2023 year that our Annual Community Art Exhibition will be held at a special time this September! We are excited to see all our community members and the work you have created, and to celebrate the creative vibrancy in our community.

Opening reception on September 17th, 7pm.

Submission dates September 10th and 11th: 10am -3pm. This is a non-juried exhibition, any gallery member can submit up to three works. Not a member - you can join when you drop off artwork.

You can fill out submission forms in person, or can download one here.