Eye Level is super sweet and great. Located on Gottingen Street, it provides a low key environment…read morefeaturing local artists' fresh, inspired and sometimes zany works. I've been here for a few openings as well as for the Nocturne festival. The space is simple: a single white long rectangular room, with a reception area in the back. Nestled into one of the back most corners, you will find a rich selection of zines - small publications consisting of writings, pictures, etc. You can buy them or peruse (I recommend buying - they don't cost much and you'll be supporting the artist). You should indeed check out this little gallery. It's a simple space, filling a very necessary position as a purveyor of local (and sometimes visiting) artists' creations! GO!

Eyelevel is a gallery that brings a fresh element into Halifax's art scene. Its a small and quaint…read morelittle setting run by a sweet bunch of people who like to keep things interesting. The gallery provides some great local work and prefers to play on a more conceptualized art experience. A few months ago I attended a free cinema night that featured a 1979 Bowie documentary called 'Cracked Actor', and 2 other short films covering contrasting sub cultures of times past. Definitely a worthy venture, as I wouldn't have sought these films out on my own. Popcorn and beer were served as well. The gallery holds spoken word shows, most recently "Dear Diary", in which submissions were pooled together for people to read private thoughts, or written piece to portray such a manner. Very cool as a collective entity. I'd consider this one of the freshest contributors to art in the city and a place to keep tabs on for interesting and provocative shows.

Located way down Marginal Road, in a place you'd least expect it, is a great little gallery. There…read morereally isn't much signage, and the place isn't publicized at all - BUT, there is art here to be seen and admired. I've been to this location on a few occasions, primarily for NSCAD openings, with wine and cheese to boot! The gallery is comprised of a few separate rooms, with natural light filtering through the large front windows. The hours are fairly ample, open for public perusal from Tuesday to Friday 9-5pm, and Saturday and Sunday 11-4pm. If you happen to find yourself in this neck of the woods, it's worth it to head in. There is no cost and the works on display can be pretty inspired and inspiring.

This is a great gallery. Its a wee bit out of the way, but certainly a worthy pit stop if you are…read morelooking to cover all of Halifax's art gallery offerings. I entered one evening on my way to class, and its demure energy provided a lovely backdrop to some great art. Its very low-key; very mum. Perhaps this was a contributing factor as to why I found it so great. Almost tip-toeing around, I was the only visitor at the time, with an entire gallery at my gaze. The woman working was very sweet. She offered some conversation and information about the gallery as I explored. Unfortunately, I cannot remember the nature of the art displayed, but I do remember liking it. This is an easy gallery to put off, as it is out of the way. I'll have to take another visit and report an update. As my memory serves, this is a kind and lovely gallery with both NSCAD and outside art talents for the looking.

As soon as we walked into the Dart Gallery, I knew I was in for a treat. Art is covering very…read morenearly every inch of open space - including tables - and there is so much beauty in one place. And it's not just paintings, either! Ceramics, photography, textiles and pottery were just some of what we saw during our quick perusal. I think they're all local artists too - it's at least a good majority of local artists! I love looking at local art - I go to Argyle Fine Art on the Halifax side of the harbour all the time just for that - and one day I dream of covering my walls with it. One day. *wistful sigh* If you're looking for small gifts this is a good spot to check out too - they have smaller more inexpensive things like coasters, magnets and cards. And there is a little cafe/restaurant attached to it, though I haven't been there yet.

The Dart Gallery is one of my favourite art galleries! It's a welcoming space that promotes various…read moreforms of art (ceramics, painting, photography, textiles, sculpture and more) by mostly (if not all) local creators. Installations seem to last about two weeks, so there's always something new to see and the staff are really friendly and knowledgeable. The Dart Gallery is a go-to spot when I'm shopping for gifts as there seems to be something for everyone, from pop culture-inspired works to more abstract art. There are also lots of cards, magnets and practical items like mugs if you're looking to inject a little more art into your everyday life. Picnic at Dart is a great looking little restaurant that's attached to it, but I haven't had the pleasure of trying their food yet.

I have gone to the Art Expo quite a few times for several reasons. Now admittedly they are the only…read moreones within the downtown core...or really all of Halifax to my knowledge, that do what they do. BUT comparing them to similar stores in other cities, they still do it quite well. Customer Service - Always friendly and real. Not overly friendly/fake and never grumpy. I believe the owner runs it half the time and he's a really nice person. Selection - For the space, it's as much stuff as they could cram in there. And the variety is really good. They try to cater to every age demographic. I went to get my poster mounted. They were definitely the cheapest in the city. I called around. The end result was perfect! A few minor problems with the poster were ironed out in the mounting process as well. It was exactly what I was looking for. If you need a poster or need some mounting, I believe also framing done anywhere, they should be your first phone call. :)

Art Expo is a store if you are looking for cheap wall hangings. Walking through Park there was…read moreCrammer hanging on the wall for $59.95 I have not seen this print for a long time. This caught my eye and I decided to pop in and see what else I could find. Now I can see my son going and grabbing a few pieces from this store for this apartment as the prices are reasonable for what he might consider something to hang on his wall. Scarface who does not love that and $19.95, as well the famous pose from James Dean. Now am I saying that everything in here will be hanging in your living room no, but it is a perfect stop for those young ones starting out and need some great wall mounted art for a good price.

A small shop situated in the Fisherman's Cove in the Eastern Passage…read more It's a great spot with almost too much in the way of local artist's work. Beautiful postcards, prints and originals available for you to pick up. The couple in the shop seem to be artists, classically trained as well. They were both sharing stories with a shop visitor of their past expoloits and training. It, like most shops in the area are tourist priced, but you won't find much more authentic Nova Scotia artwork. A cute little shop with boatloads of charm and beauty in it.

This is the type of place that makes me so pleased with Halifax. Housed in an old... house, this…read morevolunteer-driven project is part meeting area, part library and part art workshop. They're probably best known for the comprehensive library of zines (mini, self-published books) called the Anchor Archive, for which a catalogue was set up last year by a library sciences graduate student as his thesis project. They are still working on getting all editions into the catalogue, though, and need volunteers to assist. Also sharing this space is the Ink Storm Screenprinting Collective. If you're interested in learning to screen print you can attend cheap-cheap introductory lessons on a sliding scale ($20-40). Then go use the space for your own projects, or pay for another affordable three-part class to learn more details. Watch their website for announcements about cool things like the Free Shop that's set up right now in their shed, where you can go take or donate items at your leisure. Or just drop in on their open hours, and meet some new folks.

Situated amongst the cobblestone cosiness of the Granville / Duke Street courtyard, Anna Leonowens…read moreis longstanding Halifax gallery exhibiting the work of NSCAD's finest. Its space runs deep with various rooms that offer the opportunity for fresh and innovative layouts. Exhibitions generally feature student work, however faculty and visiting artists have been known to hold shows here too. Its an exciting spot to check out and very community oriented. If you have an interest in the arts and looking for a more free flowing vibe, this gallery is a good one to drop into. With all the students in and about, there is always someone to talk to and ways to get involved. (or not!) Anna Leonowens is a fabulous showcasing of young talent and a pooling of creations. Contemporary studio and media art, craft and design, and otherwise... its all quite fresh.

This gallery is a fantastic place to mull and peruse the art of young, inspired individuals testing…read morewaters and pushing boundaries. The space consists of multiple rooms, as well as floors, ablaze with natural light, creating a warm, inviting feel. I have been to a few openings here, as well as the NSCAD end of year showcase, which was so much fun. the energy was electric and there was such a vast array of mediums represented, you couldn't help but be enthralled. You can chat with whoever is curating or shuffle about thoughtfully, as you take in all that is offered. This is a great place to venture with a date, as it provides thought provoking conversation pieces as well as the old world charm of Granville Street. C'est magnifique! Head down and indulge your senses in the arts. You'll feel cultured and inspired after taking in NSCAD's finest.

Norman Flynn showcases a sweeping fusion of original lighting designs in his North End Halifax…read morestore. There is a clear vision here and a heavy dosage of innovation and "outside the box" creations. It is apparent that Flynn bares no boundaries to the concept of light, and it speaks through his unprecedented collection. With a careful eye for presentation, the store's esthetic is crisp, monochromatic and minimalist. It is a well constructed space that provides an open concept, yet the element of surprise with wall spacing and little nooks. The experience reads more as a visit to a large-scale gallery or museum -- one of a kind looks and true artistry to awe over. Every design was completely different and heavily inspired. Flynn exudes versatility in form, texture, material and scale to give each piece of work its own identity. Truly innovative- this place was inspiring.

Norman Flynn Designs is like walking into a Gallery…read more It is breathtaking, the magnificent lighting they have displayed. Some of them are truly like pieces of art. The show room is very elegant. I was in awe looking around. A very nice gentleman came out and spoke with me, telling me they have only been involved in the lighting for about three years. The interior design, far longer. They have been written up in two local magazines here in 2007, En Route Magazine and Lifestyle Maritimes. I would say, judging by the lighting and decor, this would not be a place where if you have to ask, "How Much" you should venture. Other than to dream and plan for your future purchases. If you are looking for top quality design, fresh ideas, and unique fixtures, this would be your stop.