“There’s a lot to be said for Nova Scotia being one of the most inspiring places in the area, and we really enjoy being here,” said Sharon Wadsworth-Smith, one of 11 artists opening a new gallery in Lunenburg, N.S.
Gallery on Lincoln is the newest venture run by artists for artists on Lincoln Street.
“This is a very supportive art community. I think there’s about nine or 11 galleries on this street alone,” said Paulette Melanson, president of Gallery on Lincoln.
The space at 167 Lincoln St. was previously a gallery that was set to close as the owners retired. The artists decided to buy the space and operate a new gallery.
Melanson said they received multiple submissions from artists, making it difficult to only choose 11.
“The art came first, so they we wanted really good art by talented people, as you can see. And then the other thing is, they needed to agree to be a member,” said Melanson. “But the number one thing was the art, the quality of it, being able to bring in enough art to replace the pieces as they sell.”
Every artist involved in the gallery brings their own expertise, from communications to graphic design. They all help run the space.
“What does make us distinct, though, is that there are 11 of us who have come together and, you know, we’re managing this space together,” said Catherine Bagnell Styles.
The importance of community is something that inspires and drives the co-op.
“I think for any artist, there’s always a little bit of pressure that you’re not going to be doing your best work or you’re nervous of showing work. And so if you have people that you can bounce ideas off and they help you feel comfortable with what you’re doing, or they say, ‘Well, you know, maybe you can approach it a different way.’ It’s nice to have that support group,” said Wadsworth-Smith.
“I think that’s something that artists really appreciate is having that kind of feedback.”
“You know, as an artist, you really want to be in the company of other artists whose work you admire. So for me, it’s all about the quality that’s here,” Bagnell Styles said.
Being in a unique position of housing 11 different artists makes the process almost seem less lonely for Wadsworth-Smith.
“You’re 100 per cent alone when you create it and you’re sharing it with 100 per cent of the world when it’s done. It’s very much a twist in being by yourself publicly,” Wadsworth-Smith said.
For the three, knowing the community is behind them, both in their own gallery, and in the city
“For artists, this is one of those things where, you know, together we raise the tide, right? And all boats raise,” Bagnell Styles said.
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