I’ve been spending the last several days of March Break in Saint John, in which it proves somewhat difficult to find local events. Saint John is notorious for having very little going on in comparison to Fredericton, but it was nice to spend some time back home. However, wandering off to the Saint John Community Events Calendar online, I located a very interesting exhibit.
Located at 87 Germain Street in uptown Saint John, The New Artisan Studio proved to be a worthwhile experience. Owned and run by Heather and Kevin Day-Thorburn, the gallery holds a boutique out front with the art gallery in the back. Kevin mentioned that they planned to keep a 75/25 per cent split of local to non-local artists featured in the gallery.
Before speaking in-depth with Heather and Kevin, I took a walk through the gallery with Kyle Roberts, a writer from UNB Saint John’s newspaper, The Baron. Currently the featured artists include Jeff McLennan, whose photography was based on local Saint John scenes as well as from Paris, Spain, and Morocco. The photography had a somewhat gothic/distorted twist, with much of it in black and white; it examined nature, architecture, and machinery. Another featured artist that popped out to me was Tammy Cassidy, whose artwork was colourful and bright acrylic, slightly abstracted, nature scenes. Out in the boutique there were hand-crafted sculptures, vases, and jewelry for sale as well.
The space was small, but very cozy with calming music playing and a comfortable atmosphere. Heather and Kevin were extremely warm and friendly, and very helpful when asked about their plans for the gallery. Heather mentioned that they were always looking for new artists and new talent. Rather than asking a fee for artists to display their pieces, they instead ask only for commission from the purchased artworks. Heather said that their plan was to make the gallery “accessible to anyone”, hoping to feature more events such as poetry, writing, and music.
Up-and-coming on their events, The New Artisan Gallery is having an acrylic painting class with one of their featured artists, Sheila Howell, for anyone who’s interested in learning how or simply practicing abstract artwork. The event begins March 27th for 5 weeks, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Heather and Kevin can be reached at 506-646-0655 during business hours to learn more.
Kyle, when asked about his thoughts on the gallery, said he thought it was “intimate, not as stuck-up as most private galleries tend to be,” he continued, “I can’t believe I’ve never heard of it before stumbling upon it today. The fact that they’re accommodating local artists for commission alone is a great way to support the growing art community in Saint John.”
I enjoyed your review of the NAS. I was very pleased when Heather and Kevin decided to open a new gallery only a few steps down the street from my office. This affords me the opportunity to stop by every day and check out the paintings in their front window.
I must object though to your comment that “Saint John is notorious for having very little going on in comparison to Fredericton…” I have been a resident of Fredericton and now Saint John and I believe there is as much going on in one city as there is in the other. You will always find more to do in the city where you hang your hat. I loved living in Fredericton and was never at a loss for things to see and places to go. I love Saint John for the same reasons.
Thanks again for your article on the NAS. I look forward to reading your future reviews.
Thane McRae