Joy & Possibility

I would like to invite you to an art exhibit featuring my work and that of Timothy Andrew McGuire. It will be hanging in the beautiful Chase Gallery in Halifax (in the Nova Scotia Archives) for the entire month of June.

 Our opening reception will be Thursday, June 6th from 5pm-8pm. There will be music, refreshments and lively art!!  Mark your calendars, update your phones and save the date!

Tim is from New York and has exhibited in Russia, L.A. and Florence, Italy. He paints "plein air" and this is the first time people in Halifax will get a chance to see his work. He lives in Lunenburg part of the year and divides his time between N.Y. and Florence when not here. I am so excited to see what he brings to this show.

Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm; Wednesday: 8:30am to 9:00pm; Saturday: 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Warehouse Market on Isleville Street

I discovered this on a walk today! The Warehouse Market (2867 Isleville Street) held on Thursdays and Fridays. I was meeting a friend for a coffee and arrived early so decided to have a stroll around the neighborhood. What a nice surprise to stumble upon it!

 

It was this little sign that caught my eye and over I went to check it out...
The warehouse of Afishionado hosts Abundant Acres Farm, Holdanca Farms, Maritime Gourmet Mushrooms Inc., Gold Island Bakery, Pop Culture Brew Co., and Expresso 46 Thursdays and Fridays 11-7pm and Saturday 9-1pm They also have a wide selection of frozen product and an ever-changing supply of fresh seafood. 

Espresso46 serves amazing coffee and mouth watering Italian hot chocolate, dark and classic:) through their little window on the world:) A well kept secret except to those who are fervent customers! I ventured into the market and was pleasantly surprised. It is a utilitarian place with a friendly vibe.

 

There was a nice selection of produce from Abundant Acres Farm. I purchased some fresh pea shoots.

 

I also bought one of these!! or at least I thought I did:) The watermelon daikon. A bright pink mild and sweet radish, the size of a large potato..I actually picked up the other one...more on that later...

They sell wonderful breads... One of which was a Rye, Walnut and Prune bread which really appealed to me, but next time I will try it.

Fresh Shitake mushrooms...

There were quite a few people there filling their bags with produce and eggs and yummy goodies to take home.This little child was fascinated with me snapping away on my iphone:)

We became friends...

 So back to the Daikon.....when I got home and peeled it, I got this!!!

 and then this... after slicing into thin coins.

 

I then did this......

and added pea shoots, some pepito seeds salt/ pepper and tossed it all with a mild vinagrette! Yum! Purple Peaple Salad. The radish is crunchy and mild and slightly sweet.

So if you find yourself in the North end of the city on a Thursday or Friday or Saturday morning. Pop in and have a visit...

Mo and Jules's- Vegan to Meat Lover! New Restaurant

Mo and Jules is a very unassuming place tucked into what used to be part of the Esquire Motel on the water side of the Bedford Highway, 813 to be exact. The kind of place you might just drive right by.... don't!  The M stands for Mahogany and the J for Jules!

These two delightful women opened their doors 8 months ago and are super friendly and dedicated to customer service and good healthy food!

Before opening M and J's they had a busy catering business and clients told them they should open a "real" place:) They found this sun filled spot and decided to put down some roots. (By the way they still cater. Today they had two big catering jobs on the go..).  
What is wonderful about this place is that everyone and anyone can eat here!! People with food sensitivities and those who can eat whatever they want and those who choose to eat plant based.The menu is divided into two halves, on the left is everything vegan and on the right is anything goes. This is a sample of the all day breakfast menu! (top is cut off) Tofu scramble available.
M and J's have daily specials as well, Tuesday was All you Can Eat Taco day! 
A freezer holds meals you can take home and have later. I took my mum to lunch here and she took home home a split pea soup and veggie lasagna for later..
When you come in you can serve yourself coffee or a drink from the fridge and then Jules will pop by to have a chat and take your order and answer any questions you might have.
We both chose this!!! Basically a pile of veggies on a bun, and it was tasty!

I had a broccoli salad side with coconut bacon and mum had the sweet potato fries with curry mayo.
The menu is customer driven and both Mo and Jules are anxious to hear what you liked and what you might like to see on the menu and may try it as a special! They love creating food that pleases.The sunlight streams through the windows but from the outside, as I mentioned, it is a place you might not notice.
This is what my mum ordered, the avocado sundried tomato burger with sweet potato fries...
and here she is in blissful contemplation.... YUM!!
People are starting to become regulars and there was a small steady stream of customers. I will be back for sure!!! I hope you pop out to give them a try and say Shelagh sent you:)

March 11 Painting Class- Cats!

 Painting CATS!!

Join me Sunday afternoon on March 11 for a relaxing day of painting, chatting, nibbling on refreshments, and listening to music!

*We will paint a simplified version of this painting*

Ready to Unleash your inner artist??

Here is the link to find out more and purchase your spot!!

In this workshop we will be creating a painting featuring a cat or two or three! Use your own favourite felines for colour inspiration:)

I will help guide you and give some prompts but in this class, nothing is wrong:) Start the year with some colour and creativity!!

We will be painting with acrylic paint on 11 x 14' birchwood "canvas" supports. They have deep 1.5" sides and therefore are ready to hang when finished. You can use as much artistic license as you please to make it yours. I will cheer you through it step by step:)  NO experience needed but if you do have experience and want to join us for a fun day, all the better!

Please bring an apron or wear something an errant drop of paint might enhance. Casual comfortable, crafty clothing encouraged. 

Coffee, tea and snacks will be provided free of charge.Veggies and dip, cheese and crackers, cookies, trail mix, etc... Great music, good company and at the end of the day a work of art to hang and perhaps some new friends:)

ONLY 5 spots of limited earlybird registration available, $85 until they sell out or March 3, whichever arrives sooner. Classes sell out quickly so purchase soon. Last day to purchase class is March 9. Regular registration fee is $100

The class will be held at the beautiful historic George Wright House on Young Avenue. It was bequeathed to the Local Council of Women-Halifax by the billionaire upon his death which sadly happened as a result of the Titanic disaster. It is a lovely space.

TESTIMONIALS

" Thank-you Shelagh, I learned so much. You are an excellent, patient teacher and a wonderful artist. "
"Wicked fun class! Thank-you!"
"Just a blast!~ Off to buy paint! Amazing results for the whole class!"
"Great day! I am thrilled with my painting!. The venue was nice and bright and the tunes were inspiring:)"
"Shelagh this was wonderful! The energy was so positive and I am feeling very accomplished. I can't wait for another!"
"Thank- you so much Shelagh, this was such a fun relaxing and inspiring day away from the regular routine"
"I will definitely like to do another one and would highly reccommend to anyone to do!"
"Loved the whole day! Will definitely come to another workshop. Thanks so much!"
Hope to see you there!!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/painting-cats-workshop-with-shelagh-duffett-march-11-tickets-43553705305
Find me at www.ShelaghDuffett.com

Two More Winter Painting Classes!

Sunday, February11, Valentine Cottage! 

February 11, we will be doing a version of this little Valentine Cottage. Everyone will do their own thing:) Are you ready to Unleash your inner artist?? 

For more info on this class and to register, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/valentine-cottage-painting-workshop-with-shelagh-duffett-february-11-tickets-42003113443

 

Sunday, February 25  Sea and Sky.....

Sunday, February 25, Sea and Sky... in this class we will be exploring sunsets and skyscapes over the ocean. A peaceful and reflective painting. The image displayed here is just for inspiration only. You will be creating your own seascape.....with guidance from me:)  

For more info on this class, and registration, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sea-sky-painting-workshop-with-shelagh-duffett-february-25-tickets-42001616967

Winter 2018 painting classes, First two...

ABSTRACT CLASS/ Jan 21 & FLOWER POWER/ Jan 28

Sign up for one or do em both:)

ABSTRACTS Sunday January 21, 12:30 – 4:30

Unleash your inner artist! We will be creating with colour and shape! I will help guide you and give some prompts but in this class, nothing is wrong:) Start the year with some colour and creativity!!
“When I am engaged in art making I am fully caught up in the medium and tools and mission. I’ve learned not to think about the product that I will end up with because the time spent engaged in the creative activity is what is most important to me. I enjoy the detached feeling I get when working in the abstract—it’s like a dance with my hand and my mind and they take turns leading.”
—Janet Stupak
Abstract art is like the poetry of colour. Fragments of meaning and feeling represented by carefully chosen brushstrokes and fields of colour that are dictated by the heart and subconscious.Who knows why something feels right or looks right to you. it is a very subjective and personal thing) -Shelagh Duffett

We will be painting with acrylic paint on 11 x 14′ birch wood “canvas” or maybe you might choose to do two smaller works:) They have deep 1.5″ sides and therefore are ready to hang when finished. You can use as much artistic license as you please to make it yours. I will cheer you through it step by step:)  NO experience needed but if you do have experience and want to join us for a fun day, all the better!
ALL supplies included!

Please bring an apron or wear something an errant drop of paint might enhance. Casual comfortable,crafty clothing encouraged.
Coffee, tea and yummy snacks will be provided free of charge and maybe even a glass of wine for those inclined. Great music,  good company and at the end of the day a work of art to hang and perhaps some new friends:)
To register CLICK HERE! ONLY 6 spots of limited earlybird registration available $75 until Jan 7. Last day to purchase class is Jan 19. Regular registration fee is $88
The class will be held at the historic George Wright House on Young Avenue. It was bequeathed to the Local Council of Women-Halifax by the billionaire upon his death which sadly happened as a result of the Titanic disaster.

____________________________________________________________________________

FLOWER POWER! Sunday, January 28 12:30-4:30

Flower Power!
This is a do-it-your-self flower class You can paint flowers in a vase, flowers in a meadow, flowers straight and tall, any colour combination you want! Or you can follow along and paint what I will paint, step by step. We all need pops of colour and the vibrancy of flowers this time of year:) Meander through the meadow you create, get lost in your own personal garden:) Paint yourself bouquet of flowers! You deserve it:) These images here are for painting INSPIRATION! You will paint the colour combos and configurations you want.

We will be painting with acrylic paint on 11 x 14′ birch wood “canvas”. They have deep 1.5″ sides and therefore are ready to hang when finished. You can use as much artistic license as you please to make it yours. I will cheer you through it step by step:)  NO experience needed but if you do have experience and want to join us for a fun day, all the better!

Please bring an apron or wear something an errant drop of paint might enhance. Casual comfortable,crafty clothing encouraged.
ALL supplies included!
Coffee, tea and snacks will be provided free of charge and maybe even a glass of wine for those inclined. Great music,  good company and at the end of the day a work of art to hang and perhaps some new friends:)
To register CLICK HERE! ONLY 6 spots of limited early bird registration available $75 until Jan 14. Last day to purchase class is Jan 26. Regular registration fee is $88
The class will be held at the historic George Wright House on Young Avenue. It was bequeathed to the Local Council of Women-Halifax by the billionaire upon his death which sadly happened as a result of the Titanic disaster.



FEBRUARY 11, Valentine Cottage! 

February 11, we will be doing a version of this little Valentine Cottage. Everyone will do their own thing:) Are you ready to Unleash your inner artist?? More info on this class and to register click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/valentine-cottage-painting-workshop-with-shelagh-duffett-february-11-tickets-42003113443

 

Sunday, February 25  Sea & Sky.....

Sea and Sky... in this class we will be exploring sunsets and skyscapes over the ocean. A peaceful and reflective painting. The image displayed here is just for inspiration only. You will be creating your own seascape.....with guidance from me:) 

For more info and registration, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sea-sky-painting-workshop-with-shelagh-duffett-february-25-tickets-42001616967

 

 

Solstice.....2017

At 5:23 EST today, the sun will reach its Southern destination and turn Northward again creating longer days, and for a few months cold weather will reign. Winter starts. Yet it is a day for celebration!  Yule, Yalda, Dongzhi, are just a few of the many traditional ways it is marked. We love to celebrate and the arrival of light back into our lives is a darn good reason to make merry:)  

It is one of my favourite dates. I like"turning points", they are like commas, a chance to stop and pause. Review, reset and renew my intentions for how I want to live my life, what I want in my life, who I want in my life, where I want my life to go, what I want my life to look like, who I want to be....All that good stuff.
As Mme de Saltzmann said, "One must begin again and again" We try we fail, we start once more. That's the wonderful thing about life. We can keep attempting until we get it right or realize that being right might not be what we thought it was. That's another great thing about life....we can allow ourselves the uncomfortable (sometimes) luxury of changing our minds.

As I sit here and type, I have a small candle burning near me. Entrancing, full of energy and magic.They need oxygen to survive like we do....just realized that. (I knew it of course, duh, but never connected it to myself:)  We breathe together. I make a point of lighting one every December 21, gratitude made manifest for lengthening days and as focus for my thoughts. It is a busy time of year for most, with Christmas and Holidays taking front stage, but this day is a good one to stop for a few moments and take some quiet time to reflect and reboot.

One of my thoughts for this turning of the season is that I resolve to get outside more often and enjoy the brilliant sharp beauty of Winter. I tend to hibernate inside, looking out the window and saying "Brrrrrrr" As someone once said, there is no bad weather.... just bad clothing! That said, I have to improve my exterior cladding:)  It will also help my mood. I love being outdoors but deprive myself because of the brrrrr factor. We shall see.......

 

I also want to create more! I have some painting classes coming up in the new year. Stay tuned! these will be a bit more free flowing and creative. I have some ideas I am excited about! Working harder so I can play harder. Carving out more time for me.  How do you celebrate this time of year?

all photos: Shelagh Duffett

December 6, 1917, 9:04 am

It is a rainy foggy day today..... but one hundred years ago the day dawned sunny, cold and crisp. The Halifax Commons, seen here, was soon to become a tent city for thousands of displaced, injured and homeless people.
The Mont Blanc and Imo collided in the Narrows of Halifax Harbour and the largest man made explosion the world had ever experienced occurred. 1 in tweny-five people who lived in Halifax were killed. The entire North end of the city was flattened in a second. White-hot shards of iron fell down upon Halifax and Dartmouth.The Mont Blanc's forward 90 mm gun, its barrel melted away, landed approximately 5.6 kilometres  (3.5 mi) north of the explosion site near Albro Lake  in Dartmouth, and the shank of her anchor, weighing half a ton, landed 3.2 kilometres (2.0 mi) south at Armdale. Houses that weren't flattened by the explosion were burnt to the ground by toppled wood stoves.

The Halifax harbour floor was momentarily exposed by the volume of water that was displaced. A tsunami was formed by water surging in to fill the void left by the blast and it rose as high as 18 metres (60 ft) above the high-water mark on the Halifax side of the harbour. The Manhattan Project scientists came here to Halifax years later to research the effects of the Halifax Explosion. Hiroshima was the next largest man made blast:(

Thousands of people were blinded by glass windows that imploded. Barely a window in Halifax was spared. The South end was mostly protected from the shock wave by Citadel Hill. This is a window in the Halifax City Club, founded in 1862.The crack from the blast has never been repaired as a memorial to those who perished.

Babies whose mothers had not been located and children injured in the Halifax Explosion on Dec. 6, 1917, were cared for in the YMCA temporary hospital. There were also many new births as the shock wave pushed women into premature labour. The city has survived, the young children grew old and we learned again about the resilience of the human spirit and that no matter what.... people will always rise to the occasion and do what needs doing...

CBC has put together a fascination 360 degree view interactive video of the Explosion, worth watching HERE 

https://youtu.be/OSuX9RvLq54

Halloween 2017 Boo!

And it rolls around again..... I love Halloween. All manner of spooky and mysterious and hilarious "things" abound. Today is cool and sunny with bit of cloud. Perfect! Neighborhoods are festooned with decoration and delight. Celebrating all that is scary and heralding the arrival of November and darker days. I've got a pumpkin to carve and candy to buy! Dusk comes early these days and before I know it, little footsteps will be dancing outside my door. "Trick or Treat!"

Today's view from my computer.... very October 31st trees......