After spending two decades introducing travellers to Nova Scotia artists at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, the ArtPort Gallery is opening the doors to a new downtown Halifax location. The artist-run co-operative has relocated to 1473 Birmingham St. after closing its airport gallery earlier this year when the airport repurposed the space. Gallery president and artist Ilze Lucis said the closure was disappointing after 20 years in a location that attracted visitors from around the world. “We didn’t want to close,” Lucis said. “We wanted to continue on as a co-op.” Six artists from the original gallery made the move, joined by four new members. After a two-month search, the group found its new home in downtown Halifax. The gallery now features work from 11 Nova Scotia artists, with original paintings, reproductions and art cards on display in a more traditional gallery setting. Lucis said continuing the gallery was important because it gives local artists a place to showcase their work while allowing visitors to take home a piece of Nova Scotia. “It’s really important for us to continue on because we showcase art from Nova Scotia to the world,” she said. Among the new artists is Judith Orr, who is currently working on a collection inspired by Halifax. She said finding a permanent gallery to display her work had been a goal for years. “A permanent gallery like this is a lovely opportunity,” Orr said. Orr said galleries offer visitors a chance to slow down, meet local artists and experience the province through its artwork. The new location has already welcomed visitors, with many stopping to browse the artwork and sign the gallery’s guestbook, a tradition carried over from its airport days. The ArtPort Gallery’s grand reopening is scheduled for Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Organizers say most of the gallery’s artists will be on hand to meet visitors and celebrate the new space. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
