If the spirit of Nova Scotia begins with its people what better way to discover this spirit than through the richly decorated objects made, used and brought to this province over the 150 year period represented in this important exhibition and catalogue.

Spirit of Nova Scotia is the first comprehensive showing of traditional decorative folk art from one single Canadian province. Dating between the years 1780 to 1930, the over 300 objects included in this show, reflect the rich heritage and ethnic traditions of not only this province, but Canada itself.

Divided into four major catagories — textiles; paintings, watercolours and drawings; sculpture; and decorated utilitarian objects, curator Richard Henning Field presents these works not only as examples of traditional decorative folk art, but examines them within their cultural context, without separating art from artifact, or removing them from their historical or cultural setting. These objects embody that union of function and aesthetic that is characteristic of folk art.

Organized and circulated by the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, this exhibition was made possible by a generous corporate donation from Mobil Oil Canada, Ltd., and is supported by the Museum Assistance Programmes, National Museums of Canada.

Richard Henning Field received his MA degree in Anthropology (Archaeology) in 1968 from the University of Toronto. Field is founding editor of ArtsAtlantic magazine and is the author of numerous articles on the material culture and folk art of the Maritime Provinces.

Richard Henning Field's profile page