Black Gallery Extends Exhibit and Hours

The Nova Scotia Centre for Craft and Design has extended the stay of Ancient Futures: The Art of the Blacksmith at the Third Millennium, on display in the Mary E. Black Gallery.

The exhibition of ironworks, curated by artist-blacksmith Christopher C. Huck, features works by 19 artist-blacksmiths from Japan, Germany, the United States and Canada. Originally scheduled to run to Saturday, May 5, it has been extended through Wednesday, May 9. Hours of operation have also been extended to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

For 10 years the Mary E. Black Gallery has held exhibitions of craftspeople and designers from Nova Scotia and other parts of Atlantic Canada. Rarely has it had an international exhibition of this scope that includes the work of Nova Scotians. But this exhibit features local artist-blacksmiths Laurie Fisher of and Christopher C. Huck of Lunenburg, John Little of East Dover, Halifax Regional Municipality, and Michael Spencer of Italy Cross, Lunenburg Co.

This is the gallery’s first exhibition that has received funding from the Canada Council for the Arts. The show has also received extensive sponsorship and assistance from David and Margaret Fountain, the Craig Foundation, Clearwater Fine Foods Inc., Claire Yellin, Samuel Yellin Metalworkers, National Ornamental Metal Museum in Memphis, Tenn., Fred and Elizabeth Fountain, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Cultural Affairs Section and Huck Fisher Metalworkers in Lunenburg.

This exhibition presents current works that reflect the knowledge and skill of the ancient masters. Honesty, integrity and artistry underlie the new directions taken by the represented artists. These works will be presented alongside four pieces by the renowned 20th century Philadelphia metalworker, the late Samuel Yellin.

Mr. Yellin was an extraordinary craftsman who inspired the artists represented in this show. They continue a line of master artist-blacksmiths dating from Middle Eastern antiquity. Their work is contemporary, but of timeless quality and execution.

The exhibition is on display at the Mary E. Black Gallery in the Nova Scotia Centre for Craft and Design at 1683 Barrington Street. It is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission is free, and donations are welcome.

The Centre for Craft and Design develops and promotes craft- and design-related industries in Nova Scotia. It is part of the Department of Tourism and Culture.