Feast of Design on Display at Mary E. Black

TOURISM/CULTURE--Feast of Design on Display at Mary E. Black Gallery

Savour the spectrum of Nova Scotia's contemporary architecture at the Mary E. Black Gallery.

A new show takes visitors on a visual tour of the best new architecture in the province through a display of the lieutenant- governor's 2003 design awards in architecture and the recent works of Nova Scotia architect Brian MacKay-Lyons.

The lieutenant-governor's medal of excellence is awarded annually to Nova Scotia architects in recognition of outstanding architectural design.

This year, the Mary E. Black Gallery show celebrates designs of residential, institutional, commercial and artistic uses. The six award-winning designs on display include: The Music Room, home of the Scotia Music Festival, Halifax; Messenger House II, Upper Kingsburg; UPEI's Student Centre, Charlottetown; Bishop's Landing on the Halifax waterfront; the Energy Centre at Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth; and Wilson's Gas Bar and Go Store in Spryfield. Other entries for the awards are also displayed.

The gallery is also showcasing recent work by Brian MacKay-Lyons. Born and raised in Nova Scotia, MacKay-Lyons began his study of architecture at the Technical University of Nova Scotia, and continued in California, Japan and Italy. His firm and studios have represented refreshment in urban design in Halifax since 1985.

Mr. MacKay-Lyons had an exceptional year in 2002, winning his firm's fifth Governor General's medal for architecture in June, and his sixth Canadian architect award for excellence in December. His firm also received the Nova Scotia Association of Architects special recognition award, "for achievements in architectural design, attaining national and international acclaim while practising in Nova Scotia." The firm will also receive the American Institute of Architects' 2003 honor award for architecture, the highest recognition for architecture in the U.S.

The exhibit continues until July 26 at the Mary E. Black Gallery, 1683 Barrington St., Halifax. The gallery is open Monday to Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free and donations are welcome. Call 902-424-4062 for details.

The Mary E. Black Gallery is part of the Nova Scotia Centre for Craft and Design. The centre works to promote and develop craft and design-related industries in Nova Scotia. It is owned and managed by the Nova Scotia Department of Tourism and Culture.