Gallery Page & Strange

Gallery shows some important Halifax art. They could be a bit riskier with what/​who they show.

(**200^th REVIEW!**)
One of my goals for 2011 (in absence of resolutions which I have a rather large hate-​on for) was to learn more about art. And not in a historical, factual, ‘which date did Monet paint the blah blah’ sort of way… but in a collection, investment, ‘stop buying wall décor at Winners’ sort of way.
The FUN way.
When I arrived at Thumpers to get my hair cut yesterday, I was stunned by a new piece of art that was hanging on their walls. I wasn’t trying to love it, I wasn’t trying to appreciate it… I just did and immediately needed to know how to get it from their wall to mine. So it was off to Page & Strange.
After my cut, of course. My head was a hot Acadian mess…
There, Ms Page herself was welcoming and happy to see me although I’m just a twenty-​something whose look doesn’t necessarily scream ‘I buy thousands of dollars worth of art, bow before me’. She stopped what she was doing to listen to my tale of inspiration mid-​salon and got caught up in the excitement with me before asking, «Do you collect art?»
That’s when I thought the dream would end. I would answer no, she would look at me over the top of her beautiful glasses, I would feel bad about myself and slink out the door. But no, friends! No!
I told her about my 2011 goal and she immediately invited me to all of the gallery’s openings so that I could get in the zone as part of her community of art lovers. Then she emailed me photos of the art I was thirsting for, told me she’d be happy to come up with a payment plan for me if I love the piece, and sent me on my way feeling like a million bucks.
And if you run in there and buy my art before I get the chance, I will straight up hunt you down and make you feel really bad about it with my puppy dog eyes. So don’t. I’m serious.

Even if you are not in the market for a piece of art, take a minute to pop into Gallery Page and Strange. You’ll instantly be calmed and awed by the contemporary, colourful artwork displayed in the minimalist setting.
Named for its two owners who share the first name Victoria, this three room gallery in the Granville Mall exhibits some of Canada’s leading artists including Brian Burke, Jonathan Johnson and Gerald Ferguson. The gallery also represents some of the city’s better know painters including Shelly Mansel and Ivan Murphy.
While most of the works are paintings, every so often there is an exhibit that is a complete departure. For example, last year there was an exhibit of the life-​sized sculptural works of Joe Farfard. This spring there was a fantastic exhibit of the cleverly crafted everyday scenes with a twist constructed of resin by artist Melissa Kuntz. If you see something on the website you like, be sure to ask the Victorias. They keep many pieces in back and are happy to show them.
Part of what makes this gallery special is the lack of pretentiousness. The Victorias, both NSCAD graduates, are warm and friendly and happy to discuss art at length.
I have bought one painting from the Victorias. Not only do they know about art, they know how to make art look fantastic. They suggested framing this acrylic painting, a thought which never would have crossed my mind. They provided frame suggestions and arranged the framing. The result was stunning.
Exhibits change about every month. If you get an opportunity to attend an opening, definitely go. It’s plenty of fun.

Page & Strange is a downtown gallery with a solid citation of contemporary art. Nestled amongst the cobblestone courtyard on Granville Street, the gallery and its surroundings collaborate towards a fantastic collective energy. A steady NSCAD buzz followed by a slew of relaxed coffee /​tea venues make the area a neat place to be.
The space is simplistic but elegant. Victorian styled architecture and an all white palate for obvious reasons. The U shaped layout provides for a fluid art viewing experience but with the element of surprise. The space is well used!
I mostly always enjoy the gallery’s featured art. Regular favorites are David Askevold, David Boucher and Bill Marshall. Offerings vary from pottery, portrait and realism… to more abstract pieces of the Surrealist nature. I am a fan of textured and multimedia based art, and can get the fix at Page & Strange. Looking forward to Christian McLeod’s show in May!