Laura Roy
Until June 1st, the Gallery is presenting imaginative new needle work collectively titled “What the Mirror Doesn’t See” by Laura Roy. This very personal work in textiles and drawing explores the artist’s experience of living with chronic pain and presents poignant embroidered images, in which each stitch metaphorically mends, fixes and heals while representing a unique and personal journey.

After graduation from Carleton North High School, Laura went on to pursue visual art at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (now NSCAD University) for a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2012 and a Certificate in Design in 2016. Currently working primarily as a graphic artist, she is also a contributing designer and co-organizer of the annual NSCAD Wearable Art Show in Halifax. Her work will be included in the Marion McCain Exhibition of Contemporary Atlantic Art this fall at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, Fredericton.

Alison MacNeil
Also on view in the Gallery through June 1st is a retrospective presentation of impressive work from sculptor Alison MacNeil, “Portraits in Clay”. Currently living in Nova Scotia, Alison has worked and taught internationally. Her art —portraits (including miniatures), sculpture, commemorative medals— has been recognized by important international institutions and galleries from the United Kingdom to British Columbia. Subjects have included Governor General Georges Vanier and author Timothy Findley.

She has taught extensively in Europe and Canada and her expertise in using the Bremen Method for sculptural portraits led to the publication of a book on the subject in 1996. A stroke three years ago was a setback for this talented artist but she overcame physical limitations and today works exclusively on miniature clay sculpture or, as she refers to them, “handheld” treasures.