YOU'RE INVITED! 
Join us for the  Opening Reception of a show of fine art by MONIKA WRIGHT and PAULETTE MELANSON
When: Thursday, April 2nd, 5-7PM
Where: Seventy3, 73 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth

Restaurant Owner, Jeff McLatchy and Artist and Curator, Lee Cripps announce Dartmouth Canadian Fusion restaurant, Seventy3,  provides new gallery space for artists

FEATURING ARTISTS MONIKA WRIGHT AND PAULETTE MELANSON

Wine and nibbles, artists, proprietor and curator available for comment

The Restaurant Seventy3 at Alderney Drive of the same number has received an artful makeover. Jeff McLatchy, owner and operator of Dartmouth’s new upscale dining experience, has partnered with artist and curator, Lee Cripps to create a Gallery atmosphere for their dining patrons and now art patrons alike, with proceeds going in part to charity.

McLatchy, a restaurateur and art lover and patron himself, saw an opportunity to utilize the pristine, modern interior of his new restaurant to showcase the talents of the many local artists and support them by offering a beautiful, high end space to exhibit their work and provide a platform for facilitating sales on their behalf. When Jeff approached Lee Cripps to curate the space, she knew the opportunity was phenomenal and the need was great. She formed a plan and mission for the new Gallery space to find artists who would be the perfect fit.

The two are very pleased to announce that a third of the nominal commission fees on any sales will officially go to Feed Nova Scotia.

The first of many Opening receptions is occurring Thursday, April 2nd, 5-7PM and will feature the work of local artists, Paulette Melanson and Monika Wright, who will be present for comment. Lindeman’s will be providing an evening of sampling and Seventy3 will be offering delicious light fare from their starter menu. Both Jeff McLatchy and Lee Cripps are very excited about the opportunity to provide this support to a growing art community and look forward to exploring the Dining-Gallery experience.

All artwork is currently being exhibited and available for viewing and purchase during regular restaurant hours and by appointment during off hours.

Please contact Jeff McLatchy at 902-401-9069 or Lee Cripps at 902-233-5545 for further comment.

It was a wild ride from beginning to end. I left Halifax just before the storm hit the Maritimes with a vengeance, drove through a whiteout in New Brunswick and arrived in a snowy, icy cold Toronto ready to set up for my first experience at the Toronto Artist Project. 

What is it they say about the best laid plans...? Seeing my 10' x10' x 10'  booth with it's 11 foot high walls,  changed all the plans I'd had for the installation of the work. The extra high ceilings and wide corridors do make a difference! With the help of my friends Cory Hill, Berta Amaral and Deanne Bennett, the show was installed and the party dress was donned in time for the opening gala. Let the art show begin!

Over 250 artists set up their booths with stunning artworks: paintings, sculptures, photography and installations. Visitors came to be inspired, to meet the artists and to add to their art collections. Whether it was high school students who came on a school project, other artists who came to be inspired or buyers on a mission to purchase new art, the crowds flowed in and stayed steady throughout the weekend. A record attendance was recorded, despite some wicked winter weather. Nothing keeps Torontonians from enjoying some culture. 

For me, the highlights were the conversations I had with so many people who expressed interest in my art, who had questions and comments that touched me deeply. Friends I hadn't seen in years came out to show support and enjoy the show...a few even came from far away! Connecting with so many other talented artists was a great learning experience as well. Three and a half days of standing on concrete floors, talking non-stop, and finding little time to eat or drink was worth it! I'll be returning next year with lots of new artwork. 

Exciting news: John A. Libby Fine Art Gallery now represents me in Toronto. I look forward to a long and successful relationship, introducing my work to a wider audience. 

And finally...a few pictures from the show.

#ContemporaryArt #AbstractArt #SharingMyArtAndSoul #FineArtForEveryone