The Halifax Art Map launches its 2012 edition with the opening of the "Art off the Map" Exhibit at FRED Gallery, 2606 Agricola Street, Halifax, tonight at 7:00pm. The exhibit is a wonderful sampling of art by some of the region's finest artists and an opportunity to meet many of those artists in attendance. I'll have several new paintings on display and hope to see you there.

The Halifax Art Map is a professional, attractive, full-colour art map that features a select listing of artisans, artists, and galleries in the Halifax Regional Municipality. The map is distributed through visitor information centres, galleries, hotels and studios throughout the city and the province providing interested individuals with the opportunity to visit featured artists at their home studios. Full information is also provided on the coinciding website HalifaxArtMap.com.

Like many artist's around the world, I look forward to the weekly email letters from fellow artist Robert Genn and his musings on all things artistic. This morning I received yet another great letter about the "painter's high". I don't often reply, but this morning was an exception and I thought I would share my reply to Robert here.

Dear Robert, The comments from your artist friend that "art is a reliable means of leaving something of ourselves behind" particularly hit a note with me. With sincere humility, I have long felt that art is about leaving my mark on the wall of time. Like graffiti, the creative act is a way to say, "I was here. I lived. This is who I was. These are my memories, my response to this time and place. This I leave for you." No great expectations, just an honest handprint.

Always great to share thoughts with other artists ... and art-lovers.

It's wonderful to emerge from the studio after a winter of creating new paintings to enjoy glorious spring weather. And what better time to present new work!  In just one month, my solo exhibit "Gemini" will open at the Saint John Art Centre in Saint John, New Brunswick - my first solo show outside Nova Scotia in fact. (More details on that later.)  I'll also be announcing several group shows soon as well.

The new painting, "Chronicle" shown here is typical of the earth tones and mood of my most recent work. The new paintings have revived my interest in textured surfaces and story as well. Keep watching for more new paintings and announcements on new exhibits very soon!