Above and
previous page:
a selection of
Rhonda’s art-
work featured
at the Truro
library’s
exhibition.
dicating that the Truro branch of the Col-
chester—East Hants Public Library was
looking to feature the works of artists at
an upcoming exhibition. I booked an ap-
pointment in January 2019, and brought
in 12 pieces of framed artwork for consid-
eration. I placed a sheet down on the floor
and laid out the artwork. Tiffany Bartlett,
the library’s CEO, was taken with them
and a contract was signed.
On the day of the exhibition—June 1,
2019—I was up early with a cup of coffee,
thinking of my grandfather, George, and all
he had done to train, encourage and sup-
port me. He helped unleash art and music
in me early in life. I remember, at the age
of seven, oil painting on canvas and using
an easel, both of which he had built and
gifted to me.
The exhibition itself was exciting and a
bit stressful, too. The day was a nice one inNova Scotia, only the second fair-weath-
er day since spring—and it was a Saturday.
I was worried no one would show up, but
thankfully they did! Having taught music
and performed live previously, including
on the Vanoc stage during the 2010 Winter
Olympics, and doing solos with an interna-
tional choir touring Ireland, I did a couple
of Celtic musical sets, singing and playing
violin. I figured that if people did not enjoy
the art, they would probably like the music.
However, they seemed to enjoy it all!
I would love more opportunities to exhib-
it, not only to earn enough money from art
to live on, but also to spread the joy about
the Maritimes. I call my style “bright re-
alism,” a reflection of the place I’ve always
loved and now call home. ■Find out more about Rhonda and her work
at maclellanrc.wixsite.com/website.“TRURO IN FALL”30 More of Our Canada SEPTEMBER 2019