Elizabeth Bishop Society of Nova Scotia at 23

(Banners created by the EBSNS, 5 June 2015.

Artwork by April Sharpe. Photo by Sandra Barry.)

The EBSNS turns 23 this year. Perhaps this birthday is not as big a deal as Canada 150, but the society is proud of its longevity and continuous activity. Our Annual General Meeting is coming up on Saturday, 17 June 2017, at 1:00 p.m., in St. James Church in Great Village, Nova Scotia.

In addition to our usual business, this AGM is special for three reasons. First, the society will unveil a permanent exhibit about Elizabeth Bishop, with a small art gallery space, which will feature work by Nova Scotian artists. This exhibit/gallery space will be located in the sanctuary of St. James Church, a beautiful heritage building that had profound significance for Bishop.

(St. James Church, 7 August 2015. Photo by Brenda Barry.)

Second, the EBSNS is delighted to announce that our guest speaker will be Nova Scotian writer Alexander MacLeod. A long-time Bishop fan and scholar, Giller Prize nominated MacLeod will read from his own work and submit himself to an interview with yours truly.

(Alexander MacLeod (l.) and Colm Toibin (r),

at Elizabeth Bishop House, June 2011.)

Third, we will draw for the raffle prize, an en plein air painting by Ontario artist Alfred Villeneuve.

(Alfred Villeneuve's painting, "Summer Zeppelins over
Lake of Two Rivers, Algonquin Park." Photo by Laurie Gunn.)

Over the next two months, I will post updates about our progress with the permanent exhibit, detailing what we will present in “Elizabeth Bishop’s Beginnings.” I will post updates about the “Echoes of Elizabeth Bishop” art gallery, particularly profiles of the artists involved in the inaugural exhibition. These profiles will be linked to on the EBSNS Facebook page. I will also post updates about some of the other activities the EBSNS is engaged in, as we approach the AGM.