If the spirit of Nova Scotia begins with its people what better way to discover this spirit than through the richly decorated objects made, used and brought to this province over the 150 year period represented in this important exhibition and catalogue. Spirit of Nova Scotia is the first comprehensive showing of traditional decorative folk art from one single Canadian province. Dating between the years 1780 to 1930, the over 300 objects included in this show, reflect the rich heritage and ethnic traditions of not only this province, but Canada itself. Divided into four major catagories -- textiles; paintings, watercolours and drawings; sculpture; and decorated utilitarian objects, curator Richard Henning Field presents these works not only as examples of traditional decorative folk art, but examines them within their cultural context, without separating art from artifact, or removing them from their historical or cultural setting. These objects embody that union of function and aesthetic that is characteristic of folk art. Organized and circulated by the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, this exhibition was made possible by a generous corporate donation from Mobil Oil Canada, Ltd., and is supported by the Museum Assistance Programmes, National Museums of Canada.

A hands-on approach to working with the healing powers of plant spirits • Explores the scientific basis underlying the practices of indigenous healers and shamans • Illuminates the matrix where plant intelligence and human intelligence join • Reveals that partnering with plants is an evolutionary imperative Indigenous healers and shamans have known since antiquity that plants possess a spirit essence that can communicate through light, sound, and vibration. Now scientific studies are verifying this understanding. Plant Spirit Healing reveals the power of plant spirits to join with human intelligence to bring about profound healing. These spirits take us beyond mere symptomatic treatment to aligning us with the vast web of nature. Plants are more than their chemical constituents. They are intelligent beings that have the capacity to raise consciousness to a level where true healing can take place. In this book, herbalist Pam Montgomery offers an understanding of the origins of disease and the therapeutic use of plant spirits to bring balance and healing. She offers a process engaging heart, soul, and spirit that she calls the triple spiral path. In our modern existence, we are increasingly challenged with broken hearts, souls in exile, and malnourished spirits. By working through the heart, we connect with the soul and gain access to spirit. She explains that the evolution of plants has always preceded their animal counterparts and that plant spirits offer a guide to our spiritual evolution--a stage of growth imperative not only for the healing of humans but also the healing of the earth.

The Spirit of Africville is a multi-faceted account of a proud African Nova Scotian community, and of the systematic neglect, ignorance and arrogance that led to its demolition.