Kenneth Doren takes in the tiny exhibition at Gallery Deluxe Gallery

Though the invitations were circulated only two days in advance, and the show itself hung the day of the event, the grand opening of Team Willow's latest venture, Gallery Deluxe Gallery (Tuesday, June 7th, 2005) was by all accounts, an enormous success. Upwards of 50+ art-appreciators passed through Willow Street Manor, and ascended the ladder into the miniature gallery, where they were treated to a display of works by members of Team Willow past and present.

Guests enjoyed four varieties of cookies (three of which were baked by the Team's own Michael Catano, with vegan gingersnaps by local singer/songwriter Laura Peek.) and a variety of soda, including the ever-popular underdog soda 'generic grape'.

The show itself, entitled "Team Willow Art Factory" was generally well received. Highlights included Jon Knowles' conceptual, untitled piece consisting of a single page from a local newspaper, giving equal attention to a Palestinian car-bombing, and to an ad for an S.U.V. proclaiming "Take no prisoners.", as well as a small, polaroid self-portrait by Elliot the cat.

The show will remain on display until July 1st, and will be available for viewing by appointment. Gallery Deluxe Gallery is located directly above 6015 Willow Street, in Halifax Nova Scotia. (tel: 902-425-0600) The Gallery will be displaying new shows every month. July promises an exhibit by local photographer Keeley McLean, and August will have a video installation by Elizabeth Grant.

More photographs of the opening can be found here.