Where to go in Nova Scotia to learn about Maud Lewis

Maud Lewis (born Maud Dowley, March 7, 1903 – July 30, 1970) was a Canadian folk artist from Nova Scotia. Living in poverty with her husband in a small house in Marshalltown, Nova Scotia, most of her life, she achieved national recognition in 1964 and 1965. Several books, plays and films have since been produced about her. Lewis remains one of Canada’s best-known folk artists. Read more

My dad grew up in Digby and visited Maud Lewis and her husband several times during his childhood.

In this video, my dad shares his memory. Sorry, it was windy and a bit hard to hear in places!

Because of these stories we heard growing up, we have always had an interest in Maud Lewis. In fact, one year in Kentville when the theme was “Canada 150” we created our pumpkin person in honour of Maud Lewis!

Nova Scotia is so blessed to have Maud Lewis as one of our own.

In recognition of this great artist, there are several places you can go and a few activities to try to help you learn more about Maud.

Maud Lewis Replica House

On the location of Maud Lewis’ former house, now stands a replica. You can peer in and get a sense of the size and environs.

Read about the Maud Lewis replica house in my blog post.

Acadia Art Gallery, Wolfville

The Acadia Art Gallery in Wolfville has a Maud Lewis Exhibit on until September 30, 2018.

The exhibition Maud Lewis: A Life Collected is a selection of artwork from private collections of Nova Scotia folk artist Maud Lewis. The collection is currently on public display at the Acadia University Art Gallery until September 30, 2018.

This is such a rare opportunity to see authentic Maud Lewis pieces in the Valley!

Admission is by free-will donation.

Learn more about the exhibit at Acadia.

Rossignol Cultural Centre, Liverpool

Outside the Rossignol Cultural Centre in Liverpoool, there is a replica of Maud Lewis’ house. As a fundraiser for the museum, you can even book to stay a night on site!

Contact the museum directly for information.

Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Halifax

This is on our hit list of places to visit!

If you want to see Maud Lewis’ real house, head to the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in Halifax! The fully-restored house is on permanent display here.

Visit the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia’s website to learn more.

Maud Lewis Inspired Cookies

One day, we decided to make Maud Lewis house cookies.

I used a regular sugar cookie recipe. USE THIS RECIPE

I happened to have a cookie cutter in the shape of a house, but you could always draw one, too! Before the cookies were baked, I made an edible paint.

Combine a few tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk with food colouring, and paint it on the cookies. Then bake in the oven, and you have Maud Lewis cookies!

Maud Lewis Inspired Christmas Cards

Fellow blogger Heidi Rushton, who runs Itsy Bitsy Haligonians (please check her out for all the awesome things to do in Halifax with your family!) has a blog post on how to make Maud Lewis inspired cards based on the children’s book Maud Lewis 1 2 3.