HALIFAX, NS.- An exhibition on the history of bling opened at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. Gold: A Nova Scotia Treasure runs to March 31st telling the little known 150 year old story of Nova Scotia and its relationship with gold.

Co-curated by Shannon Parker, Curator of Collections at the AGNS and Debra McNabb, Director at the Museum of Industry, this multifaceted exhibition was inspired by the discovery and identification of 15 watercolours by Frederick B. Nichols, rare paintings that document the first of Nova Scotia’s three gold rushes, as well as other industrial landscapes around Halifax. An American engraver and mining engineer, Nichols moved to Nova Scotia in 1865 because of his interest in our gold fields, and worked here as a chemist, mining engineer and professor of geology.

This bilingual exhibition explores the story of Nova Scotia gold, from its geology and mining history to the millions of people around the world who tuned in for news updates during the Moose River Disaster of 1936.

Sponsored by Kinross Gold Corporation the exhibition also features an extensive series of oil sketches by the Group of Seven and all manner of gold items including a Nobel Prize, Anne Murray’s gold record for Snowbird, gold jewellery crafted by Nova Scotian artisans and a stunning collection of gold medals from Nova Scotian athletes.

Gold: A Nova Scotia Treasure is a partnership with the Museum of Industry in Stellarton and incorporates a travelling exhibition, a virtual exhibit – funded by the Virtual Museum of Canada - to be launched Spring 2013, a school program and a study tour. The exhibit also includes contributions from the Nova Scotia Museum, the Department of Natural Resources, Minerals Branch, and Nova Scotia Archives.

Honourable Leonard Preyra, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage: “The search for gold has had, and continues to have, a profound impact on the individuals and communities involved in its exploration and mining,” said Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leonard Preyra. “I want to thank the contributors and the staff at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and the Museum of Industry for giving Nova Scotians an opportunity to get to know the role gold has played in our province’s history, culture and economic development.”

Ray Cronin, Director & CEO, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia: “I am pleased that the AGNS was able to partner with our colleagues in the Museum Network to create this exhibition, and want to thank the sponsor, Kinross, for their support of our programming. I’d also like to acknowledge Frank Sobey, whose initial donation of the Frederick Nichols watercolours to AGNS was the impetus for this exciting project.”