Support The Hidden Gallery: Bringing Art to Life in a Historic Space

Originally built in 1888 as the Royal Acadian Orange Lodge and later home to the original Empire Theatre, 1757 North Main Street in Westville, Nova Scotia holds generations of stories, music, and creativity within its walls.

Unoccupied for years and almost set for demolition, we came along and fell in love with this building, with its unique architecture, soaring 15-foot ceilings, and beautiful arched vaults. In 2024, we purchased this historical gem. We now have the pleasure of transforming it into The Hidden Gallery - a vibrant cultural hub where art, history, and community come together.

The Hidden Gallery will be more than a gallery — it will be a stage, a studio, a gathering place, boasting a permanent display of Nova Scotia artist Colin Cook’s extraordinary available works of art.   It will host solo art shows and group exhibitions for local and international artists.  A 10 x 20 foot stage will provide a classy, modern space for unique talent to entertain.

We envision concerts, performances, workshops, and exhibitions that inspire, uplift, and leave an unforgettable mark on all who walk through our doors.

The space will also serve as a community gathering space to host weddings, private parties, performances, corporate events, etc.  A liquor license will be acquired to provide a private bar for these events.

Our Mission

When we purchased the building, it had been sitting vacant for many years and the interior was stripped to the bones. We are rebuilding from the ground up with new:

* Electrical, plumbing, HVAC

* Insulation, roofing, and flooring

* Doors, windows, stairs, and fire exits

* Washrooms, structural posts, safety upgrades, etc

Our Vision

When we open in late 2025, The Hidden Gallery will host:

* Solo and group art exhibitions featuring local and international artists

* Live music, dance, and theatrical performances

* Art therapy workshops & community art projects

* Paint battles and competitions

* Seminars, event space, fundraisers, etc

* A permanent exhibition by local artist and co-founder Colin Cook

A live-feed recording studio will stream performances and studio sessions to the world, so that anyone, anywhere, can witness art being created in real time.

Why We Need Your Support

Renovating and restoring a 137-year-old building is no small task. Every dollar you give helps us:

* Restore and preserve the building’s beautiful historic architecture.

* Build a professional stage for live performances and cultural events.

* Create a welcoming exhibition space for artists and visitors.

* Bring the building up to fire code and accessibility standards.

* Breathe light, sound, and energy back into a space that has been silent for decades.

The good news is, we are developing a long-neglected piece of Westville history while injecting hundreds of thousands of dollars back into our local economy by hiring local contractors, electricians, plumbers, engineers, not to mention artists, performers and local talent, as well as purchasing products, services, and supplies from local businesses.

How You Can Make a Difference

Your donations will help us complete renovations and open the doors to a space that will revitalize Westville’s cultural life, boost tourism, and give our community a vibrant hub for creativity.

Every contribution — big or small — gets us closer to opening day.

Donate $50 or more (with mailing address) and receive a limited-edition 5x7 print from the studio of Colin Cook as our thank-you.

Share Our Story

Spread the word to friends, family, and anyone who loves art, history, and community.

Become a Patron of the Arts

By becoming a patron of the arts, you’re not just helping restore a building — you’re helping us build a legacy.

Join us in leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

 Together, we can breathe new life into this historic treasure and create a place where art thrives, history lives, and community shines.

The Hidden Gallery

📍 1757 North Main Street, PO Box 768, Westville, NS, B0K 2A0

🌐 www.thehiddengallery.ca

📧 info@thehiddengallery.ca

📞 902-229-2197

For the Love of the Arts,

Colin Cook, President

Katherine Chaisson, CEO & Executive Director