Cheeky Cod Gallery showcases local art and handcrafted goods

This week’s midweek mugging recipient is Kelly Burgess, owner of the the Cheeky Cod Gallery.

Located at 1528 Queen St., the Cheeky Cod hosts a selection of art and handcrafted goods.

“I try to cover as many disciplines as possible,” Burgess said.

Burgess, who specializes in fabric art, said she initially saw the Cheeky Cod as a place where she could showcase her own work.

“Then it just evolved,” Burgess said, “Other artists started coming on board and taking part in it, and it just took on a life of its own.”

Along with items you might typically expect to find at a gallery, such as prints, cards and pottery, the Cheeky Cod also offers jewelry, knitwear, wooden items, natural soaps, and bowls made from sea glass.

“The work is elevated, it’s a certain level,” Burgess said. “Whether it’s the man who makes the soap, you know, I know his process and how much care he takes…to the sea glass bowls, everything has to be of a certain quality.”

When selecting items for the gallery, Burgess said she has learned to have an open mind.

“I try to keep adding things that are interesting and affordable,” she said.

While Burgess said cards are always popular, people also come in for one-of-a-kind items such as dryer balls and pot holders made out of wool by the artist Susie Stephenson.

“Those are funky and fun things that people love to pick up,” she said.

Burgess, who grew up in Halifax, said the majority of the work in the gallery is by artists from Nova Scotia and other parts of the east coast.

“It’s a good opportunity to buy locally,” Burgess said. “I’ve selected as many talented people as I can to be in here.”

The gallery is currently on the first floor, however Burgess also has the upstairs space available and said she is making plans to expand in the near future.

“I’m trying to organize pop-ups for other artists to take advantage of the space, and just give them an opportunity to sell,” she said.  

Ultimately, Burgess said there’s a lot of magic and hard work that has gone into making the gallery what it is.

“There’s a certain vibe that just happens on its own in here,” Burgess said. “When people come in they love the music, because I usually play Maritime music, and people feel good…there’s lots of colours, and lots of vibrant things to see and touch.”