A recent auction saw a painting of two black cats by Everett Lewis, a Nova Scotian artist, fetching approximately $18,000. While not a creation by the renowned Maud Lewis, Everett’s art is gaining traction among collectors, with interest in Nova Scotian folk artists on the rise. Despite being more recognized for replicating his wife’s style, Everett’s original pieces are now garnering attention.
At a Saint John auction, an Everett Lewis painting projected to sell for about $4,500 exceeded expectations, selling for $18,400. According to Ethan Miller, the CEO of Miller & Miller in New Hamburg, Ontario, Everett’s work, though controversial, holds a certain charm and sincerity that resonates with folk art enthusiasts.
The escalating prices of Nova Scotian folk art reflect a broader trend in the market. At a recent auction by Miller & Miller, a painting by Joe Norris from Nova Scotia, a former fisherman turned artist, sold for $23,600, surpassing its estimated value. Miller emphasizes that the value surge in this genre can be traced back to a landmark sale in 2022, where a Maud Lewis painting fetched $350,000, drawing attention to folk art amid the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sarah Jones, co-owner of Jones Auction House in Saint John, attributes the growing interest in folk art to its stability as an investment during turbulent times. As iconic artists like Maud Lewis gain prominence, other regional artists, including those from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, are being discovered and appreciated by a wider audience.
Recent auctions have witnessed remarkable sales of artwork by Atlantic Canadian artists, such as David McKay from New Brunswick and Mary Pratt from Newfoundland. These artists, alongside more recognized figures like Alex Colville and the Pratts, are receiving well-deserved recognition, signaling a broader appreciation for Atlantic Canadian artistry.