Togetherland: Where Art and Community Thrive
WRITTEN BY: KATIE GORDON // THE BOOM AT NOON 
Local artist Kristen Herrington at Togetherland Art Gallery (Photo: Mike Ryan)
In the heart of Ingramport, Nova Scotia, a unique art gallery redefines what it means to be a community hub. Togetherland Art Gallery, founded by local artist Kristen Herrington, is more than just a space to admire art—it's a vibrant gathering place for creativity in all its forms.
Kristen’s journey to creating Togetherland is as inspiring as the gallery itself. Just over two years ago, she left her corporate job to pursue her passion for art full-time. This bold move has paid off in spades, with Togetherland and other artistic ventures serving as a testament to her commitment to fostering a creative community.
Togetherland's inception was met with overwhelming community support last year when Kristen and her husband, The Town Heroes frontman Mike Ryan, had to evacuate their home and move to the space because of the Nova Scotia wildfires. "It became our home for that week, and we really had the community rally around us to deliver us everything from food to my artwork so that it could ensure opening day still happen,” says Kristen. This concept of Togetherland really rang true because we felt as though we had all these people together with us to make this dream realized during that time.”
Since last year, the space - an old church hall, has transformed. "Two of my friends, Erin and Beth Bulger, who are incredibly talented artists, came in and did a while-you-were-out type of transformation in the space. So when Mike and I were at the ECMAs this year in Charlottetown, the girls came in and completely transformed the space." The sun-soaked room is filled with beautiful artwork, photos, murals, and comfortable places to sit. You’re always warmly greeted when you arrive with a smiling face.
From the start, Kristen envisioned Togetherland as more than a traditional art gallery. "I always found when I visited art galleries that they felt kind of stuffy. I felt like I had to be really still and quiet. And while I appreciated and admired the beautiful artwork, there was something that felt lacking about the experience of being in that space, surrounded by these palettes and vibrant movement,” she says. "I want to showcase art and creativity, but I want people to really feel at ease. I want them to feel that this space is part theirs as well. It belongs to the community; they have a voice here and can share the space for their special event."
In addition to her work at Togetherland, Kristen extends her passion for creativity and community through various other projects. She hosts a podcast alongside her husband called Mike and Kristen, celebrating people who follow their dreams, much like they have. Their creative collaborative journey also includes writing a travel and relationship book titled You and Me. Kristen is also a Founder and Creative Director of Curiosity Club, collaborating with artists Erin Bulger and Steph MacNamara to develop unique creative experiences. Recently, they even organized an epic album release party for The Town Heroes.
As Togetherland enters its second season, Kristen’s excitement is palpable. "Here in Ingramport, Nova Scotia, I feel like so many of these dreams have already been realized by bringing together the local people and them really feeling welcome. So it's only up from here, and I really just can't wait to see where this year takes me. And then that will guide decisions for next year."
Togetherland is located at 7628 St. Margarets Bay Road. It’s open on Sundays 12 - 4 pm and Tuesdays 5 - 9 pm.
UPCOMING EVENTS AT TOGETHERLAND:
July 4, 2024 @ 6 pm - 6 pm: Clothing Swap
July 9, 2024 @ 4 pm - 6 pm : Sensory Visualization and Art Journaling with Sara Mader and Kristen Herrington
July 9, 2024 @ 7 pm - 9 pm: Open Mic with Mike Ryan
July 12-14, 2024 @ 5 pm: Peggy’s Cove Festival of the Arts
July 17, 2024 @ 7 pm - 8:30 pm: Yoga with Angus
July 18, 2024 @ 7 pm - 8:30 pm: Yoga with Angus
July 21, 2024 @ 10 am - 2 pm: Curiosity Club presents: The Market
August 9, 2024 @ 7 pm - 9:30 pm: Jackson Weldon Live Concert
August 11, 2024 @ Curiosity Club presents: The Market
September 1, 2024 @ 7 pm: Curiosity Club presents: The Artist’s Way Virtual (12-week) Program
September 20, 2024 @ 7 pm - 9:30 pm: Rose Morrison Live Concert
September 29, 2024 @ 10 am - 2 pm: Curiosity Club presents: The Market
October 12, 2024 @ 12 pm - 4 pm: Art and Yoga Nidra Workshop
October 17, 2024 @ 6 pm - 8 pm: Figure Drawing
November 2, 2024 @ 3pm - 5 pm: Musical Chairs Opening
November 23, 2024 @ 12 pm - 3 pm: Curiosity Club presents: The Artist’s Way end of program show
December 15, 2024 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm: Food Bank Holiday Fundraiser
Follow Kristen and Togetherland on Instagram and visit kristenherringtonart.com/togetherland to stay up-to-date with all things Togetherland.
