If you look carefully you'll see that the scene on Sherbrooke Street West is on the rise. From artists' studios tucked in above storefronts, to places for residents to appreciate their creations, a small arts scene is bustling.

Sherbrooke merchants are there to cater to the needs of local artists as well. Musicians can pop in at Jimi's Music (5776 Sherbrooke W.) when they break a string, or for a whole guitar. Literary inspiration and listening pleasure, can be found browsing the packed shelves at Encore Books and Records (5670 Sherbrooke W.). Art supplies too are aplenty at Gemst Inc. (5380 Sherbrooke W.). And even a concert pianist can find his new baby grand on Sherbrooke , at Piano's Prestige (6078 Sherbrooke W.)

Showcases are sprouting on our street too. For music in the evenings, you can grab a pint at Honey Martin's Irish Pub (5918 Sherbrooke W.) and hear the Shane Murphy Trio, or even NDG rockers The Wells. NDG's newest café, Shaïka (5526 Sherbrooke W.), houses Gallery V, hanging shows and holding vernissages every month. Next door, the old Cinema V is gearing up to open its doors as the Empress Cultural Centre, with a small info centre and events space. Twice a year, the whole street comes alive when Arts N.D.G., a local artist-run collective, stages Art-in-the-Window, a truly neighbourhood event. Sherbrooke merchants display works by local artists in their storefronts, providing NDGers with a walking tour of local artists along the street and bringing art out into the community. All year long you can stop in at their permanent gallery space (5839 Sherbrooke W.) right next to the famous Cosmos breakfast joint

Since 1987 Evelyn Dufour has run a printmaking studio in NDG to help would-be creators and fellow artists tap into this classic medium. After many years of teaching at Concordia and McGill, Evelyn set up her own studio on Sherbrooke , offering everything from etching on wood and metal to monotypes. "I learn from them, we share ideas" Evelyn says of her students. Different motivations lead people to her studio. For some it's to develop as a professional artist, for others it is therapeutic. "I'm not here to judge their work but to help them with their technique." Attracting students largely by word of mouth, Ms. Dufour teaches every day and one night a week at her studio atop D.A.D.s. Bagels (5726 Sherbrooke W., Suite 218 ).

Evelyn Dufour likes having her studio here in NDG. "It's less hootsie tootsie than the Plateau" and we've got people from all over the world. Her advice, "Everybody has artistic talent. Express yourself as best you can." It looks like here on Sherbrooke Street West that's what we're doing, and we're getting better every day.