About Us

The Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery and River Art Centre acknowledges that it carries out its work on the traditional unceded territory of the Wolastoqiyik, Mi’kmaq and Peskotomuhkati peoples. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” which these nations first signed with the British Crown in 1726. The treaties did not deal with the surrender of lands and resources, but in fact recognized Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik title and established the rules for what was to be an ongoing relationship between nations.

There is always something new to see and experience at the Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery. The exhibition season starts each year at the end of January with its first of 8 – 12 annual shows, presenting art by regional, provincial and national artists and artisans. The exhibitions change regularly and feature work ranging from historical to contemporary. The Gallery is a non-profit, community Art Gallery operating on the banks of the Wolastoq River in Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick. It provides a professional venue while cultivating a broader appreciation and knowledge of the arts in New Brunswick.

Our History

The Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery was established in 1984 and shares the building with the Andrew and Laura McCain Library. The gallery was the dream of the late Billie McCain, and when the McCain family built and donated the Gallery & library building, her dream was realized.

In 2020 the River Art Centre & Studios, 8746 Main Street, was donated to the Gallery from McCain Foods. The RAC offers the community a creative space for workshops, private studio spaces for professional artists, the RAC Printshop, a wood carving studio and a residency space for visiting artists.

The Sheila Hugh Mackay Foundation has been a critical supporter of the development of the RAC through infrastructure grants. In 2023 with a Sheila’s Infrastructure Grant the Gallery established a Clay Studio with an electric kiln, electric wheels and other equipment. In 2020 the Sheila Hugh Mackay Foundation supported the development of the ALMAG Print Shop with the purchase of a press and other equipment as well as providing professional development to area artists.

The Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery and the River Art Centre greatly appreciate the support from many organisations, who together, provide the Upper River Valley the creative opportunities we enjoy. The Carleton North Community Foundation annually supports the programming at the River Art Centre, the District of Carleton North generously supports our activities, events and operating costs through grants and in-kind assistance. The Province of New Brunswick through ArtsNB, in 2026 increased our base operating grant to a level that will significantly impact our operations mo ving forward.