Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery

Fibre Arts Night with Lynn Piercey
2022-10-20 18:00 - 20:00 UTC
Come to the Gallery for a relaxing evening working on your current fibre arts project(s). Lynn Piercey of Where the Wildflowers Grow will be available to answer questions you may have knitting, crochet, weaving, or spinning.
The exhibit, Violet A. Gillet: Fine Art and Original Craft, including several of Violet’s handpainted fabrics, will be in the Gallery at the time. Lynn’s store, Where the Wildflowers Grow, was in Violet’s former residence.
No cost to attend.

May Day Baskets at the Gallery
2023-04-29 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Halifax) | Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery, 8 McCain Street, Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick, E7L 3H6, Canada
Join us at the Gallery from 3-4pm on Saturday, April 29 to make May Day baskets with Julie! All materials provided and all are welcome!

Fibre Nights at the Gallery
2023-05-04 18:00 - 2023-08-03 20:00 (America/Halifax) | Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery, 8 McCain Street, Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick, E7L 3H6, Canada
Join us at the Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery for the first Thursday of the month during May-August for fibre night! Lynn Piercey will be here to answer your questions about knitting, crochet, weaving, and spinning. Drop-in 6-8pm. 1+8 McCain St. Florenceville-Bristol
May 4, 6-8pm
June 1, 6-8pm
July 6, 6-8pm
August 3, 6-8pm

Bookmaking Workshop
2023-05-13 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Halifax) | River Art Centre, 8746 Main St., Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
Create a sketchbook with artist Meg Clark
Meg Clark’s last sketchbook workshop was a sold out success and Meg is coming back!
Learn bookbinding techniques and take home a sketchbook for drawing, painting, or watercolour.
Sketchbook cover size will be 6″ x 8″, inside paper will be 5.5″ x 7″. The sketchbook will feature exposed binding (Coptic Stitch) and Decaled edge.
Cost: $35 for sketchbook paper / $45 for watercolour paper
All materials provided
Space is limited. Call the Gallery, 392-6769, or email info@mccainartgallery.com to register.
Payment secures registration. No refunds for cancellations less than 7 days before workshops.
Class will be held at the River Art Centre, 8746 Main Street, Florenceville-Bristol.
Payments can be made through e-transfer or at the Gallery with your chosen method of payment.
ALMAG thanks the Carleton North Community Foundation whose support helps us to offer these workshops to our community.
For more information visit www.cncfdn.com

Self Portrait Workshop - Adult
2023-06-23 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Halifax)
Join us on July 15 from 1-4pm at the River Art Centre for a class in self-portrait acrylic painting. Learn technique, perspective, and have a great time.
$35 payment reserves your space
Payable at ALMAG or by etransfer to jennifer@mccainartgallery.com
All materials provided

Handstitched Ornaments
2023-10-12 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Halifax)
Join us for a cozy, crafty afternoon learning basic embroidery stitches and take home a handstitched ornament. You will learn how to transfer a pattern, sew satin stitch to fill in blocks of colour, French knots to add texture and frame your piece in a little wooden hoop. No experience necessary, you can design your own or chose to copy one of the examples.
Extra kits will be available for purchase, should you get inspired to make more.

Age range adult or 12-16 with adult supervision
maximum 8 participants, sign up while you get a chance!

Call or email the Gallery to reserve your space, payment secures your spot. $35 all materials included.
506-392-6769 info@mccainartgallery.com
payment can be made at the Gallery in any format, via phone with credit card or by etransfer to jennifer@mccainartgallery.com

Drawing Class with Coloured Pencils
2023-11-02 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | River Art Centre, 8746 Main St., Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick
Join instructor Grace Nickerson and learn to create depth, shadow, and tone by layering coloured pencils!
$35 reserves your space
Payment available at the gallery in any format, credit card over the phone, or etransfer to jennifer@mccainartgallery.com

Lino Print Card Workshop
2023-11-09 18:00 - 2023-11-16 20:00 UTC
Instructor: Jennifer Stead
Thursday November 9, 6-8pm at the Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery (ALMAG)
Prepare your drawing and carve your lino block! Come with a design in mind, or carve from selected designs by Jennifer Stead.
Thursday November 16, 6-8pm at the River Art Centre (RAC)
Printing a proof…or two!
Printing your 4.5 x 6″ cards
Cost: $45.00 per person, all supplies provided.
Call or email the Gallery to register 506-92-6769 info@mccainartgallery.com
Payment secures your spot. Open to ages 15 plus.

A Carl Schaeffer ink design for a Christmas card in the National Gallery of Canada Collection
The tradition of Christmas card giving started in Britain in the 1840s. By the 1860s developments in printing techniques allowed it to become a tradition so that by 1900 Christmas cards were popular all over Europe as well as in Canada and were mass produced. In the first half of the 20th century, Canadian artists started their own tradition of making unique, hand printed cards with linoleum, woodblock or silk screen, sometimes hand tinting each card individually. Carl Schaefer made many black and white card designs which are the simplest to do and are still elegant and festive. Here are some other examples.

This card of the family cutting a Christmas tree uses 5 colours and is called a Reduction Print, which is a bit more complicated with a few more stages ( 1 per colour) and requires more preparation in the drawing stage. Making a reduction print is bit like solving a puzzle – good for your brain, fun and you’ll feel very pleased with yourself.

This card by A. Y. Jackson, another prolific card maker and sender like many of the Group of Seven, printed the black and then hand painted the colour after the ink had dried. Easy, quick and satisfying.

Holiday watercolour cards
2023-11-22 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Halifax) | River Art Centre, 8746 Main St., Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick
Holiday Watercolour Cards Workshop

November 22, 2023 6-9pm River Art Centre

Learn watercolour techniques while creating holiday cards and envelopes with artist Susanne Hansen.
Cost: $50, Materials included.
Space is limited. Call the Gallery, 392-6769, or email info@mccainartgallery.com to register.
Payment secures registration. No refunds for cancellations less than 7 days before workshops.
Class will be held at the River Art Centre, 8746 Main Street, Florenceville-Bristol.

Branch out and weave for climate change - workshop
2024-01-26 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery, 8 McCain Street, Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick, E7L 3H6, Canada
We invite you to immerse yourself in the exciting event, "Branch Out and Weave for Climate Change," proudly presented by our Community Engaged Artist in Residence and Mentorship Program, From Harm to Harmony.
Renowned artist Karen LeBlanc will be your guide on this hands-on exploration of branch weaving, where you'll uncover techniques that transform nature's elements into expressive works of art. As we delve into this unique art form, Karen LeBlanc's expertise will illuminate the process of crafting beautiful branch weavings. Each creation becomes a powerful metaphor, illustrating our interconnectedness with nature and emphasizing the delicate balance essential for a sustainable future.

*Note: A $10 registration fee will be required to cover the cost of materials.

This fee will be paid to the artist at the event.
See link below for more info and to register

Branch Out

Plein Air Watercolour Class
2024-06-08

Indigo & Shibori Workshop
2024-11-09 10:00 - 16:30 (America/Halifax)
Join Rothesay NB artist Tzigane Caddell and discover the art of Indigo dyeing and the Shibori resist technique in this one day workshop at the River Art Centre. Students will learn the fundamentals of these two traditional processes while working with a hand woven linen scarf and an organic cotton bandana. This is a unique opportunity to work with Tzigane so close to home. Registration is full.
Please let the gallery know f you would be interested in taking this workshop in the future – thanks!
Many thanks to he Carleton North Community Centre for making opportunities ike this workshop possible in our community.

Beginner Printmaking with Natt Cann
2024-11-30 10:00 - 17:00 (America/Halifax)
The Workshop will he held in the Print Shop at the River Art Centre, 8746 Main Street, Florenceville-Bristol, NB
$65, all materials provided
Join New Brunswick artist and printmaking aficionado Natt Cann for an introduction into all the possibilities the Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery’s print studio can offer. Over the course of a day, attendees will learn the technical aspects of working in a print studio including the possibilities for art making that can be accomplished with a press. This session will cover scaled down forms of professional-level printmaking techniques and help you to take advantage of a well-equipped studio, while giving you the confidence and knowledge to embark on these methods without assistance.
Individuals who have taken this class will be able to join Print Making Drop-in that will start in February 2025 because you will be able to work independently to realise your idea.
Techniques:
Relief Printing and pin & tab registration
A variety of Monotype & Monoprint methods; Photo Transfers
and if there is time, Intaglio through Drypoint with Tetrapak
Press safety, studio maintenance, and ink etiquette
What you can bring to the workshop:
An apron
Lunch
A design for a 4″ x 6″ lino
Come with some ideas or sketches for the various prints so you don’t use up valuable time during the workshop coming up with an image.
Bring a photograph that you might want to use a copy of in a print – any kind of photo, but it can’t be on your phone
A few tips for preparing your design for the 4″ x 6″ lino print:
Draw a 4″ x 6″ rectangle to frame your drawing and to make sure it is the correct size to match your lino block
Use a pencil to fill in the black or solid areas, trying to keep a 50/50 balance of light area and dark areas
Keep outlines to a minimum and think about shapes more than lines
_______________________________________________
Sorry, your browser doesn't support embedded videos.Meet the artist Natt Cann
Natt Cann (he/him) is a Canadian visual artist whose projects of print hone upon the haunting of lands – ideologies and industries keeping afloat Canadian notions of colonial heritage and their subsequent degradations. Natt has ventured across Canada through numerous residencies and exhibitions, and his recent print projects have been intertwined with a variety of publications, expositions, and research grants. His work has been consistently supported by both ArtsNB’s funding programs and the Canada Council for the Arts, and has provided grant assistance to countless peers. Nat received his BFA from Mount Allison University (2012) and now resides in Moncton, New Brunswick, an Acadian colonial city which sits on the unceded territory of the Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) and Mi’kmaq Peoples
Here are some examples of Natt’s prints. Natt works out of the Print Shop at the Aberdeen Cultural Centre in Moncton, NB.

The three finalists for the Veysey Active Living Centre in Florenceville-Bristol
2025-01-01 - 2025-03-01
Cat Candow of Fredericton, NB
A seamstress by trade and passionate textile arts educator, Cat has spent much of her life doing all kinds of sewing, embroidery and beadwork. Over the last three years she has fallen deep into bobbinlace making and spends much of her free time researching regional traditions, learning online with teachers from all over the world, as well as creating her own designs.
While she has spent countless hours dreaming, sampling, and learning how to take her art to a large scale, this is the first time she has ever applied for a public art project, and is very excited to have been shortlisted.
Cat’s art will consist of many unique giant lace squares spread out over different areas. These pieces will represent individuals coming together; showing the benefits of trusting and relying on each other, as well as how it helps strengthen our individual health and the goals of the community. It will prove that diversity makes the big picture more fascinatingly vibrant; and like a treasure hunt, it pulls you away from your usual path to explore a familiar place from new perspectives.

Examples of Cat’s textile art

Alanna Baird, Saint Andrew’s, NB

My artistic practice has been one of material curiousity. It began with clay, working as a studio potter. In the early 1990’s I started what continues to be my signature series, fish sculptures made from recycled tin cans. I also use printmaking as a way to explore and simplify imagery in two dimension, often carrying that through to my sculptural practice. 10 years ago I started working with lost wax cast bronze, and this in turn has let me down a path in plastics, both new and recycled. As I criss cross materials and techniques, there has been a reoccuring theme that connects to my shoreline, and the creatures I find there. Our connection to the natural world is critical, and our awareness of the value of connections is what makes a successful community. For the R.G. “Bun” Vesley Community Centre I am proposing to work with a new and colourful felt material that is designed specifically for it’s sound absorbtion properties. Another departure in materials for me, and an exciting new pallate of colours. It is my intent to create a low relief sculptural work that is not only a reflection of the rivers that run through Carleton County, but which can also act to soften the audio levels within the Centre. Using the simplicity of my print imagery combined with my sculptural practice, I am working towards an installation piece that will weave it’s way through the building’s space, just as the community flows through this incredible facility.

Examples of Alanna’s art

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Karen LeBlanc of Fredericton, NB

Karen LeBlanc has been weaving for over 50 years. She focuses on weaving traditional, functional, and practical pieces on four or eight-harness looms; weaving innovative, contemporary tapestry pieces woven on tapestry looms; and stitches repurposed tartan kilts or other fabrics into ornaments.
Karen has installed three public art commissions:
“Primary Colours in the Hub” in the Pictou Culture Hub (2024), “Suspended in Time: Woven Pages and Wooden Letters” in the Hanwell Park Academy (2023) and “Primary Colours Weave the Future in the Arc-en-ciel school (2021)
Karen’s “Plots of Land” submission in the 2024 HGA Convergence Yardage exhibition won the Weavers Guild of Oklahoma Award and the Ruth F. Morrison Award for Technical Excellence in Weaving award.
Karen has exhibited internationally, nationally, regionally, and locally and participated in residencies in Fredericton, Toronto and Parrsboro. In 2024, she created a “Branch Out and Weave for Climate Change” workshop for her Harm to Harmony Residency through the Conservation Council of NB. In 2019, four woven wearables were part of the ArtWear fashion show and exhibition in Fort Collins CO.
Karen teaches the Intro to Weaving course through the Honeybee Folk School. During a summer residency in 2021, Karen created small symbolic hearts that were given to people in memory of Indigenous children who did not return home from a Residential School. Prior to retiring from her full-time job in 2019, Karen worked with the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) as the Senior Project Manager where she obtained funding and managed workforce and economic development projects for Indigenous people in New Brunswick. Karen continues to advocate for Reconciliation with First Nations.

Examples of Karen’s textile art

Carving lessons with Max Hutchison
2025-01-01 - 2025-05-31 | Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery, 8 McCain Street, Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick, E7L 3H6, Canada
Award winning artist Max Hutchison will be teaching carving lessons at the River Art Centre, in Florenceville-Bristol, NB.
After studying wood carving for many years with James Buxton, learning essential carving skills while refining his technique, Max has started to accept students for Beginner Carving lessons.
Beginner Carving:

All lessons are for a maximum of one student at a time.
Each course is $100 for four, two-hour sessions sessions over four weeks. The schedule will be worked out between Max and the student.
Students will carve a “smoothy” – a duck, penguin, bird or other animal. Wood and carving equipment is provided.
Call the Gallery at 506-392-6769 to express your interest, ask questions, reserve your course or add your name to the waiting list.

Meet Max:
Max is an avid carver who quickly picked up the skills required to make ambitious and engaging carvings. His Shark, 2023 can be seen at the Bun Veysey Active Living Centre and is part of the Public Art Collection of the District of Carleton North. Max’s work took a unique turn when he started to tell a story in his pieces, referencing classic cartoon figures or in his award winning carving of the shark chasing its lunch. Max runs a carving group that meet weekly at the River Art Centre and he is delighted to share his knowledge and expertise with those who want to learn how to carve.

6 Week Pottery Wheel Course
2025-03-17 14:00 - 2025-04-21 21:00 (America/Halifax) | River Art Centre, 8746 Main St., Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick
Have you given the wheel a spin and are looking to deepen your skills? Or maybe you’re brand new and want to dive right into learning pottery? This course is designed for you!
In this beginner’s course you will learn the basics of throwing & working with clay. Your teacher, Jenna will provide an intro to the many aspects involved in understanding & creating pottery: clay bodies, wedging, reclaiming, throwing forms, trimming, making handles, firing & kilns, decoration & glazing techniques. Throughout the class as you practice your skills you will work to create your own little “perfectly imperfect” place setting that includes a cup, bowl, mug & plate.
Experience isn’t necessary, just a willingness to get dirty and the patience to learn & try.
The course will begin on Monday, March 17th, and will occur weekly until April 21.
There are two time slots available for this course: 2pm-5pm and 6pm-9pm
Contact the gallery to register now: 506-392-6769 or info@mccainartgallery.com
There are no refunds for cancellations within 2 weeks of the event.

Intro to Wheel Pottery Course
2025-03-22 12:00 - 17:00 (America/Halifax) | River Art Centre, 8746 Main St., Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick
Join instructor Jenna Ross and learn how to throw clay on the wheel. Class is suitable for all levels; adult class.
Two classes on Saturday, March 22nd, from either 12-2 or 3-5 at the River Art Centre. Four people per class, lots of one-on-one time with the instructor.
$40 payment reserves your space, no refunds on cancellations within two weeks of event. Don’t hesitate, these classes fill up fast!
For more info or to reserve your space call or email the Gallery at 506-392-6769 or info@mccainartgallery.com

Drawing Drop-in
2025-04-10
Drawing Drop-in is a chance to enjoy drawing and a social evening with other creative and curious people with instruction from Stephen Hutchings. It is a chance to practice, learn and explore drawing using different materials. Bring your own project and get some feedback or, get an introduction to the basic of drawing from Stephen who will provide instruction and materials. $1o includes all the materials you need and refreshments will be served.
Meet Stephen Hutchings…
Stephen is a local artist who draws most days as he is working in his Johnville studio or at the River Art Centre. His drawing practice started, like many, in his childhood and he never stopped. You might have seen him drawing in the Gallery in January 2023, when seven artists were invited to turn the gallery into a drawing studio. Stephen has taught drawing throughout his career and will be teaching a figure drawing workshop at Sunbury Shores in the summer of 2025. He loves to share his enthusiasm for the activity with others and so has invited you to join him one evening a month, have a glass of wine and reconnect to your inner artist.
Future Drawing Drop-in dates are the third Thursdays of the month – February 13, March 20, April 17, 2025.

Canva for Beginners Workshop with David Bailey
2025-04-12 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Halifax) | River Art Centre, 8746 Main St., Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick
Canva for Beginners Workshop
Join us for a Canva for Beginners Workshop with David Bailey on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 1-3 PM at the River Arts Centre in Florenceville-Bristol.
Learn how to create professional-looking designs using Canva, a simple and versatile graphic design tool. Whether you’re new to design or looking to improve your skills, this hands-on workshop will help you get started.

$20 per person

Bring your own device

Location: 8746 Main Street, Florenceville-Bristol

Register now: Call 506-392-6769 or email info@mccainartgallery.com

Spots are limited—sign up today!

Guess Who is Coming To Dinner?
2025-05-03 18:00 - 22:00 (America/Halifax) | Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery, 8 McCain Street, Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick, E7L 3H6, Canada
Tickets are now available for the 17th Annual Guess Who!
Saturday, 3 May, 2025
The evening starts with a 6:00 o’clock reception at The Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery 8 McCain Street, Florenceville-Bristol, NB E7L 3H6
Tickets are $100.00 per person
For more information or to purchase tickets call the Gallery at 506-392-6769
Where will I be dining … and with who?
You find out at 7 o”clock that evening, when guests receive the top secret envelopes with maps to their destinations! A delicious dinner party follows, hosted by community members who have opened their homes and prepared fantastic meals.
The thrill of the unknown is exhilarating but one thing is certain – where ever you go, you’ll be met with great food and fine company!
Please inform your ticket seller and the Gallery of allergies or major diet restrictions.

Canva for Beginners Workshop with David Bailey
2025-05-10 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Halifax) | River Art Centre, 8746 Main St., Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick
Canva for Beginners Workshop
Join us for a Canva for Beginners Workshop with David Bailey on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 1-3 PM at the Florenceville-Bristol Community Hall.
Learn how to create professional-looking designs using Canva, a simple and versatile graphic design tool. Whether you’re new to design or looking to improve your skills, this hands-on workshop will help you get started. To see what Canva is, visit www.canva.com

$20 per person

Bring your own device and Hotspot

Location: 8696 Main Street, Florenceville-Bristol

Register now: Call 506-392-6769 or email info@mccainartgallery.com

Spots are limited—sign up today!

Weaving Workshop With Lora Lloyd
2025-05-17 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Halifax) | River Art Centre, 8746 Main St., Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick
Weaving Workshop with Lora Lloyd
Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PMLocation: River Arts Centre, 8746 Main Street, Florenceville-BristolCost: $25 (all materials included)
Join us for a hands-on introduction to weaving with artist Lora Lloyd. In this beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll learn how to set up a small frame loom and weave your own unique mug rug to take home.
Lora Lloyd, the artist behind Perfectly Imperfect Weaving, embraces the beauty of imperfections in her work and has a passion for natural fibers and supporting local yarn shops.
No experience needed—just bring your creativity!
To register or for more information, call the gallery at 506-392-6769.

Product Photography with David Bailey
2025-06-07 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Halifax)
Join us for a Product Photography Workshop with David Bailey on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 1pm-3pm at the River Arts Centre.
Learn how to present your product in the best lighting you have available around the house/shop. Perfect for social media, websites, and more!

$20 per person
Bring your own product
Bring your own camera (phone works)
Location: 8746 Main Street, Florenceville Bristol.
Register now: Call 506-392-6769 or email info@mccainartgallery.com

Spots are limited – sign up today!

Intro to Line with Stephen Hutchings
2025-06-12 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | River Art Centre, 8746 Main St., Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick
Meet Stephen Hutchings…
Stephen is a local artist who draws most days as he is working in his Johnville studio or at the River Art Centre. His drawing practice started, like many, in his childhood and he never stopped. You might have seen him drawing in the Gallery in January 2023, when seven artists were invited to turn the gallery into a drawing studio. Stephen has taught drawing throughout his career and will be teaching a figure drawing workshop at Sunbury Shores in the summer of 2025. He loves to share his enthusiasm for the activity with others and so has invited you to join him one evening a month, have a glass of wine and reconnect to your inner artist.
Stephen is a local artist who draws most days as he is working in his Johnville studio or at the River Art Centre. His drawing practice started, like many, in his childhood and he never stopped. You might have seen him drawing in the Gallery in January 2023, when seven artists were invited to turn the gallery into a drawing studio. Stephen has taught drawing throughout his career and will be teaching a figure drawing workshop at Sunbury Shores in the summer of 2025. He loves to share his enthusiasm for the activity with others and so has invited you to join him one evening a month, have a glass of wine and reconnect to your inner artist.
To register, please contact the gallery:
506-392-6769 | info@mccainartgallery.com
All materials are provided, no experience necessary!
Join artist Stephen Hutchings for a two-part beginner friendly workshop exploring the expressive power of line in art.
Part 1: May 22, 6pm-8pm
Part 2: June 12, 6pm-8pm
Location: River Art Centre (8746 Main Street, Florenceville-Bristol)
Cost: $5 per part, given at the door. *Please still register ahead.

Raku Workshop with Tim Isaac & Jenna Ross
2025-06-14 09:00 - 2025-06-15 17:00 (America/Halifax)
No experience necessary – all are welcome!
Join artists Tim Isaac and Jenna Ross for a hands-on Raku workshop that brings fire, clay, and creativity together in an unforgettable outdoor experience. Whether you are a seasoned potter or new to ceramics, this is your chance to take part in the magic of Raku firing from pulling red-hot pots from the kiln to watching dramatic finishes emerge in real time.
WORKSHOP OVERVIEW:

Dates: Saturday & Sunday, June 14-15, 2025
Time: June 14: 9AM-5PM, June 15: 9AM-3PM
Fee: $200 per person. (Includes two full days of instruction, all materials, and your finished pieces to take home.) *No refunds for cancellations within 7 days of the workshop.
Location: Jenna’s house in Knowlesville
To register: Call 506-392-6769 or email: info@mccainartgallery.com

PLEASE NOTE: Your pots must be made and bisque-fired BEFORE the workshop.
This is essential so your pieces are ready for the Raku process.
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR POTS:
All participants must create and bisque-fire their pots ahead of the workshop. We’re offering two options to help you get ready, both with instruction & support from Jenna, and both are held at the River Art Centre. (8746 Main Street, Florenceville-Bristol)
Option 1: “Make it” Day
Saturday, May 24, 12PM-4PM
Option 2: Clay Drop-in Sessions
Thursday, May 29 OR June 5, 6pm-8pm
Meet Tim!

“I’m originally from Brandon, Manitoba. I found my passion for clay about 35 years ago in Winnipeg, where I took a class with some inspiring young professional potters. My love for clay deepened in Waterloo, Ontario. I became a member of the local Potters’ Co-op while also finishing a degree at the University of Waterloo.”
Meet Jenna!
"Hi, I'm Jenna and I have a deep love of clay! As it turns out, I love getting my hands dirty. The walls of my home are even (unintentionally) covered in clay. I continue to be amazed at all the things this wonderful material can do. I've been drawn to the magical art of clay shape-shifting on the wheel from a blob to a form since I first watched a potter as a kid."
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

The dramatic process of Raku firing.
Natural burnt-surface decoration using the Obvara technique.
How to use feathers and horsehair for striking carbon markings.

What is Raku?
Raku is an exciting pottery technique involving red hot posts and combustible materials which can create dramatic effects. Raku dates back to 16th century Japan, although "Western-style raku" has put its own variations on the technique. Raku firing is known for its unpredictability, and each piece is one-of-a-kind! Raku firing is one of the most natural pottery techniques, embracing imperfection and employing all of nature's elements: earth, fire, air, and water.
The work raku translated to English means: 'happiness in the accident', pleasure, enjoyment, delight!

Raku Pop-Up Show
2025-06-15 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Halifax) | River Art Centre, 8746 Main St., Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick

Tunnel Book Workshop with Meg Clark
2025-06-28 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Halifax)
✨ Workshop Caption – Create Your Own Theatre Book
with Meg Clark — a Fredericton-based artist specializing in bookbinding, illustration, and design. Her work is featured in the upcoming exhibition Kindred Spirits: The Lucy Maud Montgomery Legacy as Interpreted by Contemporary Book Artists and Book Illustrations by local artist Leland-Wong Daugherty.
Join artist Meg Clark for a hands-on workshop exploring the art of the theatre book — a sculptural, accordion-fold book that opens to reveal a layered, three-dimensional scene, like peering into a miniature stage.
Participants will:

Learn the creative potential of tunnel (or theatre) books

Explore paper construction techniques, including folding, layering, and building depth

Design and create a unique, story-rich scene using illustration, collage, and mixed media

Bring a visual narrative to life in a playful, tactile format

All skill levels welcome — come curious and ready to create!And while you’re here, be sure to explore Kindred Spirits in the gallery to see Meg’s work on display.
Participants will create a 5″ x 7″ tunnel book, and are encouraged to bring a scenic photo as inspiration for their book.
Contact the gallery to register: 506-392-6769 | info@mccainartgallery.com

2 Hour Intro to Wheel With Jenna Ross
2025-08-11
Learn the basics of “throwing” pottery on the wheel in this 2 hour session. Come ready to be messy, have fun, embrace imperfection, and enjoy the challenge of taming a spinning blob of clay! This one-time session is perfect for absolute beginners or those who have tried it in the past and want a refresher.
For participants who would like to keep their creation: this class includes one finished piece per student (which will be fired & receive a clear glaze coat + second firing, for pickup at a later date). Students can choose to keep additional pieces for a cost of $10/piece.
Course Details:

Monday August 11th, 2-4PM & 6-8PM
Monday August 18th, 2-4PM & 6-8PM

Location: River Arts Centre,8746 Main St, Florenceville-Bristol
To Register: 25summerstudents@mccainartgallery.com or 506-392-6769
NO REFUNDS ON CANCELLATIONS WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF WORKSHOP!!!
LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE!!!

Holiday Clay Workshop with Jenna Ross
2025-11-29 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Halifax) | River Art Centre, 8746 Main St., Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick
Join Jenna Ross at the River Art Centre (8746 Main St, Florenceville-Bristol) for a festive and fun clay workshop!
In this workshop you’ll be lead through making a handbuilt snowman sculpture and guided on how to make ornaments. Everyone will decorate their pieces using underglazes. All work will be fired and clear glaze coated for pickup at a later date – in time for Christmas!
This workshop runs from 10AM-4PM with an hour lunch at noon. You are welcome to bring or buy your lunch. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to try and get messy! Come with an open and curious spirit – clay can be delightful but sometimes unpredictable.
Students are welcome to bring their own cookie cutter shape, pattern/texture options like stamps or an old doily you don’t mind getting dirty, or anything else of the sort you want to try!
Note: Longer nails can make working with clay trickier!!!
Date: Saturday, November 29
Time: 10AM-4PM
Cost: $38 *No refunds on cancellations within 7 days of workshop
Location: River Art Centre – 8746 Main Street, Florenceville-Bristol

Reindeer Felting Workshop with Michelle Landry
2025-12-06 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Halifax) | River Art Centre, 8746 Main St., Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick
Join Michelle Landry at the River Art Centre (8746 Main St, Florenceville-Bristol) for a festive and fun felting workshop!
In this workshop, you’ll be led through making a felted a reindeer ornament! This workshop runs from 1pm-3pm, no experience is necessary, just a willingness to try!
Date: Saturday, December 6
Time: 1pm-3pm
Cost: $40 ($25 +$15 Kit)
Location: River Art Centre – 8746 Main St, Florenceville-Bristol
Contact the gallery to register today!
506-392-6769 or info@mccainartgallery.com
