Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery

Raku Make-it Day
2026-02-28 12:00 - 16:00 (America/Halifax) | New Brunswick
Join Jenna for a handbuilding session where you will be led through making pots using Raku clay! You will leave having completed a minimum of 3 pots which prepares you to sign up for the Raku firing this summer!
If you wish to make more pots for the Raku firing, you can attend any clay drop-in until April 30th and ask for Raku Clay (drop-in pricing applies).
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Date: Saturday, February 28 2026
Time: 12pm-4pm
Location: River Art Centre, 8746 Main St, Florenceville Bristol
Cost: $40

To register: info@mccainartgallery.com or (506) 393-6769

*Important note: The raku firing workshop is separate: June 13, 9AM-5PM, $60.
Raku Firing Day Details

2.0 6-Week Wheel Course
2026-03-02 | New Brunswick
Ready to take your pottery skills to the next level? This Level 2 wheel course with Jenna’s Wheelhouse is designed for those who have the basics down and want to build more control, precision, and intention in their work.
This class expands on foundational techniques with a focus on making pieces well — not just making them survive 😄
Over 6 sessions, you’ll explore:
✨ Refining cylinders and improving consistency✨ Replication and working with measurement✨ Accounting for shrinkage✨ Throwing with more than 1 lb of clay✨ Throwing off the hump✨ Creating a lidded pot
By the end, you’ll feel more confident, controlled, and intentional at the wheel.
📅 Dates: March 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 23⏰ Time Options: 2–5 PM | 6–9 PM💰 Cost: $300📍 Location: River Art Centre (8746 Main St, Florenceville-Bristol)📩 Register: 506-392-6769 | info@mccainartgallery.com
Spots are limited — reserve yours today!

Encaustic Painting Workshop
2026-03-07 | New Brunswick
Encaustic Painting Workshop
Get ready to dive into the world of creativity by learning all about Encaustic painting with Elspeth Hagan!
Workshop Details:
MARCH 7, 2026
FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH:
9AM-12PM, $40
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FOR ADULTS:
1PM-4PM, $60
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AT THE RIVER ART CENTRE, DOWNSTAIRS
8746 MAIN ST, FLORENCEVILLE-BRISTOL
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Register now!
(506) 392-6769
info@mccainartgallery.com
What you will learn:
You will create two images on wood (one framed) using only wax, or if you choose, wax combined with other elements like paper, beads, or pictures. You are welcome to bring their own elements or work with the supplied materials.
*Special care has been taken to adapt the process to ensure a fully non-toxic experience. Heated wax and heat guns will be used with supervision.
But what on Earth is encaustic?
Encaustic “painting” is an ancient artform that uses heated beeswax combined with pigments to create distinctive images. Encaustic uses layered wax, scraped and carved to create beautiful patterns and scenes, and may incorporate other materials like coloured paper, pictures, beads, fibres, or similar mixed media. Oil paints may be used to highlight certain lines. The beauty of encaustic art lies in the distinctive texture, as well as the unpredictable and organic pictures emerging from the wax.
Special care has been taken to adapt the process to ensure a fully non-toxic experience. Heated was and heat guns will be used with supervision.
About your instructor:
Elspeth Hagan taught for almost a decade (part time) in the Studio program (ages 6-14) of the Royal Ontario Museum, as well as developing and delivering art-based museum programming to adults and children. Elspeth developed museum programming – including for seniors and differently abled adults – at the British Museum in London. Elspeth currently leads the River Valley 4-H Arts & Crafts program in Florenceville.
Elspeth has always admired the history and beauty of encaustic painting and has researched and taught this technique to children and adults.
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Introduction to Linocut Printmaking
2026-03-14 | New Brunswick
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Join local artist Mahala McIntosh for a two-part immersive and hands-on linocut workshop – perfect for beginners and those with experience alike!
Part I: In this workshop, you will learn how to carve, ink, and print your own linocut.
Part II: Building off the skills learned in part I, you will learn about reduction printing and create a 2 colour reduction print.
*You are also welcome to participate in part II if you have taken linocut workshops previously.
Both classes are suited for ages 12+, with those 12-14 accompanied by an adult.
The linocuts will be 4.5″ by 6″ each class. You are welcome to bring your own image to use, and there will be images provided.
Dates: Part I: March 14, 1pm-4pm | Part II: March 21, 9:30am-3pm
Cost: Part I: $30 | Part II: $45 | OR $60 for both
Location: The River Art Centre, Downstairs : 8746 Main St, Florenceville-Bristol
If you have any questions, or wish to register:
(506) 392-6769 or info@mccainartgallery.com
What on Earth is Linocut Printmaking?
Linocut is a technique of relief printing, where you carve a design into a sheet of linoleum using sharp tools commonly called gouges. Once your design is carved, you then ink the linoleum using a roller, and put it ink-side down on the paper or fabric you wish to have the linocut on, and transfer the ink either by pressing with your hand very firmly, or with a press. This technique creates a bold, high-contrast image.
With this technique, the artist carves away the pieces they want to remain the colour of the paper (or fabric). *In reduction printing, after your first ink has transferred nicely, you then carve more away from the same linocut, which allows for multi-coloured linocut prints.
It should be noted that whatever you carve will be mirrored in the transfer.
Linocut is great for allowing bold styles, and is easier to carve than wood making it an excellent entry point for beginners.

Intro to Crochet with Gaby Mann
2026-04-11 13:00 - 15:30 | New Brunswick
Workshop Details:
Dates: April 11 & 25
Time: 1pm-3:30pm both dates
Location: River Art Centre, 8746 Main St, Florenceville-Bristol
Cost: $65 *includes a $15 certificate to Close Knit Friends Yarn Shop to purchase a hook and yarn of your choice!*
*you need a size 6mm crochet hook, and 1 skein (approx 200m) worsted weight wool. You can stop by Close Knit Friends Yarn shop in Upper Kent, OR they will be attending the Fiddlehead Fibre Festival in Florenceville-Bristol on April 10 & 11
Register Now!
info@mccainartgallery.com
(506) 392-6769
In this class, you will learn the most common crochet stitches and use them to make a warm cozy cowl. The class is two sessions. In the first, you will learn the stitches on a practice piece (mug rug) you can take home. You’ll also start your cowl, and be ready to work on (or finish crocheting) it at home. In the second, we’ll refine your technique, solve problems, and show you how to sew the edges of your finished cowl together.
The cowl pattern used in this course is the Chi-Town Cowl by Kathy Kelly.
Chi-Town Crochet Cowl by Kathy KellyAbout the instructor:
Ask Gaby when she learned to crochet, sew, and knit, and she’ll tell you she can’t remember. Her sisters will attest that it started with the trolls. Remember trolls? Along with crayon nail polish and sharpie eyeliner, theirs “acquired” felt clothing (basic pattern design, handsewn seams, closures and decorations). Predictably, the dolls complained; that led to machine sewing, crochet, and knitting. In the following years, her parents went to great lengths to keep her and her sisters trying new things, many decidedly riskier than crocheting! Late, Gaby maintained her university grade average by compulsive note-taking and her sanity by knitting. Fellow residents noticed, and so began her “teaching” career.
There are no refunds on cancellations within 7 days of the workshop

Relief Carving with Megan Billings
2026-04-18 13:00 - 16:00 | River Art Centre, 8746 Main St., Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick
Space
Join local potter Megan Billings for an afternoon of relief carving on clay tiles!
In this workshop, you will be carving on a 6″ x 6″ clay tile with instruction from Megan. After you’re finished carving an image into your tile, you will choose a finish for your tile which will be fired later my Megan.
You are encouraged to bring your own 6″ x 6″ reference image!
What is relief clay carving?
Relief clay carving is a sculptural technique used to carve away the background or add layers on top of a flat surface to create a 3D design. Typically, you use leather-hard clay – meaning not bone dry, but not floppy wet – to carve shapes and shadows to get your desired outcome.
Workshop Details:
Date: Saturday, April 18 from 1pm-4pm
Location: River Art Centre, Downstairs. (8746 Main St, Florenceville-Bristol)
Cost: $40 per person
No refunds on cancellations within one week of workshop
Meet Megan!
Megan has been enamored with clay for over 25 years. She discovered a passion for clay carving during a sculpture class with Peter Thomas at the New Brunswick College of Craft & Design. Megan uses her carved designs with several categories of her creations.

2 Hour Intro to Wheel Class With Jenna Ross
2026-04-26 | New Brunswick
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:

Sunday April 26, 10am-12pm
Sunday April 26, 1pm-3pm

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

Clay Animal Planter workshop with Jenna Ross
2026-05-03 | New Brunswick
Celebrate Spring by making your own functional clay animal planter!
Pottery and plants are a match made in heaven.
In this 3 hour session you will be led through the steps of this basic project using pinch technique to form the pot and then adding sculptural elements to create a fun little creature. Once the pot is formed, we will decorate with coloured underglazes.
After the workshop the planters will all be fired, clear glazed, fired again, and returned to students to pickup at a later date.
In the end, you will have a fully functional (with drainage!) stoneware ceramic planter to home your favourite houseplant.
Open to all levels, no experience necessary, just a willingness to have fun, let go, and get muddy!
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 wonderful 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.”
Workshop Details:
Date: Sunday, May 3 2026
Time: 9am-12pm OR 2pm-5pm
Location: River Art Centre, 8746 Main St, Florenceville-Bristol
Cost: $40
*No refunds on cancellations within one week
Register online now!

Self-Portrait Workshop with Stephen Hutchings
2026-05-23 - 2026-05-24 | New Brunswick
Self-Portrait Drawing Workshop
with Stephen Hutchings
Join local artist Stephen Hutchings for a one and a half day Self-Portrait Drawing Workshop with guaranteed likeness!
Date: Saturday, May 23 from 10AM-12PM, and Sunday, May 24 from 10AM-4PM
Location: River Art Centre, 8746 Main St, Florenceville-Bristol
Cost: $55 early bird! $65 if after April 30, 2026
One of the greatest challenges in drawing is achieving a realistic, life-size self portrait using graphite pencils. In this one and a half day workshop, you will get that opportunity! You will use drawing paper with the features of your own face already lightly indicated on it. This establishes the overall positions of your facial features, thereby ensuring a more realistic result. Using a mirror and photograph of your face as a reference, you will draw your facial features and tones to complete your drawing.
Saturday morning, Stephen will photograph you, which will be your reference. You will study examples of eyes, mouths, and noses from photographs and your own face. Your photograph will be processes Saturday afternoon so that when you arrive Sunday morning, you will have a 12″ x 18″ sheet of drawing paper on which your features will be lightly indicated. You will finish your portrait through Sunday’s session, and throughout the day there will be demonstrations of material and technique, as well as plenty of one-on-one opportunity with Stephen.
Materials provided: Drawing paper; a photograph of your face for reference; graphite pencils; small hand held mirror.
*Bring a lunch on Sunday! There is a microwave in the building.

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Self-Portrait Workshop with Stephen Hutchings

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Raku Firing 2026
2026-06-13 09:00 - 17:00 | New Brunswick
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.”
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!
Date: Saturday, June 13 from 9am-5pm
Fee: $60 per person
Location: Jenna’s house in Knowlesville (Address will be emailed to participants only for privacy reasons)
To register: Call (506) 392-6769 or email info@mccainartgallery.com
All pots must be bisque-fired prior to the workshop. Participants are encouraged to attend either a Make-it Day, or clay drop-in until April 30th. *Drop-in pricing applies.
What on Earth is Raku?
Raku is an exciting pottery technique involving red-hot pots and combustable 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 word Raku translated to English means: ‘happiness in the accident’, pleasure, enjoyment, and delight!

Drawing Trees with Stephen Hutchings - Workshop
2026-07-23 10:00 - 14:00 | New Brunswick
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Drawing Trees with Stephen Hutchings – Workshop

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Join Stephen for an outdoors for a relaxed, hands-on Tree Drawing workshop, where participants will explore the natural forms, textures, and structure of trees through observational drawing.
Through the workshop, Stephen will guide you through techniques for seeing and simplifying complex natural shapes, capturing bark texture, branch movement, and overall composition. This workshop is suitable for beginners and more experienced artists alike, with an emphasis on slowing down, observing closely, and developing confidence in drawing from life.
Working directly in nature, you’ll have time to sketch, experiment, and develop your own interpretation of the surrounding landscape.
Participants need to bring:
-A sketchbook
-A graphite pencil
-An eraser
Optional:
Charcoal and/or Conte
Date: Thursday, July 23
Time: 10AM-2PM
Location: Beechwood Community Park, at the gate.
Cost: $45
Register by clicking the poster, or by contacting: (506) 392-6769 | info@mccainartgallery.com
Past workshop feedback with Stephen!
Portraits with Stephen: “Stephen is Fabulous!”
Drawing with Stephen: “I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, and learned a lot from every intervention”
Drawing with Stephen: “Very funny instructor”

Clay Drop-in
2026-09-03 18:00 - 20:00 | New Brunswick
Whether you’ve got a current project or are a brand-newbie wanting to explore clay, join instructor Jenna Ross & other friendly clay-lovers for a casual evening of creativity at the River Art Centre & Studios.

No registration required. Basic instruction is provided to get you started. ….Bring your ideas, gusto, project dreams & we’ll see what happens!

Fee to attend each Drop-in is $5 per person. The first (bisque) firing of any pot you decide to keep costs $10 each piece. Then Glazing costs an additional $10 each piece.

Children aged 7-14 welcome to participate if accompanied by an adult. No experience necessary, just an openness to try! See you there!
For more information contact the Gallery. info@mccainartgallery.com 506-392-6769

Drop-in Days:
VETERANs meet almost every last Thursday of the month from 6-8pm at River Art Centre, 8746 Main St, Florenceville-Bristol

BEGINNERs meet almost every first Thursday of the month from 6-8pm at River Art Centre, 8746 Main St, Florenceville-Bristol

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So you want to get more practice using the wheels
at the River Art Centre…

WHO: The four wheels will be available to use for those who have completed the six week wheel course and have demonstrated an understanding of wheel care and clay management. (You!)

WHAT: You will have access to a wheel and materials during drop-in from 6 to 8. Kindly be prepared for this time to be entirely self-directed (my main focus has to be the drop-in hand-builders). I’ll help point you to clay and the proper reclaim spot when you start. During the evening I’ll gladly answer questions or help troubleshoot but only when/if I have downtime.
(As this setup evolves, we might introduce a system of each potter having their own clay to keep separate and manage on their own, but for now will use the common supply)

WHEN: At any of our monthly dropin sessions (both veteran or beginner, doesn’t matter). See my website or social media pages for upcoming dates. These always land on a Thursday, from 6 to 8 pm.

COST:
-The wheel rental is $20 per session, per person.
-The firing costs remains the same as dropin: $10 per piece per firing ($10 bisque, $10 glaze).

HOW: if you plan to come use a wheel please contact me by the Wednesday night before in order to guarantee a spot. If you don’t book in advance but show up and a wheel is free, you’re welcome to it (but of course this isn’t guaranteed)

2026 Clay Drop-in dates:
Newbies:
September 3, October 8, November 5, and December 3.
Intermediate:
September 24, October 29, November 26, and December 17.
BONUS DROP-IN:
Sunday, September 6, 1pm-3pm
