Clay Drop-in
2026-05-21 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | 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:
January 8, February 5, March 5, April 23, and May 7
Intermediate:
January 29, February 26, March 26, April 30, and May 21

Self-Portrait Workshop with Stephen Hutchings
2026-05-23 - 2026-05-24
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.

Out of stock

Self-Portrait Workshop with Stephen Hutchings

$65.00

Details

Raku Firing 2026
2026-06-13 09:00 - 17:00
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!
