Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery

Introduction to Linocut Printmaking
2026-03-14
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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.

Bonus Daytime Clay Drop-In
2026-03-22 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Halifax)

Intro to Crochet with Gaby Mann
2026-04-11 13:00 - 15:30
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
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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
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
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!

Pop-Up Art Show: Artworks by Colin Smith, Jenna Ross, and Celia Gallardo
2026-05-21 16:30 - 17:30 | River Art Centre, 8746 Main St., Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick
Join us at the River Art Centre on Thursday, May 21st for a Pop-Up Art Show made up of works by local Artists Colin Smith, Jenna Ross, and Celia Gallardo!
Colin, Jenna, and Celia were accepted into the 2026 Territorial Dialogue Residency, a residency designed to foster artistic research and creation in a linguistically diverse environment. This program is a collaboration between the New Brunswick Arts Centre Association and the Centre des arts d’Edmundston, with support from the Ministry of Official Languages.
This Pop-Up show will contain works created by Colin, Jenna, and Celia for everyone to come see!

Drawing Trees with Stephen Hutchings - Workshop
2026-07-23 10:00 - 14:00
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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”

Opening: OPUS:A Handmade Village on Sat. 25 July 2026, 2-4 pm
2026-07-25 14:00 - 16:00
“Opus Craft Village was the start of an era in New Brunswick. Fuelled by the growing interest in the handmade, a back-to-the-land spirit and the emergent counterculture of the 1970s, the artists of Opus and their story is a fascinating tale of a creative destination and enterprise that glowed briefly and was extinguished far too soon”. John Leroux
Everyone is welcome to attend the Opening. Curator John Leroux will tour the exhibition starting at 2:30 pm

Open Studio Art Camp for High School Students
2026-08-04 09:30 - 2026-08-08 15:00

pARTicipate Arts and Nature Festival 2026
2026-09-10 - 2026-09-13
pARTicipate is a community festival of workshops and events that brings together professionals, amateurs, and the curious to participate in exploring art and nature. A collaboration between the Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery, Second Wind Music Centre, Sumac Culinary Group as well as other community partners, the festival provides unique and enriching creative experiences for everyone over three days on September 11, 12 & 13, the weekend after Labour Day.
The Festival is an opportunity to get to know the geographical beauty of the Upper St. John River Valley while enjoying the unique local culture that includes nature, arts and crafts, music and culinary expertise as well as featuring the beauty of the area in workshops and activities.
pARTicipate Arts and Nature Festival 2026 is still in progress, check this site again in July for the workshops!
Workshops are scheduled so participants can easily get from one to another in time and enjoy a variety of creative experiences over the weekend.
There are many options for places to stay, in the area including Shamrock Suites, Amsterdam Inn and many others
A huge thank you to our sponsors who help make this festival possible!
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Indigo Shibori Dyeing with Tzigane Caddell

Friday September 11, 9am-4pm
River Art Centre, 8746 Main Street, Florenceville-Bristol, NB, downstairs
$75, all materials included
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Indigo Shibori Dyeing with Tzigane Caddell

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Meet Tzigane!
Indigo dyeing is a labour-intensive, but magical process. Tzigane creates Shibori resist patterns on scarves and shawls and dyes them in organic natural indigo vats (Indigofera tinctoria). She grows Japanese Indigo (Persicaria tinctoria) in her garden and uses the leaves to fresh-dye and solar-dye silk and wool shawls
Join Tzigane Caddell to learn the fundamentals of Indigo dyeing, using Shibori resist techniques – binding, stitching & clamping – on a handwoven linen scarf and an organic cotton bandana. You will be given several examples of shibori patterns to choose from. Once you have applied these techniques to your shawl and bandana, your work will come to life in the Indigo Vat!
2-Hour Intro to Wheel with Jenna Ross
Friday, September 11, 10-12pm, 1-3pm, or 6-8pm
River Art Centre, Downstairs, 8746 Main St, Florenceville-Bristol
$40, all materials included
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2 Hour Intro to Wheel with Jenna Ross 10AM-12PM

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2 Hour Intro to Wheel with Jenna Ross 1PM-3PM

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2 Hour Intro to Wheel with Jenna Ross 6PM-8PM

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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.
Learn the basics of “throwing” pottery on the wheel in these 2 hour sessions! Come ready to be messy, have fun, embrace imperfection, and enjoy the challenge of taming a spinning blob of clay! This class is perfect for absolute beginners of those who have tried in the past and want a refresher. This class includes one finished piece, which will be clear glazed and ready for pickup at a later date. Additional pieces can be. kept for $10 per piece.
Previous workshop feedback:
“Jenna has such an inspiring environment”
“Well explained, good guidance and support throughout!”
Artventure & Watercolour with Caitlin Wilson
Friday, September 11, 11:30AM-3PM
Community Hall, 8696 Main Street, Florenceville-Bristol, NB
$65, all materials included

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Artventure & Watercolour with Caitlin Wilson

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Meet Caitlin!
Caitlin (she/her) is an ADHD printmaker working in Moncton, New Brunswick; the traditional unceded territory of the Wolastoqiyik and Mi’Kmaq Peoples. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Mount Allision University and moved to Moncton to become a member of Atelier Imago printmaking studio in 2009. In 2018, Caitlin established Maplewood Studio, from which she teaches art lessons, prepares her “Artventures” art and eco-tourism day trips, and hosts events. In her free time, Caitlin can be found with her horse Oliver, or exploring the wilderness with her sketchbook and her dog Sadie.
Your host, Cailtin, will hike with you to a scenic spot where you will enjoy a picnic catered by Noah’s Ark Café before setting up to practice field sketching. Caitlin will discuss how to make art “en plein air” without harming the local ecosystem and provide trail-friendly art supplies for the group. Everyone will then choose a spot to sit and draw their surroundings. It’s a rejuvenating way to connect with art and nature.
Lunch and art supplies are provided, bring a chair and a beverage!
Intro to Crochet with Emily Nigro

Friday September 11, 3-6pm
Recreation Community Room, 40 McCain Street, Florenceville-Bristol, NB
$65, all materials included
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Crochet with Emily Nigro

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Meet Emily!
Emily is a crochet artist and designer that has been developing her skills for over 25 years. She is the designer behind Willow&Wild, a popular crochet pattern brand in over 70 countries. Emily views crochet as both a creative outlet and a stress reliever, and she is excited to share that experience with others. The class is built to be welcoming, whether you’re picking up a hook for the first time, or looking to build on your skills.
Join local artist Emily Nigro for an introduction to crochet workshop!
During this workshop, Emily will lead you through creating a stitch sampler (mug-rug sized) to help familiarize yourself with the different stitches, tension, and get you comfortable with the hook. Following this intro, you’ll then apply what you’ve learned to a pot-holder, which you may finish in class, or take home to finish with the pattern and her YouTube tutorial.
Steamroller Print Demonstration with Stephen Hutchings and the Team
Saturday, September 12, starting at 10am
Brennan’s Home Hardware, 9079 Main St, Florenceville-Bristol
Free to watch!
Fish Steam Roller PrintMonster Fish Print from 2022 Every year during pARTicipate local and visiting artists get together and make a large over-sized print. They can only do it thanks to the “Steamroller” which makes it possible by delivering sufficient pressure to make the print. Two of the first ones are on hanging at the Boardwalk Cafe and the others have been up at various venues over the years. You can see this year’s at the Pop-up show on Sunday at 4:30 at the RAC if you can’t drop by to see them pull a print at Home Hardware.
Drop by to see the action at Brennan Home Hardware in Florenceville-Bristol at 9079 Main Street in Florenceville-Bristol, NB. This year artists from around NB have carved an image for the print. The theme is Birds and guest print makers Nat Cann and Caitlin Wilson will be part for the printing crew at the Home Hardware.
Sorry, your browser doesn't support embedded videos.Oil Painting with Sophie Levesque
Saturday, September 12, 9am-4pm
2 Burnham Rd, Florenceville-Bristol, NB *Rain Location: 40 McCain St
$75, all materials included

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Oil Painting with Sophie Levesque

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Meet Sophie!
“I am an artist who is constantly trying to achieve excellence in my work and to do so I am looking at refining my technique and work. I try to convey an atmosphere and also emotions that are pertinent to the subject being depicted. I diversify my work and paint landscapes, still life and portraits of people and animals.”
More about Sophie

“My technique is similar to the impressionist using greys and also minimizing the light in the subject to maximize the effect. Different articles written about my work talk about my ability to poetically convey the subject which in turn the viewer can appropriate for themselves.
I studied alongside many artists and have refined my work by taking virtual classes with masters both from the United States and from Canada. In 2022 I have acquired the IAF title through the Institute of Figurative Art.
I have been featured in both group and solo shows since 2005 and have work in collections across the Americas. I have been featured in magazines like Arabella and Magazin’art.
I am currently represented by the Handswork gallery, Quebec Art gallery, and the Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery.”

Join visiting artist Sophie Levesque to learn how to oil paint white flowers. Upon a demonstration from Sophie, pARTicipates will then choose their own flower from the garden to bring to life on their canvas!
Clay Portrait Masks with Melissa Kennedy

Saturday September 12, 9am-4pm
River Art Centre, 8746 Main Street, Florenceville-Bristol, NB
$75, all materials included
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Clay Portrait Masks with Melissa Kennedy

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Meet Melissa!
Born and raised in NB, Melissa now works out of her home studio near Saint John, Nb. She has classical training in figurative drawing and sculpture from the Florence Academy of Art.
Join Melissa Kennedy for this one-day workshop creating portrait masks! Students will use provided photographs to sculpt portraits, focusing on the face area. The course will guide students through the process of starting a sculpture, using reference images effectively and understanding the anatomy and features of the human head. The masks will be prepared for firing by the end of the day, and students can choose to glaze at a later date at clay drop-in or another glaze event.
*The images used are busts, this workshop will be creating masks – not full portrait busts.
Encaustic Painting with Elspeth Hagan
Saturday, September 12, 9am-12pm
River Art Centre, Downstairs, 8746 Main St, Florenceville-Bristol
$55, all materials included
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Encaustic Painting with Elspeth Hagan

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Meet Elspeth!
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.
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 encouraged to bring your own elements to work with, or you can work with the supplied materials.
*Special care has been taken to adapt the process to ensure a fully non-toxic experience.
Previous workshop feedback:
“Wonderful Class!”
“Excellent instruction, great materials”
Felt a Frog with Michelle Landry
Saturday, September 12, 1-4pm
Community Hall, 8696 Main St, Florenceville-Bristol, NB
$75, ($55 workshop fee + $20 Materials) all materials included
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Felt a Frog with Michelle Landry

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Meet Michelle!
Michelle is passionate about natural fibres. She has been doing needle felting for 14 years and is self taught. Needle felting is like meditation, it is very relaxing.
Join Michelle Landry for an afternoon spent felting a 3D frog with a little teddy bear! Made up with core wool, wire armature for the arms, and mounted on a wood slice, this little guy is too cute to not create! The scarf will be provided (made up by Michelle prior) or it can be made by you, knitted, before or after the workshop.
Previous workshop reviews:
“Great teacher; enough time to finish. Enjoyable”
“Loved the felt workshop – please do them again!”
“Great instructions & very clear”
Sip & Sing with Peter McLaughlin
Saturday, September 12, 7pm
Second Wind Music Centre, 16 Curtis Road, Florenceville-Bristol, NB
$25, (includes a glass of wine and/or mocktail)
Registration is through the Gallery
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Sip & Sing with Peter McLaughlin

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Meet Peter!
Peter McLaughlin has been teaching, making music, and providing opportunities to make and enjoy music in Carleton County since 1982. He had directed numerous choirs and bands over the years and worked with a large number of community and professional musicians. Currently he is the co-owner of the Second Wind Music Centre, teaching and presenting musical performances across a wide swath of genres and styles. Collective, community singing is one of his musical passions.
The Sip & Sing is open to everyone who wishes to sing a few great songs, with other great friends-New and old. We will sing a selection of “Feel Good” songs. All will be singable, a few harmonies for those who wish to add something extra. There will be lots of fun, some beautiful noise and the joys of singing in a “collective”. All are welcome (no previous choir or singing experience necessary)
Guided Nature Walk with Jim Goltz
Sunday, September 13, 9-10am
Shiktehawk Trail, 9249 Main St, Florenceville-Bristol
By donation, registration through the Gallery
Register Now!
At current we don’t have an online registration set up for this activity.
Please email: info@mccainartgallery.com to register.
Meet Jim!
Jim Goltz has a deep concern for the living things that share our world; both plants and animals, and an insatiable curiosity about the natural world. “When you have a curious mind, you’re never bored.”
Goltz spent his career investigating causes of animal mortality as a veterinary pathologist with the New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, becoming Chief Provincial Veterinarian prior to retiring a few years ago.
Enjoy a walk along the Shikitihawk trail, observing without disrupting, guided by Jim who will share his encyclopedic knowledge of animal and plant biology on this interpretive walk. This is a great opportunity to get to know a favourite local trail with one of New Brunswick’s foremost naturalists! Jim has been awarded the Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Land Conservation, so be sure to bring your questions along with your curiosity.
Tetra Pak Printing with Caitlin Wilson
Sunday, September 13, 12:30-4pm
River Art Centre, Downstairs, 8746 Main St, Florenceville-Bristol, NB
$55, please register at the Gallery.

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Tetrapak Printing with Caitlin Wilson

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Meet Caitlin!
Caitlin (she/her) is an ADHD printmaker working in Moncton, New Brunswick; the traditional unceded territory of the Wolastoqiyik and Mi’Kmaq Peoples. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Mount Allision University and moved to Moncton to become a member of Atelier Imago printmaking studio in 2009. In 2018, Caitlin established Maplewood Studio, from which she teaches art lessons, prepares her “Artventures” art and eco-tourism day trips, and hosts events. In her free time, Caitlin can be found with her horse Oliver, or exploring the wilderness with her sketchbook and her dog Sadie.
Join Moncton printmaker Caitlin Wilson for an afternoon of Tetrapak Printmaking! Participants will learn how to create a print with repurposed Tetrapak containers. This popular form of intaglio printmaking enables the printmaker to cut their matrix (the surface used to create a print) to a specific shape, making it the perfect medium for a collaborative piece! Following pARTicipate’s nature theme, everyone will choose a local species to describe with their matrix. Then, all participants will assemble their matrices on the press to create a collaborative print describing local ecosystems. You’ll experiment with additional techniques, such as poupée and Chîne collée, to integrate extra colour into the prints. Afterward, everyone will be invited to print their own matrix into an edition, which can be brought home as a souvenir.
Cooking at Sumac with Chef Bouwe Van der Hoek
Sunday, September 13, 2-8pm.
Sumac, 8754 Main Street, Florenceville-Bristol, NB
$150, registration is through the Gallery
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Cooking at Sumac Restaurant with Chef Bouwe Van Der Hoek

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Chef Bouwe looks forward to sharing an afternoon of cooking, learning, and great food with you.
Meet Chef Bouwe Van der Hoek
Chef Bouwe van der Hoek is part of the cullinary team at Sumac, Carleton County’s newest destination for dining. With years of experience in professional kitchens and a passion for sharing his craft, Bouwe is known for his calm approach, attention to detail, and love of teaching others.
For this special Kitchen Experience, Chef Bouwe will welcome guests behind the scenes to demonstrate professional techniques and offer hands-on guidance as participants prepare elements of the evening’s meal. It’s a unique opportunity to learn from a talented chef, experience the rhythm of a working restaurant kitchen, and gain a deeper appreciation for the care and craftsmanship behind every plate.
Previous Feedback:
“I loved the welcoming nature and expertise of the instructor”
“I loved the whole workshop, and the comraderie”
All about this Workshop:
Go behind the scenes at Sumac, Carleton County’s newest dining destination for an exclusive culinary experience with Chef Bouwe van der Hoek.
This one-of-a-kind afternoon offers a rare opportunity to step inside a professional restaurant kitchen before dinner service begins. After a guided tour of the kitchen, Chef Bouwe will share the inspiration behind Sumac’s seasonal approach to cooking and demonstrate the techniques used to transform the finest local ingredients into an exceptional dining experience.
Then it’s your turn. Working alongside Chef Bouwe and the Sumac culinary team, you’ll take part in preparing elements of the evening’s menu and assist with the finishing touches and plating before guests arrive.
When the work is done, you’ll be joined by a guest of your choice to enjoy a welcome glass of wine and a beautifully prepared, full-course dinner celebrating the flavours of Carleton County. The menu will be created especially for this evening, showcasing the season’s finest local ingredients and the creativity that defines Sumac.
Whether you’re an avid home cook or simply love great food, this is an unforgettable opportunity to experience the energy, craftsmanship, and hospitality of one of New Brunswick’s newest restaurants from the inside.
Experience Includes

Exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Sumac kitchen
Live cooking demonstration with Executive Chef Bouwe van der Hoek
Hands-on participation in preparing and plating portions of the evening’s menu
One welcome glass of wine
A seasonal full-course dinner for you and one guest

Please note: there is no vegetarian option; the entire meal is gluten-free; there is a small amount of dairy in the Ballotine sauce. Please call the gallery if you are allergic to other foods.
Maximum of 10 participates with one guest each for the dinner.
Foraged Fibre Basket Weaving with Ralph Simpson

Sunday September 13, 9am-3pm
Community Hall, 8696 Main St, Florenceville-Bristol, NB
$125, all materials included ($75 for workshop + $50 materials)
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Foraged Fibre Basket Weaving with Ralph Simpson

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Meet Ralph!
Nationally acclaimed Canadian plant fibre artist, Ralph Simpson has developed an innovative method of weaving and sculpting plant fibre into pleasing sculptural forms. He was raised in the fields and forests of New Brunswick along the Petitcodiac River and there developed a keen interest in plants. His personal motivation arises from a deep connection with nature and an implicit desire to promote environmental sustainability. Currently, he resides in Fredericton working full time in his studio there.
More about Ralph!
Ralph chooses to work with locally sourced, sustainable materials and forages his own plant fibres using environmentally sustainable methods. He prefers invasive, introduced, or naturalized plant species and also native plants if they are abundant. Ralph holds an MSc. from UNB in Forest Research Biology, and a Diploma in Fine Craft from NBCCD. Informed by the sciences and his acquired technical expertise his intricately woven pieces reflect the fields and forests around him. Ralph is an award-winning artist with grants from Arts NB and Canada Council, short-listed for the Salt Springs National Art Prize (2021) and his work has been accessioned into New Brunswick’s permanent art collection (2023). He exhibits his work locally and internationally, attending residencies and giving workshops. The flora of New Brunswick informs his work and his creative process. His designs arise from his interpretations of nature and have evolved from traditional basketry, to vessels, and botanically themed sculptures. His process results in a contemporary manifestation of his connection with
plants in their natural habitat. His work varies in form and style but what resonates in all his work is an underlying investigation into ways that plant materials can be used to spark interest and insight into the natural world.
This is a one day workshop, where each participant will create a basket woven with locally foraged plant fibres. Part of the experience will be learning about the plant fibres in use, their names, how to collect them, process, store, and prepare them for weaving as well as important aspects of environmentally sustainable collection methods. All necessary materials for this workshop will be provided.
Students are asked to bring scissors, measuring tape, spray bottle, and a tea towel. Although it’s not necessary, you’re invited to bring any plant fibres or other textiles that you might like to weave into your basket to personalize it.
Please bring your own lunch, snacks, and water. Everyone will finish their basket during the workshop.
Previous workshop feedback:
“I liked his style of teaching, sense of humor, and his patience”
“He was calm and hands on, he also found time for everyone when we needed it”
Landscape Pinch Pot Planter with Nicole Manuel
Sunday, September 13, 11:30AM-3:30PM
River Art Centre, Upstairs, 8746 Main St, Florenceville-Bristol
$55, all materials included
Register Now!

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Landscape Pinch Pot Planter with Nicole Manuel

$55.00 You save (%)

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Meet Nicole!
Nicole is an accomplished artist and dedicated teacher with over 25 years experience working with young artists and adults. She enjoys exploring a wide range of mediums, believing that each material has its own voice and potential. By allowing the medium to speak and highlighting its greatest attributes, she creates unique and expressive artworks and shares that skill with her students.
Join Nicole for this clay planter workshop where you’ll create a charming clay pinch pot rimmed with a landscape you love! Nicole’s pots are inspired by costal homes of the East Coast, however yours can be your home, a loved one’s home, a sentimental location and on!
Nicole will share a demonstration on creating the pinch pots, sharing technique, creative ideas, and more. You’ll have the option of adding a drainage hole, and have time to underglaze your piece to add colour!
This intimate class offers a perfect opportunity to create unique, handcrafted pieces that are great gifts, or a fun way to display your cherished spot. These planters will be fired and receive a clear coat glaze following the workshop, ready for pickup at a later date. These add the perfect touch of charm to your home or garden!
Pop-Up Exhibition of pARTicipate Workshops!
Sunday September 13, 4-5:30pm
Come join us at the River Art Centre – 8746 Main Street, Florenceville-Bristol!
This is a free event for everyone, participant or not, to hear about the workshops, see the art, chat, and enjoy a refreshment in good company.

Buttermilk Creek Fall Fair 2026
2026-09-19 | Butten Veysey Active Living Centre, 40 McCain Street, Florenceville-Bristol, Canada
Welcome to Buttermilk Creek Fair 2026!
Buttermilk Creek will be held on September 19 from 9am-2pm at the Bun Veysey Active Living Centre, 40 McCain Street, Florenceville-Bristol.
The Fair starts at 9AM and ends at 2PM
Thank you to the District of Carleton North for their support and contributions to the success of BMC.
Every year the District helps the Gallery in many ways to make this a special day for all involved.
But what is Buttermilk Creek Fall Fair?
Buttermilk Creek Fall Fair is an annual, well attended arts and crafts market that promotes all things hand-made, with visitors from Fredericton, Grand Falls, and beyond! This event is also a fundraising event organized by the Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery for their arts programming.
Apply to be a Vendor Now!Interested in being a vendor at the Buttermilk Creek Fall Fair? Check out the application form above.Send us your application at info@mccainartgallery.com with the subject line “BMC Application”.
For more information, give us a call at 506-392-6769, send us an email at info@mccainartgallery.com, or message the Buttermilk Creek Fall Fair Facebook page to apply!
Buttermilk Creek Fair vendors …We couldn’t have Buttermilk Creek Fair without our amazing volunteers!Or our supporters!
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