Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery

Sarah Petite, The Line is the Canon
2026-02-14 - 2026-03-21
“In 2015, for the second time in my long practice, I became impatient with the eternal rectangle. I began experimenting with shapes, cut from plywood and intruded with meandering jigsaw ‘lines’. Everything the jigsaw does is like a line that can’t ever be erased. It’s the given, the canon. The paint has to answer to it.

A shape in my head becomes a sketch, becomes a plywood cutout, becomes a photograph, becomes a more precise sketch, printed out, for plotting the painting – which sometimes takes a few days before I pounce. Gazing at the beautiful shape. The paint – its colours, how it is applied, how its expression responds to the shape, is the project.
It’s true, my paintings are about encaustic paint, they reflect my fascination with its virtuosity, and the beauty and richness to be found in its effects. The process itself is what has kept me loyal to this medium for many years.” Sarah Petite
For a YouTube introduction to Sarah, Click Here
Born Pennsylvania, U.S.A., Sarah grew up near Boston and then settled in Canada, receiving Canadian citizenship in 1971. Sarah attended the Nova Scotia College of Art And Design, graduating with a BFA in Painting and in 1985 she studied Art History (early Christian, 12th century European, 16th century Italian architecture), at the University of East Anglia, Norwich, England. Sarah is represented at Gallery on Queen, Fredericton and is in major public and private collections in Canada. Having lived in various parts of Canada, Singapore, Italy, and England, she currently splits her time between Port Maitland, Nova Scotia and Fredericton NB.
Sarah began encaustic painting, and was largely self-taught. She won the Marie Hélène Allain Fellowship Award from the Sheila Hugh MacKay Foundation in 2022 for her encaustic work. As part of its mandate to promote the visual arts in New Brunswick, the SHMF recognises the accomplishments of mid-career New Brunswick artists who are engaged in the exploration and deepening of their creative endeavour. The jury was convinced by the accomplishments and perseverance Sarah demonstrates in discovering new directions through considered engagement with her materials and process, revealing a practice that contributes to and is in discourse with modernist painting traditions.
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“With encaustic, ‘hot’, or melted, means ‘wet’. Beeswax and pigment are combined in a small can (tomato paste, actually), melted down and dipped into. I use natural-bristle brushes whose long handles have been sawn off, to allow them to stand ready in the paint without tipping the can over. The paint stays ‘wet’ for about ten seconds, after which I must dip again, or may begin to cut and sculpt, using a variety of tools. The heat gun allows me to re-melt the paint right on the panel, making for textural enhancements like troweling, stippling or puddling”. Sarah Petite

2 Hour Intro to Wheel with Jenna Ross
2026-02-21
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:

Saturday February 21, 10am-12pm
Saturday February 21, 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!!!

Creating a Body of Work: Workshop for Artists
2026-02-28 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Halifax) | River Art Centre, 8746 Main St., Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick
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Whether you are working in clay or paint, making drawings or taking photographs, how do you create a series of images or objects that successfully form a “body of work”?
Join artist Stephen Hutchings for this full-day workshop where you will be led through a discussion of content, themes, and graphic elements that are used to help make art and craft-work more unified.
You are encouraged to bring in some of your own works so that the concepts and discussions can be relevant to what you are currently working on.
When: Saturday, February 28 from 10AM-4PM
Where: River Art Centre, Upstairs: 8746 Main St, Florenceville-Bristol
Cost: $40
To register or for questions:
(506) 392-6769 or info@mccainartgallery.com

Raku Make-it Day
2026-02-28 12:00 - 16:00
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
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!

Join Our Team!
2026-03-04
Each year the Gallery applies for funding from Canada Summer Jobs and SEED for two summer positions at the Gallery.
The SEED position is to be the Art Instructor for the summer art camps.
The Canada Summer Jobs position is for an administrative assistant at the gallery.
Duties can be shared depending on the candidates. Both positions are excellent for students pursuing a Visual Art degree at either post-secondary or university, and grade 12 students with suitable interests are invited to apply.
Please contact Jennifer at the Gallery with questions if you are interested in applying.
P.S. Always submit a cover letter with your application! Thanks
Questions:
(506) 392-6769
Apply Now!
jennifer@mccainartgallery.com
Art Camp Instructor
Start Date: June 9, 2026
Duration: 12 Weeks
In June, the Art Camp Instructor is responsible for planning the curriculum, ordering supplies, organising the studio, and preparing and delivering approximately eight art camps for children and youth. In July and August, the instructor will deliver weekly art camps for up to eight children or youth per camp, at the River Art Centre in Florenceville-Bristol New Brunswick. Mentoring, support, and art enrichment opportunities are offered by art professionals and some administrative and reception responsibilities are required of the instructor at various times during the summer.
Applicants must enjoy children, be self-directed, have effective communication, leadership, and organizational skills, as well as a willingness to learn. The position is ideal for students interested in Visual Art, who are currently enrolled in a post-secondary Education degree such as Early Childhood or Visual Art Programs. Qualified applicants from senior grades in high school are also encouraged to apply.
Administrative Assistant
Start Date: July 7, 2026
Duration: 8 Weeks
Working primarily at the Gallery and helping with summer art camp instruction, the Administrative Assistant will help at the Gallery with reception, providing information to visitors, and helping the Gallery team (Jennifer & Jeremy) look after all the tasks at the gallery.
Applicants must work well and efficiently with others, be detail-oriented, have strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills, and a willingness to learn.
This position is ideal for secondary school or college students who are currently enrolled in, or graduates of, Visual Arts or Admin Programs. Qualified applicants from senior grades in high school are also encouraged to apply.

Encaustic Painting Workshop
2026-03-07
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
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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

Clay Marcos' Collection of Indigenous and Inuit Art
2026-03-28 - 2026-04-25
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The Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery is honoured to present Dr. Clay Marco’s collection of Inuit and Indigenous art to the community. Originally from the Vancouver area, Dr. Marco developed an appreciation for the art of the Haida Nation, examples of which are featured in the west end of the gallery. Approximately twelve years ago, Dr. Marco began collecting Inuit art during professional trips to Nunavut. He traveled to many communities over the course of more than thirty visits, purchasing art in most of the locations where he worked or traveled. Many of these pieces are featured in the east end of the gallery.
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View Clay’s Book: Reflections of the NorthClay grew up in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, where he developed a strong connection to Haida Nation Art. He explains that the artists replicate his strong feeling of ties to the land, and that draws his attention in completely. To Clay, it’s some of the most beautiful art in the world!
Clay will be in attendance at the Gallery on Saturday, April 25 at 2pm for the Closing Reception.
If you have any questions, or wish to hear Clay speak about his collection, it’s the perfect time to stop by the gallery.

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Clay Marcos' Collection of Indigenous and Inuit Art
2026-04-01 - 2026-04-02, 2026-04-04, 2026-04-08 - 2026-04-11, 2026-04-15 - 2026-04-18, 2026-04-22 - 2026-04-24

Gallery Closed: Good Friday
2026-04-03
Please note that the Gallery is closed for Good Friday.
We can’t wait to welcome you back tomorrow, Saturday April 4.

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.

Clay Drop-in: Newbie
2026-04-23 18:00 - 20:00

Intro to Crochet with Gaby Mann Part 2
2026-04-25 13:00 - 15:30

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!!!

Gallery Closed for Installation
2026-04-29 - 2026-05-01

Clay Drop-in: Intermediate
2026-04-30 18:00 - 20:00 | River Art Centre, 8746 Main St., Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick

A Different Light: Photo-based works by Dianne Bos
2026-05-02 - 2026-06-13
Opening: 2 May 2026, 2:00 – 4:00pm
Artist Talk: A walk through the show with Dianne at 2:00 to 2:30 pm
Everyone is welcome and we have an elevator
Padua Bio Div 5.3, 2019
Leran Castle Door 1, 2019
Cap-Roig-11, 2019
Dianne Bos investigates light, nature and perception using a wide range of distinctive photographic processes and tools. Her focused interest in analog techniques has integrated exploration with pinhole photography, vintage cameras, cyanotype, photograms, and most recently, chlorophyll printing. She will be showing a selection of early pinhole work as well as images from her most recent Herbarium/ PhotoSynthesis series.
Dianne Bos, has evolved various thematic bodies of work, and merged technical innovations to create new visual hybrids. She makes innovative use of pinhole, camera obscura, installation, and alternative photographic techniques to explore the world around us.
‘The excitement, for me, lies not in reproducing something I can see, but in revealing the imperceptible (and maybe only the imagined) using the physics of light and time and darkroom techniques.’
Dianne Bos is an internationally-exhibiting artist based in Canada and France. She has presented her photography and installation work in solo and group exhibitions across Canada and internationally in the United States and Europe. Her work may be found in private, corporate and museum collections including the Art Gallery of Hamilton, ON; the University of Lethbridge Art Gallery, AB; the Walter Phillips Gallery at the Banff Centre, AB; the National Gallery of Canada, ON and Canadian embassies in Paris and Belgium. In addition to her artistic practice in the visual arts, Bos’ professional interests have extended into the field of music, publishing, and teaching.

Opening Reception: A Different Light: Photo-based Works by Dianne Bos
2026-05-02 14:00 - 16:00

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!

Clay Animal Planter Workshop with Jenna Ross
2026-05-03 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-03 14:00 - 17:00

A Different Light: Photo-based Works by Dianne Bos
2026-05-06 - 2026-05-09

Clay Drop-in Newbie Night
2026-05-07 08:00 - 17:00
