Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery

Clay Drop-in: Newbie
2026-03-05 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-23 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax)

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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Encaustic Painting Workshop - Children & Youth
2026-03-07 09:00 - 12:00

Drawing with Stephen Hutchings
2026-03-07 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-28 10:00 - 12:00

Encaustic Painting Workshop - Adults
2026-03-07 13:00 - 16:00

Drawing with Stephen Hutchings
2026-03-07 13:30 - 15:30, 2026-03-28 13:30 - 15:30 | River Art Centre, 8746 Main St., Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick

2.0 6-Week Wheel Course
2026-03-09 14:00 - 17:00, 2026-03-11 14:00 - 17:00, 2026-03-16 14:00 - 17:00, 2026-03-23 14:00 - 17:00

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.

Intro to Linocut Printmaking Part I
2026-03-14 13:00 - 16:00 | River Art Centre, 8746 Main St., Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick

Intro to Linocut Printmaking Part II
2026-03-21 09:30 - 15:00 | River Art Centre, 8746 Main St., Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick

Bonus Daytime Clay Drop-In
2026-03-22 13:00 - 15:00

Clay Drop-in: Intermediate
2026-03-26 18:00 - 20:00 | River Art Centre, 8746 Main St., Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick

Clay Marcos' Collection of Indigenous and Inuit Art
2026-03-28, 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

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.

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
2026-04-23 18:00 - 20:00
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

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