2024 Participating Artists
Sandra Aucoin
Sandra Aucoin is a self-taught artist, originally from the Acadian village of Cheticamp, Nova Scotia. Sandra has been sketching and painting ever since she can remember. She currently lives in South Rawdon, NS with her husband, John.
While she resided in Ontario, she competed in many art competitions in Southwestern Ontario and has been the recipient of many red ribbons and various awards for her artwork.
She is a member /director/ treasurer of the Avon River Arts Society (ARAS) and participates in various art shows in the area, such as Long Winter Nights at the Bread Gallery and The Great Little Art Show and Artisans in Action at the Avon River Heritage Society Museum.
She has always been involved with horses in one form or another, from driving or riding horses. Like art, horses are her passion and will remain with her forever, thus her many equine subjects.
Sandra works with chalk pastels as well as in acrylics, oil, pen & ink and pencil. Her detailed and richly coloured realistic paintings of barns, landscapes and animals depict her love for animals and the countryside. As well, she enjoys doing stained glass projects. Throughout the year, she works on commissioned pieces of art.
For more information contact Sandra at [email protected]
While she resided in Ontario, she competed in many art competitions in Southwestern Ontario and has been the recipient of many red ribbons and various awards for her artwork.
She is a member /director/ treasurer of the Avon River Arts Society (ARAS) and participates in various art shows in the area, such as Long Winter Nights at the Bread Gallery and The Great Little Art Show and Artisans in Action at the Avon River Heritage Society Museum.
She has always been involved with horses in one form or another, from driving or riding horses. Like art, horses are her passion and will remain with her forever, thus her many equine subjects.
Sandra works with chalk pastels as well as in acrylics, oil, pen & ink and pencil. Her detailed and richly coloured realistic paintings of barns, landscapes and animals depict her love for animals and the countryside. As well, she enjoys doing stained glass projects. Throughout the year, she works on commissioned pieces of art.
For more information contact Sandra at [email protected]
Lexie Barkhouse
Lexie grew up in Noel Shore, along beautiful Cobequid Bay. She began taking photos as a child while living on a dairy farm. Lexie took up painting after retiring after working as a Lab Technologist. Lexie now resides in Belmont with her husband, Ed.
For more information contact Lexie at [email protected]
For more information contact Lexie at [email protected]
Evan Benedict
I have been painting for three years, and have been working with oil paints for half of that time. I love the tactile nature of oil painting, and the challenge that comes with accurately and realistically representing the human figure. Much of my work is figurative, with a specific interest in the mythical, the historical, and the fantastical.
Despite being born and raised in Alberta, I have deep family roots in West Hants county, and I feel right at home here.
For more information contact Evan at [email protected]
Despite being born and raised in Alberta, I have deep family roots in West Hants county, and I feel right at home here.
For more information contact Evan at [email protected]
Mary Anne Brunelle
I began painting in oils in Alberta while in my early teens. I moved to Nova Scotia in my early twenties, where I worked as a registered nurse and enjoyed raising a family on the beautiful South Shore. I continued painting over the years using a variety of mediums, and now work primarily in watercolours and acrylics. I have taken advantage of many workshops and classes and have exhibited and sold paintings at The Lunenburg Art Gallery, Shoreline Gallery,The Green Bay Painters Show, at the Acadia Community Show, Jack’s Gallery in Wolfville, ARTAC in Annapolis Royal,The Shack in Margaretsville and the King’s Historical Society, and shows of the Evangeline Artists Cooperative.
I participated in Lunenburg’s Paint Sea on Site for many years and Paint the Town in Annapolis Royal last year. I am now a Valley girl, with family and friends nearby, having moved here in 2019 and love painting the people, seascapes, landscapes and big skies of the valley. I especially enjoy plein air painting
For more information contact Mary Anne at [email protected]
I participated in Lunenburg’s Paint Sea on Site for many years and Paint the Town in Annapolis Royal last year. I am now a Valley girl, with family and friends nearby, having moved here in 2019 and love painting the people, seascapes, landscapes and big skies of the valley. I especially enjoy plein air painting
For more information contact Mary Anne at [email protected]
Connie Burnett
Connie Burnett was born in Kemptville, Yarmouth County, N.S. She is a graduate from Acadia University, where she took several art classes from Prof. Ian James. She lived for 30+ years in NL. Connie works mainly in watercolours. She says "I like the transparency of the light and I paint scenes that I enjoy looking at, which is why I called one of my first solo shows "Visual Pleasure: scenes of the Burin Peninsula".
Connie's work has been shown in juried shows in NS, NL and Que. It has been selected for special mention by jurors such as Alex Coleville, Mary West Pratt and Christopher Pratt. Her most valuable award was for a watercolour "Pastoral Scene, Tide's Point" for which she received $1000, and this work was included in a show "For Love of the Land " which toured across Canada.
A friend once told her that when she looked at her paintings, they reached out to her and said "Stop, look, relax from whatever is bothering you, just SEE" Another remarked "You paint rocks with so much attention and detail, you make them look as beautiful as if they were
flowers."
One of Connie's paintings hangs in the Arts and Culture Center in St John's, another in Confederation Building, St John's. Corporate Collections include Scotiabank, Nesbett Burns, and Bally Haly Country Club. Her work can be found in private homes in the Atlantic Provinces, Ontario and Quebec. Her work has been donated to help with fundraising for several cancer patients, arts groups, and historical societies.
For more information contact Connie at [email protected]
Connie's work has been shown in juried shows in NS, NL and Que. It has been selected for special mention by jurors such as Alex Coleville, Mary West Pratt and Christopher Pratt. Her most valuable award was for a watercolour "Pastoral Scene, Tide's Point" for which she received $1000, and this work was included in a show "For Love of the Land " which toured across Canada.
A friend once told her that when she looked at her paintings, they reached out to her and said "Stop, look, relax from whatever is bothering you, just SEE" Another remarked "You paint rocks with so much attention and detail, you make them look as beautiful as if they were
flowers."
One of Connie's paintings hangs in the Arts and Culture Center in St John's, another in Confederation Building, St John's. Corporate Collections include Scotiabank, Nesbett Burns, and Bally Haly Country Club. Her work can be found in private homes in the Atlantic Provinces, Ontario and Quebec. Her work has been donated to help with fundraising for several cancer patients, arts groups, and historical societies.
For more information contact Connie at [email protected]
Jude Caborn
Jude Caborn was born in Windsor, grew up in Dartmouth, and has lived in various areas of Nova Scotia. She currently makes Falmouth her home. Jude is a proud mother of three talented children and happy to be a Grammy AND a Senior! Although Jude has enjoyed being a school teacher, clown, dance instructor, art teacher, square dance caller and recreation director; her main focus has been pushing watercolor boundaries and Junk Journaling.
She is a graduate of Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. Jude continues to take courses and keeps up with the latest water mediums, techniques and trends. Jude has exhibited and taught in Australia, Canada, Cuba and USA.
Jude shares "Painting feeds me. To keep it alive and fresh I explore and experiment as much as I can. I am always asking ‘what if’ or ‘why not’, often pushing watercolor and myself outside the box. Because of this my work is an eclectic group of techniques and subjects."
For more information contact Jude at [email protected]
She is a graduate of Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. Jude continues to take courses and keeps up with the latest water mediums, techniques and trends. Jude has exhibited and taught in Australia, Canada, Cuba and USA.
Jude shares "Painting feeds me. To keep it alive and fresh I explore and experiment as much as I can. I am always asking ‘what if’ or ‘why not’, often pushing watercolor and myself outside the box. Because of this my work is an eclectic group of techniques and subjects."
For more information contact Jude at [email protected]
Paul Edmond
Paul Edmond's use of colour tends to make his work stand out among other landscape paintings. This piece inspired by the historic landing of the Hector in Pictou has a dream-like quality to it. An emerging artist spends his summers in Dartmouth and winters in Largo, Florida, Paul's artistic focus is primarily painting with acrylic on canvas
Paul has exhibited at Gallery 97, Oceanside Artland, Tripps Gallery, Avon River Heritage Museum, Craig Gallery, The Cube, The Bread Gallery, Cole Harbour Place, Inverness County Centre for the Arts, and The Grace Arts Centre, Tatamagouche, NS. He was the first “featured artist of the month” at Oceanside Artland in Sep 2021 and presently is a regular exhibitor at Tripps Gallery.
Paul was featured in an article by Saltwire in April 2022 and interviewed to be broadcast on a new Eastlink series called Gallery 902 that started in 2023. He is presently a member of the Dartmouth Visual Arts Society. Examples of his recent talent include winning Special Recognition Awards in June and Oct of 2020, and April and Oct of 2021 with “Light Space Time” international online competitions. He was also a finalist 4 times with “Fusion” international online competitions.
Many of Paul’s paintings include the ever changing aspects of waterscapes, moments captured by Paul on camera.
For more information contact Paul at [email protected]
Paul has exhibited at Gallery 97, Oceanside Artland, Tripps Gallery, Avon River Heritage Museum, Craig Gallery, The Cube, The Bread Gallery, Cole Harbour Place, Inverness County Centre for the Arts, and The Grace Arts Centre, Tatamagouche, NS. He was the first “featured artist of the month” at Oceanside Artland in Sep 2021 and presently is a regular exhibitor at Tripps Gallery.
Paul was featured in an article by Saltwire in April 2022 and interviewed to be broadcast on a new Eastlink series called Gallery 902 that started in 2023. He is presently a member of the Dartmouth Visual Arts Society. Examples of his recent talent include winning Special Recognition Awards in June and Oct of 2020, and April and Oct of 2021 with “Light Space Time” international online competitions. He was also a finalist 4 times with “Fusion” international online competitions.
Many of Paul’s paintings include the ever changing aspects of waterscapes, moments captured by Paul on camera.
For more information contact Paul at [email protected]
Sharon Findlay-MacPhee
Sharon Findlay-MacPhee has been a part of the local art scene since retirement. Her watercolours and pencil art are popular both at home and beyond. An award winning artist, she has recently expanded her creative pursuits to include hooking, needle felting and felt appliqué. Her work can be found in galleries and gift shops in Hants and Colchester Counties.
For more information contact Sharon at [email protected]
For more information contact Sharon at [email protected]
Ronald Fredette
Ronald Fredette was born in the Eastern Townships of Quebec. He is a graduate of College Du Vieux Montreal in 1970 with a diplôme d-etudes collégial with honours, champ de concentration Arts Plastiques.
After completing a bachelor of fine arts in fine arts and education at the Nova Scotia college of Art and Design in 1972, he later that same year moved to Newfoundland to take up a teaching career lasting thirty one years.
Notable achievements of this period was winning a second prize in photography in the Newfoundland Arts and Letters competition, and selling a large oil painting to the government of Newfoundland.
Last major exhibition in Nova Scotia was at the Anna Leonowens gallery. “Courting the Duck Rabbit Memory and Montage.” A A joint photographic show coordinated by internationally known artist photographer, Connie Hatch in 1997.
More recently, Ronald has been taking part in Paint the Town in Annapolis (2016, 207, 2018, 2022, 2023), Paint Avondale (2021), Kentville Brush With Nature (2023) and the Acadia University annual art exhibition (2023).
For more information contact Ron at [email protected]
After completing a bachelor of fine arts in fine arts and education at the Nova Scotia college of Art and Design in 1972, he later that same year moved to Newfoundland to take up a teaching career lasting thirty one years.
Notable achievements of this period was winning a second prize in photography in the Newfoundland Arts and Letters competition, and selling a large oil painting to the government of Newfoundland.
Last major exhibition in Nova Scotia was at the Anna Leonowens gallery. “Courting the Duck Rabbit Memory and Montage.” A A joint photographic show coordinated by internationally known artist photographer, Connie Hatch in 1997.
More recently, Ronald has been taking part in Paint the Town in Annapolis (2016, 207, 2018, 2022, 2023), Paint Avondale (2021), Kentville Brush With Nature (2023) and the Acadia University annual art exhibition (2023).
For more information contact Ron at [email protected]
Paul Gambling
Born in England and raised in the tranquil landscapes of Ontario, Paul’s love of photography was inspired by his father and uncle, both of whom were enthusiastic cameramen.
Fueled by a deep reverence for the natural world, Paul enjoys wandering off the beaten path to uncover hidden gems and fleeting moments of nature. His photography is a celebration of the delicate balance found in the wilderness, an invitation to pause, reflect, and breathe in the simple joys of life.
For more information contact Paul at [email protected]
Fueled by a deep reverence for the natural world, Paul enjoys wandering off the beaten path to uncover hidden gems and fleeting moments of nature. His photography is a celebration of the delicate balance found in the wilderness, an invitation to pause, reflect, and breathe in the simple joys of life.
For more information contact Paul at [email protected]
Judi Goodwin-Kedy
I have been painting & creating artistically since my pre-teens. My passion for painting increased over the years. I enjoy a style of painting that allows me to create both freedom and attention to detail. My go to mediums are watercolour, acrylic and collage. Having time on my hands during pandemic lockdown allowed me to create and be inspired by nature and my surroundings. I expanded my creative abilities from online tutorials and in class instruction. Painting fills me with joy and relaxation. I hope you see & feel the joy I experience through my paintings.
For more information contact Judi at [email protected]
For more information contact Judi at [email protected]
Denise Grandy
Denise has been pouring her creative passion into drawing, painting and photography since her early childhood. She is a graduate of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design with a Bachelor in Fine Arts and Associate Diploma in Graphic Design.
For 16 years, she has worked as a Graphic Artist and Technical Support Manager for geologists and engineers in the mining industry. Denise’s most loved creative endeavor, however, is her painting. She loves capturing life’s simple moments such as flowers growing on the side of the road or a bird nesting in a flower basket. Denise’s paintings are a reflection of her vision of those little moments in life.
For more information contact Denise at [email protected]
For 16 years, she has worked as a Graphic Artist and Technical Support Manager for geologists and engineers in the mining industry. Denise’s most loved creative endeavor, however, is her painting. She loves capturing life’s simple moments such as flowers growing on the side of the road or a bird nesting in a flower basket. Denise’s paintings are a reflection of her vision of those little moments in life.
For more information contact Denise at [email protected]
Carolyn Harry
Painting in watercolour allows me to express the mood of a subject by texture and tone, or to tell a story with colour and structure. Subject matter can be as simple as vegetables from my fridge, or my beloved geraniums- painting gives me great joy!
When painting on location, plein air, with others, I find the results spontaneous and exciting. Weather can be an issue! I also paint from my photographs, taken at places in Nova Scotia that resonate and provide wonderful memories- I’m fortunate to live in rural Lunenburg County, surrounded by water and forests.
Having retired from a 40-year career as an R.N., I now paint regularly. and currently share art practice with two local online groups. Over the years, whilst working, I was involved with local art groups including the Contemporary Art Society, and attended open studios in life drawing and watercolour. I have had the privilege of taking instruction from Kay Stanfield and Jane Schlosberg, the late Richard Rudnicki and a variety of NSCAD courses.
For more info contact Carolyn at [email protected]
When painting on location, plein air, with others, I find the results spontaneous and exciting. Weather can be an issue! I also paint from my photographs, taken at places in Nova Scotia that resonate and provide wonderful memories- I’m fortunate to live in rural Lunenburg County, surrounded by water and forests.
Having retired from a 40-year career as an R.N., I now paint regularly. and currently share art practice with two local online groups. Over the years, whilst working, I was involved with local art groups including the Contemporary Art Society, and attended open studios in life drawing and watercolour. I have had the privilege of taking instruction from Kay Stanfield and Jane Schlosberg, the late Richard Rudnicki and a variety of NSCAD courses.
For more info contact Carolyn at [email protected]
Joy Howell
Joy Howell was born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Her professional career was spent as a Medical Laboratory Technologist, but Joy’s passion was art, particularly the fibre arts, such as rug hooking and various types of needlework. Upon retirement in 2007, her family renovated their cottage on Lewis Lake in East Uniacke and moved there permanently.
In 2016 Joy embarked on her painting journey. Working with acrylics, she has studied under local artists Lesly Benditsky and Judy MacIntosh. Her love is her family and nature. Her work is inspired by her surroundings on the lake, and Nova Scotia’s abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery.
For more information contact Joy at [email protected]
In 2016 Joy embarked on her painting journey. Working with acrylics, she has studied under local artists Lesly Benditsky and Judy MacIntosh. Her love is her family and nature. Her work is inspired by her surroundings on the lake, and Nova Scotia’s abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery.
For more information contact Joy at [email protected]
Shelley King
Drawing inspiration and materials from Nova Scotia beaches, historic homesteads and my own backyard, everyday life has been the source of much of my artistic influence. Growing up in Cheverie, I spent my childhood watching the tide rise and fall on the Minas Basin, gazing at Cape Blomidon, exploring Cheverie Beach, and swimming in the gypsum quarries in Walton and Kempt. I have lived my adult years in Falmouth, near the Avon River and Acadian dykelands, and iconic Nova Scotia landmarks. Bike trails, golf courses and scenic drives continue to provide a constant source of ideas, making nature a focal point of much of my work.
While digital art and acrylic painting are my most common media, I also enjoy working in watercolour, oil, pastel, pencil, scratch art, beach collage, clay, fabric … you name it, I’ll try it!
For more information contact Shelley at [email protected]
While digital art and acrylic painting are my most common media, I also enjoy working in watercolour, oil, pastel, pencil, scratch art, beach collage, clay, fabric … you name it, I’ll try it!
For more information contact Shelley at [email protected]
Will Lane
Will Lane is a local Avondale inhabitant, and a third year university student studying psychology at Dalhousie. He has enjoyed drawing his entire life, which led him to pursue painting as a hobby. He has worked for The Avon River Heritage Society, in the museum and art gallery, for the last 3 summers and is happy to be returning again this season. Over the summers, he has learned a lot about the culture and history of the Avon River, which is helping in his creative process.
Working in the Art Gallery has inspired him greatly with the diversity of mediums on display. He hopes to keep enjoying art as he continues his university studies.
For more information contact Will Lane at [email protected]
Working in the Art Gallery has inspired him greatly with the diversity of mediums on display. He hopes to keep enjoying art as he continues his university studies.
For more information contact Will Lane at [email protected]
Patricia LeBlanc
I live in a peaceful, waterfront setting in Upper Rawdon, Nova Scotia where I am a multi medium artist.
The flotsam and jetsam that I discover on Nova Scotia’s beaches and coastlines inspire me to paint and create lighthouse and village scenes on canvas and reclaimed wood.
The flotsam and jetsam that I discover on Nova Scotia’s beaches and coastlines inspire me to paint and create lighthouse and village scenes on canvas and reclaimed wood.
Annette Lewis
I am a Primary/One teacher here in the Annapolis Valley. I live in Hantsport with my husband, three children and a cockapoo. I started exploring punch needle fibre art five years ago and I am always learning more about this addictive craft!
I have sold my punch needle artwork and/or cards at Tides Contemporary Art Gallery gift shop, School Street Studio Glass, The Kept Shop and Made In the Maritimes. I also design digital punch needle patterns which have been sold across Canada, the US and Europe. I have also collaborated with MadMatters who make punch needle kits and have used several of my patterns. These kits have found their way to the Swallowtail Lighthouse gift shop too.
I love creating punch needle art that is whimsical, colourful and reflects my love of the east coast. Inspiration comes to me from the white sandy beaches, the tiny rural communities and the changing scenery that the ocean provides. This is where I grew up and I’m lucky to live by iconic landmarks that mean so much to Nova Scotians and East Coasters everywhere. There are many common themes that are featured in my artwork from photo-bombing animals, colourful houses, clothesline and the nostalgia for a time that was less stressful and more relaxed. I hope the simple calmness comes across in my artwork for you to enjoy!
For more information contact Annette at [email protected]
I have sold my punch needle artwork and/or cards at Tides Contemporary Art Gallery gift shop, School Street Studio Glass, The Kept Shop and Made In the Maritimes. I also design digital punch needle patterns which have been sold across Canada, the US and Europe. I have also collaborated with MadMatters who make punch needle kits and have used several of my patterns. These kits have found their way to the Swallowtail Lighthouse gift shop too.
I love creating punch needle art that is whimsical, colourful and reflects my love of the east coast. Inspiration comes to me from the white sandy beaches, the tiny rural communities and the changing scenery that the ocean provides. This is where I grew up and I’m lucky to live by iconic landmarks that mean so much to Nova Scotians and East Coasters everywhere. There are many common themes that are featured in my artwork from photo-bombing animals, colourful houses, clothesline and the nostalgia for a time that was less stressful and more relaxed. I hope the simple calmness comes across in my artwork for you to enjoy!
For more information contact Annette at [email protected]
Judy MacIntosh
Judy MacIntosh loves to experiment with new techniques and painting on different surfaces, including this piece done on a piece of slate.
Judy was born and raised in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia. She has always had an interest in art in many forms from sketching to doing poster work for different committees in school and church.
When her two sons reached their teen years, Judy started with a drawing course and then moved into oil painting. She works in watercolor, pastels, pen and ink, and acrylic, but her favourite medium is still oils. Her work is mainly of small children, florals, seascapes and many local scenes. She works mainly from her many photographs, on site or from her sketches. Her camera and sketch book are never far from her.
Her work has been shown at Manuge Gallery, West End Gallery, Fraser Cultural Center, Colchester County Library, Senior Gallery at World Trade & Convention Center Arts Sales and Rental, Artport Gallery at the Halifax Airport, Craig Gallery, Swoon Gallery and many others. Paintings have been sold to many visitors around the world such as France, England, New Zealand, Iceland, Germany and of course the USA. Her work is in most provinces across Canada. She was a regular supporter of the Festival of Trees, the Kermesse and the Alice Housing Fundraisers.
Judy was one of the founders of the West End Gallery. She was an active member of the Bedford Basin Artists Society, 14th Palette and Artport Gallery Cooperative at Halifax International Airport.
For more information contact Judy at [email protected]
Judy was born and raised in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia. She has always had an interest in art in many forms from sketching to doing poster work for different committees in school and church.
When her two sons reached their teen years, Judy started with a drawing course and then moved into oil painting. She works in watercolor, pastels, pen and ink, and acrylic, but her favourite medium is still oils. Her work is mainly of small children, florals, seascapes and many local scenes. She works mainly from her many photographs, on site or from her sketches. Her camera and sketch book are never far from her.
Her work has been shown at Manuge Gallery, West End Gallery, Fraser Cultural Center, Colchester County Library, Senior Gallery at World Trade & Convention Center Arts Sales and Rental, Artport Gallery at the Halifax Airport, Craig Gallery, Swoon Gallery and many others. Paintings have been sold to many visitors around the world such as France, England, New Zealand, Iceland, Germany and of course the USA. Her work is in most provinces across Canada. She was a regular supporter of the Festival of Trees, the Kermesse and the Alice Housing Fundraisers.
Judy was one of the founders of the West End Gallery. She was an active member of the Bedford Basin Artists Society, 14th Palette and Artport Gallery Cooperative at Halifax International Airport.
For more information contact Judy at [email protected]
Holly MacNeil
Holly MacNeil grew up on a small farm on the Bras d’Or Lakes in Cape Breton. From a young age she has always loved creating art in its many forms. Professionally she works in veterinary medicine but her pastime still includes creating; from painting and drawing to DIYs and landscaping.
In her teens she began taking a special interest in drawing, particularly with graphite and charcoal. Her work tends to focus on landscapes, but over the years she has also done commissioned work for portrait drawings, particularly of children. Recently she has branched out into watercolor and acrylic painting which has been highly influenced by her little girl’s love of art and all things colorful. She finds inspiration in nature and often works from her own photos of favorite forest scenes and seascapes.
Although she has never considered becoming professional, she has taken recreational courses through the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design to gain insight on technique. Now her skill is enhanced through experience and her many art sessions at home with her little girl and encouraging her own innate love of art.
For more information contact Holly at [email protected]
In her teens she began taking a special interest in drawing, particularly with graphite and charcoal. Her work tends to focus on landscapes, but over the years she has also done commissioned work for portrait drawings, particularly of children. Recently she has branched out into watercolor and acrylic painting which has been highly influenced by her little girl’s love of art and all things colorful. She finds inspiration in nature and often works from her own photos of favorite forest scenes and seascapes.
Although she has never considered becoming professional, she has taken recreational courses through the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design to gain insight on technique. Now her skill is enhanced through experience and her many art sessions at home with her little girl and encouraging her own innate love of art.
For more information contact Holly at [email protected]
Amanda Parker
Amanda Parker grew up in Avondale, and is connected to the roots of Newport Landing on the Mosher side of her family. She worked in this very museum decades ago for a summer when she was studying history as a student at Mount Saint Vincent University.
She has been dabbling here and there in a variety of artistic endeavors. She's enjoyed sewing costumes, working with clay, a brief and painful stint trying her hand at wood carving, painting with acrylics and has been recently experimenting with charcoal, but keeps coming back to pencil sketching as her medium of choice.
This is her second time entering her work in the Great Little Art Show, and in the years since her last entries she's focused more on portraiture and figure drawing. She's drawn to trying to capture movement and emotions.
Although she had no formal art training, she has learned from the artists around her. She has attended life drawing sessions in Halifax and Paris which has helped her learn to catch poses and body shapes. She also has a long line of artists in her own family. From her father, Glen Parker, who paints, sculpts and draws, and her mother, Patricia Parker, who makes beautiful hand made quilts, to painters and crafters going back generations on both the Parker and Mosher sides of her family.
Seen For more information contact Amanda at [email protected]
She has been dabbling here and there in a variety of artistic endeavors. She's enjoyed sewing costumes, working with clay, a brief and painful stint trying her hand at wood carving, painting with acrylics and has been recently experimenting with charcoal, but keeps coming back to pencil sketching as her medium of choice.
This is her second time entering her work in the Great Little Art Show, and in the years since her last entries she's focused more on portraiture and figure drawing. She's drawn to trying to capture movement and emotions.
Although she had no formal art training, she has learned from the artists around her. She has attended life drawing sessions in Halifax and Paris which has helped her learn to catch poses and body shapes. She also has a long line of artists in her own family. From her father, Glen Parker, who paints, sculpts and draws, and her mother, Patricia Parker, who makes beautiful hand made quilts, to painters and crafters going back generations on both the Parker and Mosher sides of her family.
Seen For more information contact Amanda at [email protected]
Glen Parker
Glen Parker is a 40-year resident of Avondale. He is a retired journalist having worked for daily and weekly newspapers in Nova Scotia and Alberta. A self taught artist, he has moved from editorial cartooning to acrylic still life and most recently the art of ‘pour painting.’ Glen and his wife Patricia have been married for over 50 years and they have a daughter, Amanda, whose art can also be viewed in this year’s Avon River Heritage Society’s annual group show.
For more information contact Glen at [email protected]
For more information contact Glen at [email protected]
Tacha Reed
Protecting endangered species and celebrating the unique ecosystem of the Avon River area has become a constant theme in the work of Tacha Reed since relocating to the Avon River area in 2009, after 25 years spent living in the port city of Halifax.
A graduate of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Tacha Reed is a multidisciplinary artist and designer who specializes in fibre art. After an injury where she was temporarily unable to practice felting, Tacha took up painting, which served as art therapy during the height of the pandemic.
Whether it’s a soft sculpture, a painting or a felted portrait or landscape, much of her work relates closely to the beguiling Avon River and the diverse people and creatures that call it home. tachareed.ca
For more information contact Tacha at [email protected]
A graduate of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Tacha Reed is a multidisciplinary artist and designer who specializes in fibre art. After an injury where she was temporarily unable to practice felting, Tacha took up painting, which served as art therapy during the height of the pandemic.
Whether it’s a soft sculpture, a painting or a felted portrait or landscape, much of her work relates closely to the beguiling Avon River and the diverse people and creatures that call it home. tachareed.ca
For more information contact Tacha at [email protected]
Noreen Rent
Noreen Rent grew up in Dartmouth, NS. She was always interested in playing with colours and took painting classes through Community School and lessons with Lesly Benditsky. Over the last few years she has taken watercolour and mixed media classes with Judy MacIntosh. She enjoys the daily painting process and uses it to express her love of Nova Scotia and its history.
For more information contact Noreen at [email protected]
For more information contact Noreen at [email protected]
Liz Robinson
Liz has been painting for the past 30 years, working primarily with acrylic on canvas. She especially enjoys recreating nautical scenes, landscapes, stills & portraits of wildlife and their surrounding beauty.
She is presently a director on the board for the Avon River Arts Society and has been a member for over a decade. Liz has participated in many annual art events in the Windsor, Hantsport, Avondale and surrounding areas both as a society member and independently.
She is the Resident Artists for the annual Christmas Angels Program in Windsor, NS.
“There is no better feeling than having your creativity appreciated and displayed by others.”
For more info contact Elizabeth at [email protected]
She is presently a director on the board for the Avon River Arts Society and has been a member for over a decade. Liz has participated in many annual art events in the Windsor, Hantsport, Avondale and surrounding areas both as a society member and independently.
She is the Resident Artists for the annual Christmas Angels Program in Windsor, NS.
“There is no better feeling than having your creativity appreciated and displayed by others.”
For more info contact Elizabeth at [email protected]
Sue Robinson
Sue was born and educated in Montreal, Quebec and Lausanne, Switzerland and since 1970 has called Halifax, Nova Scotia home. She is very fortunate to have been raised surrounded by the natural beauty of Lake Champlain. As a result she is a lover of wilderness hiking and paddling.
For many years she was an out-trip instructor with the Duke of Edinburgh's program for senior youth. Much of her art is an expression of gratitude and appreciation for God's creations. She is delighted to be able to share her art with you, reflecting her love of wilderness adventures with paintings of nature in all its forms.
Sue has endeavored to improve her skills with the assistance of accomplished instructors located in Lunenburg, Halifax and the Annapolis Valley, and through art conferences in both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia as well as in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New York States.
For more info contact Sue at [email protected]
For many years she was an out-trip instructor with the Duke of Edinburgh's program for senior youth. Much of her art is an expression of gratitude and appreciation for God's creations. She is delighted to be able to share her art with you, reflecting her love of wilderness adventures with paintings of nature in all its forms.
Sue has endeavored to improve her skills with the assistance of accomplished instructors located in Lunenburg, Halifax and the Annapolis Valley, and through art conferences in both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia as well as in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New York States.
For more info contact Sue at [email protected]
Cara Sawka
Vice President for the Avon River Arts Society and the organizer of their annual group showcase, Long Winter Nights, held at the Bread Gallery in Brookly, Cara Sawka also manages Shore Hall Studio & Gallery with her family in Summerville, Nova Scotia.
Cara grew up in Saskatchewan and has an MFA Degree with a major in Sculpture from Concordia University in Montreal. Her current artwork focuses on textile design, creating patterns with watercolours both sculpture and nature inspired.
For more info contact Cara at [email protected]
Cara grew up in Saskatchewan and has an MFA Degree with a major in Sculpture from Concordia University in Montreal. Her current artwork focuses on textile design, creating patterns with watercolours both sculpture and nature inspired.
For more info contact Cara at [email protected]
Sara Shefield
Sara Sheffield, born in Wichita, Kansas, has lived most of her life in Nova Scotia. Living alongside the sea in Spry Bay is not unlike being out in the expanse of prairie, and she draws on both for subject matter and a sense of openness.
Thinking back to elementary school, Sara recalls the excitement of getting out the box of Prang watercolour paints and a clean sheet of paper. Having evolved to using a broader variety of materials, the excitement is still there. Although there has not been the pleasure of formal art education, Sara has learned much from observations, reading about and studying
other artists work, continuing education classes and workshops in Canada, the US and Europe.
The beauty and mystery of the natural world has always captured her attention, creating a desire to express her feelings about what she sees. She is also drawn to older, man-made structures, being intrigued by the skill and craftsmanship of various buildings and the stories they contain. Painting images of them is an act of preservation.
For more info contact Sara at [email protected]
Thinking back to elementary school, Sara recalls the excitement of getting out the box of Prang watercolour paints and a clean sheet of paper. Having evolved to using a broader variety of materials, the excitement is still there. Although there has not been the pleasure of formal art education, Sara has learned much from observations, reading about and studying
other artists work, continuing education classes and workshops in Canada, the US and Europe.
The beauty and mystery of the natural world has always captured her attention, creating a desire to express her feelings about what she sees. She is also drawn to older, man-made structures, being intrigued by the skill and craftsmanship of various buildings and the stories they contain. Painting images of them is an act of preservation.
For more info contact Sara at [email protected]
