2025 Participating Artists
Sandra Aucoin
Sandra is a self-taught artist, originally from the Acadian village of Cheticamp, NS. She has been sketching and painting from a very young age; and lives with her husband John near Clarksville,NS. Before returning to Nova Scotia, she competed in many art competitions in Southwestern Ontario and has been the recipient of many red ribbons and various awards for her art work. She is the treasurer of the Avon River Art Society and participates in various art shows in the area.
Sandra has always had horses and like her art, they are her passion, thus the many equine subjects. She works in 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 lover for animals and the countryside. Throughout the year, she works on various commissioned pieces of art and stained glass.
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Sandra has always had horses and like her art, they are her passion, thus the many equine subjects. She works in 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 lover for animals and the countryside. Throughout the year, she works on various commissioned pieces of art and stained glass.
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Ryan Beecroft
Avondale resident and community member since 2019 when he relocated from Nunavut via Ontario. First exposed to paints and pencils early on by his paternal Grandmother, known in her community as a local watercolour painter of rural scenes, buildings and animals. Ryan is a long-time Canadian art enthusiast. Amateur artist.
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Veryan Burcham
Veryan Burcham (with her Husband Jase) moved to Nova Scotia in 2023 to study at NSCAD. She has a love of anything creative, feeling deeply that art is ‘food for the soul’. Right now her particular interests are in ceramics, painting and printing.
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Connie Burnett
Connie was born in Kemptville, Yarmouth Co, NS. Connie has been painting for a number of years, and works mainly with watercolours as she likes the transparency of the light. She likes to paint scenes that she enjoys looking at: rocks, water, trees, pine cones, cows. Her first solo show was entitled " Visual Pleasure: Scenes of the Burin Peninsula". Her work can be found in private collections in the Atlantic Provinces, Ontario and Quebec. One of her paintings is hanging in the ARTs and Culture Building in St. John's, Nfld and another in Confederation Building in St.John's. One of her works was accepted for the Millennium show "For Love of the Land" which toured Canada in 2000-2001. Each of the 14 artists whose work was accepted received an award of $1000.
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Jude Caborn
Born in Windsor, Nova Scotia, in 1951, Jude grew up in Dartmouth, and received her Bachelor of Art Education at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD). She is a proud mother of three talented children, and is delighted to be a Grammy and a senior! (moved to Falmouth in May 2023). Jude has enjoyed being a schoolteacher, clown, dance instructor, art teacher (school, facility, private & community levels, both here and abroad), square dance caller, decorating her home and spending time with guests and family.
Jude started painting in her teens. When her children started school, she enrolled at NSCAD. She studied sculpture, fiber arts and art education, graduating in 1984. Over the next 30 + years Jude took annual weeklong courses and numerous workshops Refusing to have limits set on watercolor, Jude experimented on her own, developing some of the techniques seen in her work today. She enjoys sharing her passion with others especially those who feel they aren’t creative or talented.
Exhibiting her work in both solo and group shows, Jude has won awards in Canada, Cuba and the USA. She has taught in Canada, Cuba, the USA, and Australia.
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Jude started painting in her teens. When her children started school, she enrolled at NSCAD. She studied sculpture, fiber arts and art education, graduating in 1984. Over the next 30 + years Jude took annual weeklong courses and numerous workshops Refusing to have limits set on watercolor, Jude experimented on her own, developing some of the techniques seen in her work today. She enjoys sharing her passion with others especially those who feel they aren’t creative or talented.
Exhibiting her work in both solo and group shows, Jude has won awards in Canada, Cuba and the USA. She has taught in Canada, Cuba, the USA, and Australia.
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Melodie Davis
Penelope Dearman
Meet Penelope, a young artist with a big heart and a passion for bringing joy to others through her art. At just 7 years old, Penelope has already made a name for herself in the family art community with her vibrant and whimsical creations. Her colorful paintings and drawings never fail to put a smile on people's faces and brighten up their day. Penelope’s love for making people happy through her art is truly inspiring and we can't wait to see where her talent takes her in the future. Keep spreading happiness, Penelope!
Paul Edmond
Paul is an emerging artist focused on painting acrylic on canvas. He resides in Dartmouth Nova Scotia during summers and spends winters in Largo Florida.
Paul has exhibited across Nova Scotia during the last 5 years. Some of the galleries include Gallery 97, Oceanside Artland, Tripps Gallery, Avon River Heritage Museum, The Craig Gallery, Inverness County Centre for the Arts, The Grace Arts Centre and Artworks East in addition to other locations. His art buyers now exist across Canada and in the southern USA. He is scheduled to be the featured solo artist at The J. Franklyn Wright Art gallery in Port Hawkesbury starting September 1 - Oct 17th this year. Paul has also donated art to the Cancer Society, Canadian Progress Club, Dartmouth Aquatic and Hockey teams, Golf for the Heart Foundation, etc.
Paul was featured in an article by Saltwire in April 2022 and also was interviewed on Gallery 902 (Eastlink TvSeries) which broadcast August 2024. Examples of his recent talent include 4 “Special Recognition “ awards with “Light Space Time” international online competitions and was also a finalist 4 times with “Fusion” international online competitions. In May 2024 his painting “ Dangerous Enchantment” was top 20 in an international juried competition featuring 520 artists from 29 countries.
Growing up near the Atlantic Ocean, Paul’s love of water and nature can be seen as he takes a peek at Atlantic Canada’s quietest corners and uses his decisive brushwork with vibrant and bold colours to bring life into those moments on canvas.
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pauledmondfineart.com
Paul has exhibited across Nova Scotia during the last 5 years. Some of the galleries include Gallery 97, Oceanside Artland, Tripps Gallery, Avon River Heritage Museum, The Craig Gallery, Inverness County Centre for the Arts, The Grace Arts Centre and Artworks East in addition to other locations. His art buyers now exist across Canada and in the southern USA. He is scheduled to be the featured solo artist at The J. Franklyn Wright Art gallery in Port Hawkesbury starting September 1 - Oct 17th this year. Paul has also donated art to the Cancer Society, Canadian Progress Club, Dartmouth Aquatic and Hockey teams, Golf for the Heart Foundation, etc.
Paul was featured in an article by Saltwire in April 2022 and also was interviewed on Gallery 902 (Eastlink TvSeries) which broadcast August 2024. Examples of his recent talent include 4 “Special Recognition “ awards with “Light Space Time” international online competitions and was also a finalist 4 times with “Fusion” international online competitions. In May 2024 his painting “ Dangerous Enchantment” was top 20 in an international juried competition featuring 520 artists from 29 countries.
Growing up near the Atlantic Ocean, Paul’s love of water and nature can be seen as he takes a peek at Atlantic Canada’s quietest corners and uses his decisive brushwork with vibrant and bold colours to bring life into those moments on canvas.
[email protected]
pauledmondfineart.com
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 Diploma D'Eteudes Collegial with honours Champ de concentration Arts Plastique.
After completing a bachelor of 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 31 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. His last major exhibition was at the Anna Leonowens Gallery. "Courting the Duck Rabbit Memory and Montage " a joint photographic show coordinated by internationally known artist photographer Connie Hatching, 1997.
More recently Ronald has taken part in Paint the Town in Annapolis 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2023, Paint Avondale 2021, Kentville Brush with Nature 2023, and Acadia University annual art exhibition 2023 + 2024. This is his second year participating in the Great Little Art Show.
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After completing a bachelor of 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 31 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. His last major exhibition was at the Anna Leonowens Gallery. "Courting the Duck Rabbit Memory and Montage " a joint photographic show coordinated by internationally known artist photographer Connie Hatching, 1997.
More recently Ronald has taken part in Paint the Town in Annapolis 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2023, Paint Avondale 2021, Kentville Brush with Nature 2023, and Acadia University annual art exhibition 2023 + 2024. This is his second year participating in the Great Little Art Show.
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Emma Greer Lyttle
As a mixed medium artist, I have always been fascinated by the possibilities of blending different materials and techniques to create unique and captivating art pieces. From a young age, I have been creating mainly in one medium at a time. It wasn’t until I sustained a traumatic brain injury that I started to experiment with a variety of mediums, from paint and charcoal to clay and found objects. This passion for mixed media has led me on a journey of self-discovery and self-expression through art. I believe that by constantly challenging myself to push the boundaries of traditional mediums, I am able to create truly one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect my experiences and artistic vision. Through my art, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own creativity and explore the endless possibilities of mixed media.
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Ken Greer
Ken is a local resident and community volunteer who paints with acrylic and carves wood and stone, mostly as therapy and distraction from his day job. This year Ken is showing paintings recently gifted to friends and family.
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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 with freedom and with attention to detail. I am inspired by what I see, what’s in my head or heart at the time the brush touches the canvas.
My go to mediums are water colour, acrylic and collage. Having time on my hands during pandemic lockdown allowed me to take a number of online classes and watch many videos on painting techniques.
I have taken in class instruction & encouragement from Tara Nova, Judy Macintosh, Joanne Muise, Zehava Power, Ivan Fraser& Kellie Day. Painting fills me with joy and relaxation.
I hope you see & feel the joy I experience through my paintings.
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My go to mediums are water colour, acrylic and collage. Having time on my hands during pandemic lockdown allowed me to take a number of online classes and watch many videos on painting techniques.
I have taken in class instruction & encouragement from Tara Nova, Judy Macintosh, Joanne Muise, Zehava Power, Ivan Fraser& Kellie Day. Painting fills me with joy and relaxation.
I hope you see & feel the joy I experience through my paintings.
[email protected]
Carolyn Harry
My medium is largely watercolour which conveys light and movement as I see it in my surroundings. I'm drawn to the natural world for subject matter, and how it relates to our lives.
My art is a journey that I've been travelling, and I find joy in observing and discovering new directions and different ways of expressing what I see.
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My art is a journey that I've been travelling, and I find joy in observing and discovering new directions and different ways of expressing what I see.
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Eric Jordan
Eric added a scattering of shipbuilding tools to "Cods Playing Poker" to make things appear especially nautical. Eric has no previous experience as a shipbuilder. He was relying on photos of tools for reference and later when he visited the Avon River Heritage Center he was surprised to learn that a Spokeshave is so much smaller than he ever imagined. He had already finished outlining everything in ink and couldn't change up. Now he insists that he included a Very Large Spokeshave on purpose. It gives the scene a dreamlike ambience.
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Shelley King
Shelley King grew up on the shore of the Minas Basin in Cheverie, and has lived her entire adult life alongside the Avon River in Falmouth. Water, sky and farms inspire many of her creations. Shelley is an explorer when it comes to art and creativity. Her greatest joy, and often favourite pieces, come about when she is delving into a new approach or medium. Experimenting, repurposing a found piece, and calling on personal explorations are sources of joy in her creative process. Although painting with wool (wet and needle felting) is where she currently invests most of her time, she loves to dabble and explore with different materials and approaches, including acrylic, watercolour, digital, and collage.
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Katelynn Laffin
Hi, my name is Katie Laffin and I live in rural Nova Scotia, where the trees are tall, the bay is muddy, our fields are full of either hay or cows, and the wildlife is everywhere. I have lived here my entire life, and wouldn't change country living for anything. Nature and its wondrous creations are my inspiration. I started my painting journey just 3 short years ago, and it has helped me re-open my mind and heart to color, relaxation, and creativity!
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Will Lane
Will Lane is a local Avondale inhabitant, and a fourth 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.
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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.
[email protected]
Joanne MacDonald
Having retired in 2017 after a work-life of 36 years, she has rekindled her interest in art. It has indeed become her passion.
She has taken art lessons, as well as been to workshops by local teaching artists.
She works mainly in acrylics, but also oils and mixed media, finding inspiration not only from our beautiful province, but travels abroad. Her interests include landscapes, seascapes, florals, still life, pet portraits, to name a few. She explores various styles and loves to experiment with artistic expression.
She received an honorable mention for her work "Prince's Lodge at Dawn" at the Contemporary Art Society juried show at the Chase Gallery in 2024. She has sold her work with Contemporary Art Society, Association of Atlantic Area Artists, Karl Penton Gallery ( 2020-2022), Dal Riada Art Group, L'Arche Halifax Art Show, Gallery 215, and privately. She accepts commissions.
She is of French descent (nee LeBlanc), is francophone and originally from the Acadian village of Abram's River in Yarmouth County, N.S. She now resides in Halifax.
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She has taken art lessons, as well as been to workshops by local teaching artists.
She works mainly in acrylics, but also oils and mixed media, finding inspiration not only from our beautiful province, but travels abroad. Her interests include landscapes, seascapes, florals, still life, pet portraits, to name a few. She explores various styles and loves to experiment with artistic expression.
She received an honorable mention for her work "Prince's Lodge at Dawn" at the Contemporary Art Society juried show at the Chase Gallery in 2024. She has sold her work with Contemporary Art Society, Association of Atlantic Area Artists, Karl Penton Gallery ( 2020-2022), Dal Riada Art Group, L'Arche Halifax Art Show, Gallery 215, and privately. She accepts commissions.
She is of French descent (nee LeBlanc), is francophone and originally from the Acadian village of Abram's River in Yarmouth County, N.S. She now resides in Halifax.
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Rose Marie MacDonald
Rose Marie grew up by the sea in Newfoundland where the coastal scenery remained with her to be drawn out years later in Crewel Embroidery on Labrador Coats, mittens and slippers. In 1982 she was commissioned to design a men's coat for the 1983 Cross Country World Cup. She has won several ribbons in the Atlantic Winter Fair and has hooked several pictorials, one in conjunction with Tacha Reed, The Old Stone House, which raised funds for the Museum in Avondale.
Now, inspired by the magic of fibre, she enjoys working with wool in another art form. Her fibre artwork is currently selling at Made in the Maritimes in Halifax and Bayers Lake.
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Now, inspired by the magic of fibre, she enjoys working with wool in another art form. Her fibre artwork is currently selling at Made in the Maritimes in Halifax and Bayers Lake.
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Holly MacNeil
Holly grew up on a small farm set along the Bras d’Or Lakes in Cape Breton. She has always loved creating art in its many forms. Professionally she works in a busy veterinary practice but her free time is still spent creating; from painting and drawing to DIYs and landscaping.
Holly's work tends to focus on landscapes, but over the years she has also produced commissioned work for portrait drawings, particularly of children. Recently branching into watercolor and acrylic painting, she has been highly influenced by her little girl’s love of art and all things colorful. Holly often finds inspiration in nature and she tends to work from her own photographs of favorite forest scenes, waterways and seascapes.
Although she believes learning is best done by practice, she has taken recreational courses through the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design to gain insight on drawing technique. Now her skills are enhanced through experience and her many painting sessions at home with her little girl while working to build her artistic presence and small business. Holly’s best days are filled with family, nature and art.
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Holly's work tends to focus on landscapes, but over the years she has also produced commissioned work for portrait drawings, particularly of children. Recently branching into watercolor and acrylic painting, she has been highly influenced by her little girl’s love of art and all things colorful. Holly often finds inspiration in nature and she tends to work from her own photographs of favorite forest scenes, waterways and seascapes.
Although she believes learning is best done by practice, she has taken recreational courses through the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design to gain insight on drawing technique. Now her skills are enhanced through experience and her many painting sessions at home with her little girl while working to build her artistic presence and small business. Holly’s best days are filled with family, nature and art.
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Fern McCuish
I began needle felting and was initially self taught doing small sculptures and Christmas ornaments. . I previously enjoyed Rug Hooking as well but my Needle felting has evolved into wet felting and I have taken courses through the Pacific Northwest College in Seattle, and Whidbey Island, Washington.
My interests are in nomadic designs and I recently returned from Hungary where I received training from master felt makers from Europe where felting has been a traditional craft for centuries. I also enjoy painting as a pastime and have taken courses in Acrylic, Oil and Watercolor at the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design.
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My interests are in nomadic designs and I recently returned from Hungary where I received training from master felt makers from Europe where felting has been a traditional craft for centuries. I also enjoy painting as a pastime and have taken courses in Acrylic, Oil and Watercolor at the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design.
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Amanda Lynn Parker
Amanda is a local Avondale resident. She is an emergency services dispatcher and a self taught artist who works mainly with graphite and acrylics. She was blessed to grow up in an environment surrounded by artists and musicians and has been inspired by the creativity and imagination of the people around her.
Amanda loves travel, animals and storytelling, blank pages and beginnings. She is terrible at small talk, but believes that the best conversations happen at 3am, and that everyone has a story worth telling.
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Amanda loves travel, animals and storytelling, blank pages and beginnings. She is terrible at small talk, but believes that the best conversations happen at 3am, and that everyone has a story worth telling.
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Glen Parker
I am a retired journalist and bar-band musician (10 years ago). I was also one of the original Wharf Rats, so named after the rebuilding of the Avondale Wharf in 1991. As a 40-year resident of Avondale, I have seen many changes in this community which have attracted young families to locate here moving into new and renovated homes. All positive signs of growth. This will be my third Great Little Art Show and I'm encouraged to create art each year.
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Magdalena Percy
Resident of Mantua since 2012 via Ontario and British Columbia, Magdalena’s lifelong passion to create has led her to express her imagination through a variety of styles and mediums; drawing, painting, calligraphy, fibre, sculpting. As a self-taught, curious artist she loves to learn about new techniques and explore new art forms. Magdalena believes creative expression is for anyone at any time in any form, and is an integral part of who we are, how we feel, and a form of connected energy we share with others. Most recently working with air dry clay, the forest inspired, whimsical and beguiling inhabitants of the enchanted Foggy Hollow are now part of her sculpture collection.
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Tacha Reed
Working in the arts has always been in the cards for me. Upon graduation from the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design in 2003 I began teaching youth and for over 25 years I have continued to combine my skills as a photographer, designer and event planner, collaborating with many artists, entrepreneurs and not-for-profit organizations.
From an early age I was encouraged to make use of what was on hand, especially when it came to problem solving and creating. This has subconsciously directed much of my artistic practice. Over the years donations of supplies or tools have led to a developed and prolonged interest in photography, printmaking, fibre art and, for my most recent chapter, painting.
I’ve preferred to have a patchwork career as my interests are varied. I have a strong desire for solitude while I create, but I also crave the connections made while being thoroughly engaged with a community. This desire has driven a great deal of my professional and artistic goals.
Currently I divide my creative time between planning cultural events for Avon River Heritage & Avon River Arts, freelance design work, and my own artistic practice, which until recently was primarily devoted to felting and textile art. An injury from repetitive motion has forced me to pivot, expressing myself mostly these days through painting and drawing. For over a decade my muse has remained constant, no matter the medium it’s the majestic Avon River and her connection to the Bay of Fundy via the Minas Passage that has my heart.
tachareed.ca
From an early age I was encouraged to make use of what was on hand, especially when it came to problem solving and creating. This has subconsciously directed much of my artistic practice. Over the years donations of supplies or tools have led to a developed and prolonged interest in photography, printmaking, fibre art and, for my most recent chapter, painting.
I’ve preferred to have a patchwork career as my interests are varied. I have a strong desire for solitude while I create, but I also crave the connections made while being thoroughly engaged with a community. This desire has driven a great deal of my professional and artistic goals.
Currently I divide my creative time between planning cultural events for Avon River Heritage & Avon River Arts, freelance design work, and my own artistic practice, which until recently was primarily devoted to felting and textile art. An injury from repetitive motion has forced me to pivot, expressing myself mostly these days through painting and drawing. For over a decade my muse has remained constant, no matter the medium it’s the majestic Avon River and her connection to the Bay of Fundy via the Minas Passage that has my heart.
tachareed.ca
Elizabeth Robinson
Liz has been painting professionally for the last 35 years and creates portraits, stills, landscapes, and nautical scenes primarily with acrylic on canvas. She is a board member of the Avon River Arts Society and is the standing resident artist for the annual Christmas Angels Programme. Liz has participated in many group/solo shows around Nova Scotia.
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Cara Sawka
Vice President for the Avon River Arts Society, Cara Sawka also manages Shore Hall Studio & Gallery with her family in Summerville, West Hants, 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 and soft sculptures, creating patterns with watercolours and digitally printed by Spoonflower.
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Abigail Sefcik
I am a 17 year old self taught artist living in the municipality of West Hants. I work primarily in oil pastels and acrylic paint. My work often focuses on animals and still lifes, using the texture and vivid colours of my mediums to bring my pieces to life.
Sara Sheffield
Currently, Sara is living in West Hants, NS, working primarily from her home studio. Besides studio work, she also does plein air with acrylics and watercolor and has participated in Annapolis Royal's "Paint the Town" event for 15 years. As well as painting with acrylics and watercolor, Sara also uses glass and other materials for mosaic work. She does mosaic designs on terracotta pots, wooden birdhouses, trays and old wood framed windows.
Having observed mosaic work during several trips to Europe, Sara was inspired to try her hand at it and found she liked the medium. Drawing and painting has long been an interest but there has also a desire to try other ways to express creativity.
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Having observed mosaic work during several trips to Europe, Sara was inspired to try her hand at it and found she liked the medium. Drawing and painting has long been an interest but there has also a desire to try other ways to express creativity.
[email protected]
Borden Webb-Brown
An East coast wildlife and landscape photographer. From St. John’s Newfoundland and currently live in Greenwood, Nova Scotia.
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