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The 2026 Invited Artists Collection

We are honored to introduce a distinguished group of professional artists invited to capture the heart and beauty of our coast. Each artist brings a unique perspective and years of expertise, coming together to celebrate nature, heritage, and the vibrant spirit of St. Martins through their exceptional work.

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Fred Harrison

Muralist, Sculptor & Mentor

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  • Profile: A nationally renowned artist and a prominent New Brunswick muralist, Fred has made a major contribution to art and culture through his large-scale public projects.

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  • Expertise: He brings vast experience from projects across the globe, with his stunning murals and sculptures, such as the Workers Memorial in Saint John, serving as regional landmarks.

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  • Community: As the Honorary President of the Peter Salmon Art Club, he is a dedicated mentor who fosters an inclusive environment for artists of all skill levels.

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Bonny Hill

Contemporary Artist & Award-Winning Educator

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  • Profile: A distinguished contemporary artist selected for the 2017 Surveillance Studio Watch at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery.

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  • Honors: Recognized as the 2011 Canadian Art Educator of the Year and recipient of the 2023 Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.

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  • Spirit: While a veteran of studio work, Bonny brings fresh enthusiasm to the plein air tradition, embracing the opportunity to capture nature in real-time.

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Heejin Vihvelin

Professional Painter & Curator

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  • Profile: A professional oil painter and instructor, Heejin serves as the curator for the "Painters Circle" at the KV Public Library.

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  • Focus: Her artistic focus lies in capturing unusual and compelling subjects, often exploring the intimate atmosphere of human activities, nature, animals, and children.

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  • Leadership: Through her curatorial work and teaching, she plays a vital role in fostering collaboration and technical growth among regional artists.

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Mary Kennedy

Acrylic Artist & Creative Visionary

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  • Profile: A graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design, Mary is a recipient of prestigious awards from the Ontario Arts Council and the Sheila Dick Mackay Arts Foundation.

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  • Exhibition: Her work has been featured in esteemed galleries like Baux-Xi and Christopher Cutts, known for selling out completed works within days of opening.

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  • Local Connection: Mary returned to her childhood home in St. Martins to open The Love House and Octopus Ice Cream, creating vibrant hubs dedicated to the "Love of Art".

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Margaret Walsh

Figurative Artist & Arts Advocate

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  • Profile: Based in Edmundston, Margaret has spent over 20 years mastering oil painting and promoting the arts in her community.

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  • Leadership: She serves as the president of the Symposium Coloris d’automne and coordinates the annual Plein Air at the NB Botanical Garden.

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  • Inspiration: Her work is defined by warm colors and the tranquil, harmonious atmosphere of the countryside.

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Dale Cook

Oil Painter & Coastal Impressionist

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  • Profile: An oil painter based in New Brunswick who specializes in capturing the quiet moods and soft light of the maritime landscape.

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  • Inspiration: Her work reflects the calm strength of the sea and the shifting tides of the Bay of Fundy, utilizing texture to evoke a sense of atmosphere.

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  • Reach: Dale’s paintings are collected internationally by those who find a deep connection in the quiet, enduring power of the coast.

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Kim Stubbs

Multidisciplinary Artist & Community Mentor

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  • Profile: With over 40 years of experience, Kim’s mastery of light and color is evident in her work across oil, acrylic, watercolor, and pastel.

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  • Philosophy: Residing in St. Martins, she focuses on capturing "stolen moments where time stands still," evoking deep positive emotions through her canvases.

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  • Collections: Her art is held in private and corporate collections spanning five continents, including Singapore, Australia, and the Caribbean.

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Theresa MacKnight

Painter, Educator & Advocate

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  • Profile: Theresa’s practice is driven by a strong sense of place and personal history, resulting in works that balance imagination with observation.

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  • Achievements: A former resident at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery and recipient of Arts NB grants, she has dedicated her career to arts education and advocacy.

 

  • Location: Holding degrees from NSCAD and UNB, she continues to live and work in St. Andrews, contributing significantly to the local arts fabric.

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Svitlana Goncharova

Watercolor Artist & Educator

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  • Profile: A professional artist with a Master of Arts in Visual Arts and Architecture, specializing in expressive, "one-touch" watercolor techniques.

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  • Community: Founder of "The Watercolour Social" in Saint John, she is dedicated to helping students of all ages discover the fluid and intuitive beauty of the medium.

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  • Heritage: Drawing inspiration from nature and architecture, Svitlana blends her academic background with contemporary influences to capture the delicate interplay of light and shadow.

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Sophie Levesque, IAF

Figurative Impressionist & Master of Atmosphere

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  • Profile: Sophie is a highly technical artist who has refined her craft through studies with masters in both Canada and the United States.

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  • Distinction: In 2022, she earned the prestigious IAF title from the Institute of Figurative Art, reflecting her excellence in the field.

 

  • Style: Using an impressionist-inspired technique, she masterfully employs grays and strategic lighting to poetically convey the atmosphere and emotions of her subjects.

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Helen Shideler

Multimedia Artist & Visual Sculptor

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  • Profile: Helen approaches painting as a form of sculpting with paint, resulting in highly detailed and textured works in oil, acrylic, and watercolor.

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  • Expertise: A veteran of North American plein air festivals for over 15 years, she has received numerous awards, including "Best in Show".

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  • Philosophy: Her work is widely collected across Canada and the US, reflecting her vibrant motto: “Life is a work of art. May yours be colourful!”.

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