
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.

Fred Harrison
Muralist, Sculptor & Mentor
​
-
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.
​​
-
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.
​​
-
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.


Bonny Hill
Contemporary Artist & Award-Winning Educator
​
-
Profile: A distinguished contemporary artist selected for the 2017 Surveillance Studio Watch at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery.
​​
-
Honors: Recognized as the 2011 Canadian Art Educator of the Year and recipient of the 2023 Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.
​​
-
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.


Heejin Vihvelin
Professional Painter & Curator
​
-
Profile: A professional oil painter and instructor, Heejin serves as the curator for the "Painters Circle" at the KV Public Library.
​
-
Focus: Her artistic focus lies in capturing unusual and compelling subjects, often exploring the intimate atmosphere of human activities, nature, animals, and children.
​
-
Leadership: Through her curatorial work and teaching, she plays a vital role in fostering collaboration and technical growth among regional artists.


Mary Kennedy
Acrylic Artist & Creative Visionary
​
-
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.
​​
-
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.
​​
-
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".


Margaret Walsh
Figurative Artist & Arts Advocate
​
-
Profile: Based in Edmundston, Margaret has spent over 20 years mastering oil painting and promoting the arts in her community.
​​
-
Leadership: She serves as the president of the Symposium Coloris d’automne and coordinates the annual Plein Air at the NB Botanical Garden.
​​
-
Inspiration: Her work is defined by warm colors and the tranquil, harmonious atmosphere of the countryside.


Dale Cook
Oil Painter & Coastal Impressionist
​
-
Profile: An oil painter based in New Brunswick who specializes in capturing the quiet moods and soft light of the maritime landscape.
​​
-
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.
​​
-
Reach: Dale’s paintings are collected internationally by those who find a deep connection in the quiet, enduring power of the coast.


Kim Stubbs
Multidisciplinary Artist & Community Mentor
​
-
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.
​​
-
Philosophy: Residing in St. Martins, she focuses on capturing "stolen moments where time stands still," evoking deep positive emotions through her canvases.
​​
-
Collections: Her art is held in private and corporate collections spanning five continents, including Singapore, Australia, and the Caribbean.


Theresa MacKnight
Painter, Educator & Advocate
​
-
Profile: Theresa’s practice is driven by a strong sense of place and personal history, resulting in works that balance imagination with observation.
​​
-
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.


Svitlana Goncharova
Watercolor Artist & Educator
​
-
Profile: A professional artist with a Master of Arts in Visual Arts and Architecture, specializing in expressive, "one-touch" watercolor techniques.
​​
-
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.
​​
-
Heritage: Drawing inspiration from nature and architecture, Svitlana blends her academic background with contemporary influences to capture the delicate interplay of light and shadow.


Sophie Levesque, IAF
Figurative Impressionist & Master of Atmosphere
​
-
Profile: Sophie is a highly technical artist who has refined her craft through studies with masters in both Canada and the United States.
​​
-
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.


Helen Shideler
Multimedia Artist & Visual Sculptor
​
-
Profile: Helen approaches painting as a form of sculpting with paint, resulting in highly detailed and textured works in oil, acrylic, and watercolor.
​​
-
Expertise: A veteran of North American plein air festivals for over 15 years, she has received numerous awards, including "Best in Show".
​​
-
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!”.
