CREATIVE HOME2024-12-04T18:46:37+00:00

Connect, Collaborate, Create

It’s happening here.

Connect, Collaborate, Create

It’s happening here.

Creative Pictou County is dedicated to providing programming, resources, and opportunities for local artists to thrive. But we can’t do it without YOU! Your contribution will help fund:

Art supplies for free community and youth programming
Professional development for artists
Exhibition and programming honorariums

Together, we can keep the arts alive and growing in our community. Every gift, big or small, helps artists reach their full potential and share their vision with the world.

Creative Pictou County serves to connect, promote, share and engage the community with the arts. We invite you to “explore and tour”. Let us know what you think of the website, sign up for our newsletter, or become a volunteer. There is so much to be excited about in Pictou County!

Welcome Artists, Creators, Makers, and Community

The Creative Pictou County art hub is a home to all things creative and expressive here in our neighbourhoods.  We welcome all to join us in the appreciation and creation of art and community in our county.  This hub can direct you to events, inspiration, and includes a directory of local talent for those looking to network or hire someone in the creative arts.  Please join us in creating an open and supportive space for the arts in this county.

What You Can Find Here

Creative Pictou County Timeline

December 2024

On December 1, we partnered with the Museum of Industry to present a card making workshop taught by Lori Price. Proceeds from ticket sales are going towards workshops and programming for artists.

November 2024

As part of the fall Artist Kiosk Exhibition, Haley did a beading demo at the Museum of Industry to show a behind the scenes look of what goes into a piece of beaded jewelry.

In November, we held a Mixed Media Open Mic that featured musicians and authors sharing their work

October 2024

For Culture Days, local artists taught free public art workshops. Instructors were Marissa Rosaleen, Elisa Rutledge and Darcy Walsh.

September 2024

On September 28, we took a magical musical bus ride to all the pop up exhibitions across Pictou County! We were serenaded by Shaun Patrick enroute. A special thanks to CHAD Transit for sponsoring the bus.

For the second year in a row, we partnered with the Multicultural Association of Pictou County to present the Fusion Festival. Along with the Sale Along the River artisan market, attendees were able to take in musical performances and free artist workshops.

During Culture Days, six artists showcased their work in pop up exhibitions across Pictou County. Artists include Catherine Beaduette, Gaétane Martel, Kristin Bjornerud, Carolyn Bedford, Hazel Sheehan, Randy Sutherland.

August 2024

Every Wednesday in August Creative Pictou County special committee member Emma Kvetna organized readings with local authors. These events were grouped by theme and presented in unique spaces across the county.

July 2024

Creative Pictou County participated in the Lobster Carnival Parade and won best original entry!

For our summer social we took to the outside and invited artists to bring their art supplies for a picnic style afternoon of art making! The social took place at the old school in River John where the Read by the Sea campfire stories followed the social.

June 2024

June 7 and 8 was the inaugural Economic Development Forum for Artists: Becoming an Art Town! Participants came from across the Maritimes and as far away as Alberta! After a Community Champions panel featuring those involved in the new deCoste Culture Hub, speaker Paul Portelli shared his knowledge of turning his small town into an art destination.

On June 1 we presented a free workshop on Networking and Talking About Your work in partnership with Visual Arts Nova Scotia. This workshop is a part of the Artist Development Project funded by the department of Community, Culture, Tourism and Heritage.

May 2024

On May 18 we presented a free Exhibition Preparation and Installation workshop in partnership with Visual Arts Nova Scotia. This workshop is a part of the Artist Development Project funded by the department of Community, Culture, Tourism and Heritage.

Creative Pictou County partnered with Craft Nova Scotia to offer Elevate Your Retail: Strategies for Success, a workshop on branding and merchandizing with Fiona Horgan. Participants came from Cape Breton, PEI, Tatamagouche and Truro.

For the 2024 Art at Night festival, we brought art and sustainability together! Participants decorated a popsicle stick that then went into an egg carton sell with some soil and coneflower seeds donated by Seafoam Lavender. Coneflowers are one of pollinators favorite flowers, ensuring they have enough food to help sustain themselves this spring and summer!

A few of us got to see inside the deCoste Culture Hub, including the Creative Pictou County studio! Artists whose work has been chosen for the space were announced – congrats to all who have helped make this amazing project possible!

April 2024

Artist Janet Wallace gave a talk at the Museum of Industry on April 21. Janet presented images from her new book, “It Is Time – A Chance To Change” and discussed with the group steps they can take to support the environment.

At the Coastal NS Buoy Awards, we were thrilled to present Carolyn Vienneau with our first Community Impact Award. Carolyn has been behind many successful art projects and organizations in Pictou County.

March 2024

On March 23, we presented a free Grant Writing workshop in partnership with Visual Arts Nova Scotia. This workshop is a part of the Artist Development Project funded by the department of Community, Culture, Tourism and Heritage.

For our March social, we held an artist material swap at the Pictou Train Station. It was a huge success, with artists taking home new items to play with!

January 2024

In January, Creative Pictou County celebrated our ten year anniversary as well as the launch of the Artist Kiosk!

November 2023

November artist social where we made greeting cards for VON clients!

October 2023

Community Consultation Project that included town halls, conversations with other local art organizations and an online survey

On October 1st, Creative Pictou County joined forces with the Multicultural Association of Pictou County to present Fusion Fest! The event included Sale Along the River and featured local artisans

July 2023

Our July social was an open mic at Shaun’s!

In July we welcomed Beth Carruthers as our new Arts Coordinator!

June 2023

We launched our t-shirt fundraiser featuring designs from Kiva-Marie Belt and Asa Nodelman!

May 2023

AGM May 27 was sponsored by IGNITE. The full 2022 AGM report is available under About, Who We Are. 2023 marks our 10th year anniversary. Highlights were music, creative activities, social interaction, review of our accomplishments for 2022, and what to expect in 2023. The attendees were enthusiastic and we look forward to a productive 2023.

We welcomed Madison Kennedy as our 2023 summer student. Madison is a video editor and graphic designer who believes in helping others’ creative visions come to fruition.

Thank you Carolyn Bedford for hosting our May social at her lovely home and studio. We loved getting together in person.

Thank you to all the artists who came by our art and craft table at Art At Night. There is so much talent in Pictou County.

April 2023

Creative Pictou County Board Chair Denise Lynch was honoured with the Town of New Glasgow Culture and Heritage Award for her work with the organization. The award was presented by Councillor Jocelyn Dorrington.

March 2023

Culture Innovation Funding Approved! Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage investment in projects that help rebuild an organization’s capacity to meet the changing needs of their communities.

February 2023

Creative Pictou County partnered with New Glasgow Farmers Market, Mentoring Plus, and NOBL to survey interest in customized artist/makers workshop series.

Mural Tool Kit completed. Funding was provided through Coastal Nova Scotia (DEANS) which was the recipient of the Government of Canada’s Rediscovering Main Street program.

January 2023

Grant application season! Creative Pictou County applied for 10 grants to fund 2023 operations, projects and programming.

December 2022

Wrapped up 7 week Quickbooks training with Chris Lewis Business Solutions funded by the Nova Scotia Labour and Advanced Education.

November 2022

Board strategic planning meeting hosted by Carissa from the Meadowville House.

Bubbles the fish mascot makes debut on membership enrolment videos. 

Membership Launch, featuring artist profile pages and creative sector directory.

October 2022

Community pumpkin art project. Funding was provided through Coastal Nova Scotia (DEANS) which was the recipient of the Government of Canada’s Rediscovering Main Street program.

Ghost Stories hosted at the Carmichael Stewart House and Museum of Industry.

Hosted children’s craft table at NSCC Trunk or Treat Halloween Event.

Hosted Art Photography session at IGNITE.

Sale Along the River Culture Days event in partnership with the Town of New Glasgow and Multicultural Association of Pictou County.

Halloween themed workshops, FX artist Dennis Balesdent.

Call out for storytellers willing to weave a few yarns about spooky things and ghosts.

Hosted Halloween themed workshops in partnership with Pictou Antigonish Regional Library and funded by DEANs.

Artists call out to work with local community groups in designing and painting pumpkin sculptures.

Destination Halloween Facebook promoting community events.

September 2022

Creative Pictou County and NSCC partnership in hosting arts-related classes at the Stellarton campus.

Memorandum of Understanding with IGNITE Atlantic, cross promotions for community development and entrepreneurship.

Call out for hosting Halloween Themed art workshops in partnership with Pictou Antigonish Regional Library.

August 2022

In August we put a call out for contributions to our Community Art Kiosk project.

Community survey on halloween activities and symbols.

July 2022

Artists Showcase, highlighting local artists and makers who run a business here in Pictou County.

Promoted coming art and culture events for the time period July to October.

Volunteering for Read by the Sea.

In July we hosted our Artist’s Social at the lovely Seafoam Lavender Farm.

June 2022

In June we hosted our Artist Social at the newly renovated Trenton Park.

In June and July, we welcomed our summer students Adelaide, Jillian, and Arianna to the Creative Pictou County team!

In June, members of Creative Pictou County went to bring art classes to the Edge Program NERO.

Soft launch of Artist Profile Pages designed and developed by Pink Lemonade Creative Media.

In June we welcomed Wanda White as our new Arts Coordinator.

Soft launch of Creative Sector Directory designed and developed by Pink Lemonade Media.

May 2022

  • Creative Pictou County AGM

AGM May 25th, sponsored by IGNITE, AQUA Event Management & Martin Ceramic. Theme for the evening was community appreciation, celebration of talent, welcome to newcomers and excitement for NOW being a pivotal moment for the arts in Pictou County.

  • Creative Pictou county May Social

Thank you NSCC Pictou Campus for welcoming us for our May social! Guests brought an item that relates to their creative work and had an opportunity to share what they do with the group.

Thank you Monica for serving as our Arts Coordinator. Monica’s joyful disposition and genuine interest in people has made an immense impact in our community.

April 2022

PlaceMaking funding applications for community projects submitted.

  • Thank you A1 Pizza in Pictou for welcoming us for our April social. Everyone had a wonderful time connecting with other local creatives in the community and enjoyed their meal!

Thank you A1 Pizza in Pictou for welcoming us for our April social. Everyone had a wonderful time connecting with other local creatives in the community and enjoyed their meal!

Approval for 2 Summer Students.

Invited to partner in the Government of Canada’s Rediscovering Main Street program with Coastal Nova Scotia (applicant) and partners Municipality of Pictou County, Town of Trenton, Town of New Glasgow, Town of Westville, Town of Stellarton, along with Ignite Atlantic and the Chamber.

Halloween Destination Pictou County brainstorming session.

Mentorship Plus client in developing financial management process, policies and reporting.

CBC Radio Morning Community Correspondent Interview featuring our very own community correspondent Sarah Santos.

Creative Sector Map version 2.0 project started in collaboration with NSCC Center of Geographic Sciences Student Project.

Thank you Gyro Club for the opportunity share our presentation with your group and the dinner hospitality.

March 2022

Connection Through Creativity programs are receiving heart-warming feedback, the power of art in action!

Artfest reaches 1000 Members!

Tearmann Society extends its appreciation to the Board, staff, and members of Creative Pictou County for outstanding support for the Celebration of Art and Tearmann.

Social at IGNITE, thank you Jen for the tour.

February 2022

Municipality grant applications submitted.

Culture Hub and Creative PC consult with local artists to define ideal specifications for multi-use studio spaces.

Read by the Sea welcomes our offer of support. We are thrilled to be part of the world class event!

Kiosk Design Concept complete. There will be two components to the kiosk, one that is fixed and another that is moveable to transport to different events and festivals.

Guest Jenny Dean joined in from Theatre New Glasgow and shared information about the group and how you can get involved!

January 2022

Bring your own art social on zoom.

  • Creative Pictou County serves to connect, promote, share and engage the community with the arts. We invite you to “explore and tour”. Let us know what you think of the website, sign up for our newsletter, or become a volunteer. There is so much to be excited about in Pictou County!

Presentations for Municipalities.

December 2021

Murder Mystery artists Social.

Postcards for Veterans Project in partnership with Art2Sea Gallery and the Town of Pictou.

November 2021

Hosted holiday market featuring local artists, baked goods, live music and Santa.

Artists Social at the Customs House Inn, Pictou.

October 2021

Creative Pictou County is happy to announce that Monica Rivers (she/her) will be joining us for the next year as our Arts Coordinator!

Received funding from Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia to conduct the Connection Through Creativity Project.

Artist Social at IGNITE in New Glasgow.

Creative Pictou County’s AGM… anything but usual. Great turnout, amazing outgoing and incoming Board. Congratulations to Dawn MacNutt and Dave Gunning who were awarded LifeTime Achievement Awards by Creative Pictou County!

Board approved the 2021-2023 Strategic Business plan. Funded by Community, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, Strategic Arts Management and the Town of Pictou.

September 2021

Partnership with IGNITE, members of Creative Pictou County are also members of IGNITE. Strengthening the creative community together.

August 2021

Artist social at Bedford studios, witnessing the art of lost wax. Thanks for hosting Carolyn and George.

Pictou Town Council provided financial support for our Strategic Business Plan. Thank you!

  • newcomers to Pictou meet and greet

Took part in the Newcomer “Meet and Greet” on the Pictou Waterfront where we greeted the community, and shared information on the organization.

  • Creative Pictou County Artist bucket list

Created a Pictou County Summer Arts Bucket List of art studio’s, exhibits, festivals. There was a community call out to submit art studio’s, exhibits, and festivals to be included.

  • creative pictou county artist bio series

Artist bio series for the Summer Art Show on Creative Pictou County and Artfest facebook pages.

July 2021

  • creative pictou county artist rock and roam project

Rock and Roam Project. A live zoom paint session was held with artist Elisa Rutledge from Chronically Creative. Community members painted rocks that were collected at six of the local library branches and distributed in parks across Pictou County in celebration of Canada Parks Day.

  • creative pictou county summer art show

Artists opening reception of the Summer Art Show in partnership with the deCoste Centre for Arts and Creativity. Attendees shared what art means to them and the responses were read out during the reception.

  • creative pictou county ghost story workshop

Ghost Story workshop series facilitated by storyteller Dawn Peters.

The People’s Place; Antigonish Town and County Library tour of community art installations, projects and programs.

June 2021

May 2021

April 2021

Secured funding from Canada Summer Jobs Program for a Community Arts Synergist and to complete Phase 2 of the Online Hub.

February 2021

Developed a Community Engagement Program and submitted grant applications for funding.

January 2021

December 2020

Digital Projects Grant awarded to work in partnership with Communities Culture and Heritage and the province of Nova Scotia in developing artist profile pages, directory and buy local features within the hub.

Strategic Development Initiative grant awarded to work in partnership with Communities Culture and Heritage, the province of Nova Scotia and The Museum of Industry to build a mobile kiosk to promote artists in Pictou County.

Strategic Plan Development. Answering the questions; How do we promote and celebrate, build networks, share and develop knowledge and engage in opportunities?

August 2020

Phase 1 Hub Released

June 2020

Creative Pictou County, along with Shelley Nordstrom, have nominated Dave Gunning for Arts Nova Scotia’s Portia White Prize. Dave is our unofficial ambassador, any time he travels he talks about home. He is a master craftsman, respected by his peers, and we are proud to have him as a member of our community.

The Portia White prize which recognizes cultural and artistic excellence on the part of a Nova Scotian artist who has attained professional status, mastery and recognition in their discipline.

March 2020

Artfest Launched – In response to Covid 19, Creative PC started a Virtual Artfest for the community to share creative expressions.

Strategic Development Grant Application submitted to Community Culture and Heritage with Partner Museum of Industry.

Randy Sutherland and Carolyn Ritchie Bedford are fabricating a 12-foot-long Blue Shark with eel grass sculpture, called ‘Reconnaissance’ to be located at the New Glasgow Marina Pier. The Town of New Glasgow and Creative PC are supporting the project.

February 2020

November 2019

First collaboration discussion with members of the Cultural Hub development team. Engagement opportunity for local creatives.

July 2019

Developed an interactive navigation map and trifold brochure featuring the members of our creative sector with locations of their studios and workplaces.

February 2019

Local artist Carolyn Ritchie Bedford teaches Maud Lewis painting workshop.

January 2019

Opening of the exhibition “Heritage and Legacy; Anatomy Drawings By Carolyn Ritchie Bedford” at Shaun’s downtown New Glasgow.

October 2018

Sale Along the River, local art, vendors, live demonstrations, interaction, food, and musicians, with performances by Pictou Landing First Nations.

September 2018

Funding from Support4Culture approved to develop Creative PC Strategic Plan.

August 2018

Summer Music Series featuring local talent.

July 2018

Read by the Sea gathering in celebration of all the emerging writers in the community.

Hosted screening of the NFB documentary film, “Last Chance” for Pictou County Pride Week. This feature documentary tells the stories of 5 asylum seekers who flee their native countries to escape homophobic violence.

May 2018

Paint the Piano was first launched by Jake Chisholm in 2017, since then residents of Pictou County have donated pianos to the Town of New Glasgow as a way to expand what has become a very popular feature.

Carolyn Ritchie Bedford, Creative PC board member making an appearance during Art at Night “Had an awesome time, meeting people and explaining art. Enjoyed the droves of viewers, the friends, and electric atmosphere”.

March 2018

Writing workshop focused on exhibitions, scholarships, grants and project funding. Guest speakers Theresa Love and Curtis Botham. Local artisan Carolyn Vienneau presented “Unleashing Your Creativity”, changing your thinking process and how you produce your art.

Partnered with women-owned businesses to enjoy a day of connection, exploration and creativity.

Hosted workshop on Developing Digital Marketing Strategies that help businesses grow and prosper.

February 2018

Creative PC has a full membership with the Chamber of Commerce as a Nonprofit. This means that any member of Creative PC can register and participate in any Chamber event! You are also able to sign up for their newsletters.

November 2017

Art on the Wall, collaboration with Creative PC, Art at Large Collective and the Museum of Industry.

October 2017

Sale Along the River. An Artisan Fair at Glasgow Square filled with a variety of art forms and meet the artists.

Historic unveiling of artists Todd Vassallo & Carolyn Ritchie Bedford’s public art piece ‘Chillin by the River’ donated to the Town of New Glasgow.

Participated in Creative City Network Summit. The network plays a critical role in sharing knowledge, best practice, and learning on a national stage but delivered at the local level.

June 2017

  • Creative Pictou County serves to connect, promote, share and engage the community with the arts. We invite you to “explore and tour”. Let us know what you think of the website, sign up for our newsletter, or become a volunteer. There is so much to be excited about in Pictou County!

Creative PC Official Launch. Meet & Greet with artists, musicians, writers, performers, as well as community leaders. Live music, refreshments, displays of local art, and painting of the Community Pianos. Launch of Creative PC website and presentation of Nova Scotia Culture Action Plan by Minister Tony Ince of the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage.

October 2016

Participated in Artsfest workshop. Business / Arts’ national mentorship training program that works directly with small to mid-sized arts organizations, equipping them with training and resources to help build sustainable partnerships with businesses and increase capacity and investment in the arts.

May 2016

Developing website, branding and content.

April 2016

Developing committee terms of reference, identifying and organizing sub committees.

September 2015

Studio Tours, wherever art is made, displayed or sold.

June 2015

Hired first summer student

February 2015

Hosted an information session for people interested in being a member of the 2015 board.

January 2015

Participated in Performing Arts Industry Professionals Across Canada Conference.

December 2014

Shared Needs Assessment Results at the Dock during a Christmas Holiday Celebration. Four themes clearly emerged; (1) promote and celebrate existing artistic talent, creative products, opportunities and the crucial contributions of art and culture; (2) build networking, skill-sharing and connective activities, (3) provide business development skills and assistance, and (4) making better use of existing resources.

October 2014

Hosted Make Creative PC successful workshop. It is your turn to speak! How can we realize the potential of our entire creative community? Needs Assessment, town halls, surveys and interviews.

September 2014

Culture Days “Get Your Art On”. Creative PC takes over Glasgow Square Theatre, Eventide Art Hub and the New Glasgow Library Community Room.

April 2014

Participated in Growing a Creative Economy Conference in Cape Breton.

March 2014

Successful grant application from Support4Culture grant to finance portions of the needs assessment.

Pictou County Wins the 2014 Provincial Community Arts and Culture Recognition Award! Hosted evening of celebration with local music, treats, and presentation of monetary prizes to all communities within Pictou County at the Celtic Circle.

November 2013

First Creative PC informal “Artist Social” held at the Eventide Art Hub with host Andy Cunningham, executive of Creative PC, Founder of Art at Night and Owner of Eventide.

October 2013

September 2013

Get Your Art On! Art show, demonstrations and lessons at Glasgow Square.

August 2013

Creative PC is registered with Joint Stocks.

Art in the Park, local artists and the craft house share an evening of painting and creativity.

May 2013

Art at Night, Creative PC asks ‘ What does art mean to you?

April 2013

Facebook page created, connecting the community, sharing events, notifying on callouts, recognizing artists achievements and engaging in conversations.

February 2013

First Creative PC Steering committee, front L-R, Carlton Munroe, Trecia Schell, Janine Linthorne, back L-R, Nancy Kimber, David Hachey, Andy Cunningham, John Leblanc, Crystal Mann, Denise Lynch

The Town of New Glasgow approached the province’s Communities, Culture and Heritage Department about potentially forming an umbrella organization.

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