Artistry in Action is designed to provide a platform for artists to create, demonstrate, and discuss their work while interacting with an engaged audience. Artists will work in their chosen medium, whether it’s painting, sculpture, textiles, or any other form of craft or visual art. Visitors will have the chance to observe the artist’s process up close and ask questions about their practice, techniques, and inspirations.

A musical performance will accompany the day to not only add to the ambiance but also showcase yet another artist and medium. Space will also be provided for local art groups to educate the public about their programming and initiatives. 

Join us for this free event and learn more about the variety of artists we have right here in our backyard!

This project is funded by the department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage.

March 22 | Museum of Industry

Join us Saturday March 22 from 11am-4pm at the Museum of Industry (147 N Foord St, Stellarton) for a fantastic line up of artists and collectives!

Artist Demonstrations

Sean Benton | Painting

Sean Benton is an artist and university teacher working in Nova Scotia, CA. Sean currently teaches in the art department at St. Francis Xavier University and has taught art at Acadia University. Sean holds a diploma in Visual and Creative Arts from Sheridan College, a Bachelor of Art (Studio Art) from Brock University, and a Master of Education from the University of Ottawa. Painting is his primary artistic practice, where he examines the ongoing relationship between colour, value, and shape. His secondary practice is playing and writing music on guitar.

Benoît Paradis | Drawing

Originally from Montréal, Québec, Benoît Paradis moved to Pictou, Nova Scotia, in April 2022. He grew up with a pencil in his hand as a medium of expression. Books, comics and cartoons on television feed my imagination and covered the sheet of paper. Studies in mechanical design drawing followed by a career in aerospace design did not satisfy his artistic thirst. Benoît began to study Visual Arts at Cégep du Vieux Montréal and subsequently Film Animation at Concordia University, which recognized his talent by awarding him prizes and mentions.

Allyson Rousseau | Weaving

Allyson is a self-taught fibre artist, weaver, and author based out of Pictou, Nova Scotia. For the last 10 years of her weaving practice, she has experimented with colour gradients and patterning using rya knots. Allyson uses simple tools and techniques and materials from a collection of thrifted fibres. Up until the birth of her daughter in 2022, she created work solely for the joy that it brought her. She is currently working on large-scale projects related to themes of motherhood and the challenges that this role presents to her life as an artist.  

Camilla Thompson | Writing

Camilla Thompson is an author, educator and entertainer with Sunnyside Self Wellness. Visiting classrooms and communities across Canada, Camilla introduces people of all ages and abilities to writing and wellness practices that help her increase the peace, positivity, health and happiness in her life.

Camilla has visited over 100 classrooms to share her first book, Skating Late, performing for over 3000 students across the province and beyond. Her second book, Nova Scotia Bummer, is due to be released this summer. She has worked with national literacy organizations, provincial departments of early childhood education, and youth serving organizations, fostering a love of learning and a belief in the magic of mindset!

Grateful for the opportunity to participate in Creative Pictou County’s Artistry in Action event, Camilla looks forward to sharing the tools and tricks that spark her imagination and bring her ideas to life on the page. Her interactive demonstration will inspire community members of all ages to develop their own writing and wellness practices, and she looks forward to sharing stories and answering questions about her craft.

Cheryl Denny | Beading

Bio coming soon

Patrick Walsh | Musician 

Pat Walsh performs your favorite hits, B-sides, and even deep cuts that will take you on a nostalgic trip from the 1960’s to the 1990’s. With his own twist on the songs and a unique voice, Pat presents an original spin on a one-man acoustic gig and showcases his own song-writing for those listening for originality.

Artist Collectives

SNAPS (Scotsburn Northumberland Amateur Photography Society) is the local photography club here in Pictou County. We began as a small group more than 12 years ago and now have an annual membership of about 40. We consist of a wide variety of interests, ages and skill levels and meet monthly for presentations, hands on learning and group outings. We also have an active Facebook page with around 1000 members. We’re friendly, informal and open to anyone with an interest in photography.

The Rug Hooking Guild of Nova Scotia (RHGNS)  is built on a sense of community and passion. Their mission is to to promote the art and craft of traditional rug hooking, through participation and sharing of information; and, in the process, preserve it for posterity.

The Westville Heritage Art Group meets on Friday afternoons from September to May in the Heritage Room at the Westville Town Office. They are a group of artists who paint, draw, and create in various media. They meet from 1-3 pm and the cost for yearly membership is $5.

On one magnificent evening, dozens of artists gather throughout historic downtown New Glasgow to display their art – be it painting, sculpture, music, or any other form of human creativity, imagination, and self-expression. Spectators gather and hop around from venue to venue taking in all the evening has to offer before heading home tired but enriched by the experience.

New Glasgow’s Art at Night seeks to promote New Glasgow’s rich and ever-growing arts community. Our art not only inspires our local culture but also takes inspiration from it and it is through this circular process that we further define ourselves through our art.