Lunenburg School of the Arts

Stop by the gallery tomorrow, Saturday, August 22nd, between 12 - 4pm. Our exhibiting artist, Heather Sayeau, will be here to tell you about her latest body of work, "Wallflowers."

The application deadline for our Artist-in-Residence program is just one week away. Visit our website for more details and to learn how to apply: lunenburgarts.org/artist-in-residence

The application deadline for our Artist-in-Residence Winter term is coming up!

WINTER TERM (16 weeks)
Application Deadline: August 28, 2026
All winter term applicants will receive notice on their application status by the end of September 2026.

It is the intent of the our Artist-in-Residence program to provide a space for emerging artists, including recent graduates, to enable them to develop and enhance their practice in their chosen medium and who are interested in placing Lunenburg at the core of their submitted project.

Applications will be reviewed and selections awarded by a committee comprised of directors of our School. The program will host two artists each year, one in each of our two terms; each term will be followed by an artist talk & exhibition of completed works.

Visit on website to learn more and find out how to apply: lunenburgarts.org/artist-in-residence/

Join us on Thursday, September 17 at 7pm for the public lecture “Embracing Constraints” by Matthew Bishop and Lucas McDowell. This series is presented by the South Shore Network of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.

"Since establishing our practice, we’ve developed a mindset that guides how we work: ‘embracing constraint.’ For us, this means working within the given circumstances of each project and developing a design that responds directly to its particular needs. Rather than seeing constraints as limitations, we see them as opportunities to shape a distinct architectural response. As a result, each of our projects are inherently unique to their context, conditions, and requirements.

Within this approach, a central theme has emerged in our work: ‘elevating the ordinary.’ By treating everyday and utilitarian elements in unexpected ways, we transform how they are perceived—revealing new possibilities in the familiar and turning the ordinary things into something considered, meaningful, and special."

Bishop McDowell is a Halifax-based architecture practice founded in 2024 by Matthew Bishop and Lucas McDowell. The studio works across a range of project types, including private residences, commercial developments, and custom furniture.

Before launching their own practice, Matthew and Lucas were associates at MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects. Matthew previously interned with Studio Rick Joy in Tucson, Arizona, and Lucas at Bing Thom Architects in Vancouver, British Columbia. Both hold a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies from Dalhousie University.

Join us on Thursday, September 3rd at 7 PM for the Opening Reception and Artist Talk for “Block Party,” an exhibition by quilt-making extraordinaire and instructor at our School, Marilyn Smulders!

“Block Party is an expression of my love of quilting. I love everything about it: drafting the designs; choosing the colours; sewing, sewing, sewing; and then the actual quilting – the slow, meditative way of stitching the three layers (backing, batting and pieced top) together. I dig the old patterns, how they’ve been around for centuries and yet can still look new and fresh. I admire the innovation of quilters, who can always find a shortcut or a special ruler that makes this slow art zip along. And I appreciate the fellowship of quilters, and wish to acknowledge the friends who welcomed me into their group after my husband and I moved to Mahone Bay.

Over the ages, quilting has served as a creative outlet for women while allowing them to make textiles to keep their families warm. My work falls within the modern traditionalist ethos; I like to re-imagine traditional quilt blocks (such as the Irish chain or log cabin) while embracing bold colour and playing with scale. Most of my work is completely hand quilted, a time-consuming practice which allows me to incorporate text in my quilts.”

Join us next Thursday for the public lecture “Moving Parts” by Yves Paquette.

Thursday, August 27th, 2026, at 7:00p.m. This is a free event, no registration required.

“Moving Parts explores the connection between my artistic career and my teaching philosophy. In this talk, I map my evolution as both a working artist and an educator, sharing how studio breakthroughs and classroom insights constantly shape and redefine each other.”�

Yves Paquette has a background in ceramics and sculpture. Paquette earned his MFA from Ohio University and his BFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. He was named an Emerging Talent by the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts.

Paquette's work has been showcased in solo exhibitions across the Southeastern United States and has been included in numerous national juried exhibitions. In addition to his studio practice, he has created permanent ceramics and sculptural installations in various locations and has shared his expertise through lectures and workshops across the United States, Canada, and Central America.

Our office and gallery are closed today, Monday, August 17, due to unforeseen circumstances.
Registration is available through our website: lunenburgarts.org
Leave us a message via phone or email: [email protected] (902)640-2013

Stop in tomorrow afternoon! The gallery will be open Saturday, August 15th, from 12 - 4pm. Our exhibiting artist, Heather Sayeau, will be in gallery showcasing her latest body of work, “Wallflowers.”

Our Artist-in-Residence application deadline is two weeks aways!

WINTER TERM (16 weeks): February 3, to May 26, 2027
Application Deadline: August 28, 2026
Artist Talk & Exhibit Opening: Thursday, May 27
Final Exhibit: May 27 to June 20, 2027

It is the intent of the our Artist-in-Residence program to provide a space for emerging artists, including recent graduates, to enable them to develop and enhance their practice in their chosen medium and who are interested in placing Lunenburg at the core of their submitted project.

Visit on website to learn more and find out how to apply: lunenburgarts.org/artist-in-residence/

All winter term applicants will receive notice on their application status by the end of September 2026.

One spot has just become available in our previously sold out workshop

“Youth Art Week: Art Makes Kids Awesome! (Ages 8-10)” with Laura Piquado. Mon. – Fri., Aug. 24 – 28 | 10 AM – 4 PM | $335

This awesome five (5) day course offers youth ages 8 – 10 a chance to explore a variety of art mediums and techniques. From drawing, painting and illustration to sculpture, textiles, installation and printmaking, students will work on a number of projects aimed at expressing their individuality, creativity and unique personality.

Students will learn the key techniques in drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, textiles and much more. The week will close with a student-curated exhibition.

Learn more or register by visiting: lunenburgarts.org/workshops/laurapiquado-youthartweek-summer2026/

This September!

“I Saw the Sign: Wooden Sign Carving” with Erin Philp. Wed. – Fri., Sept. 23 – 25 | 10 AM – 4 PM | $325

In this workshop we will design and carve a wooden sign for your home, business or to give as a gift. Concepts covered include the foundations of sign carving, the use of a variety of chisels and knives, as well as basic carving knowledge regarding wood type and grain direction. Students will get to design their sign on a wood blank (come with an idea in mind!) and then move on to carving and finally completing it with discussions on the pros and cons of a variety of finishes. By the end of the workshop you’ll have a sign to hang and enjoy!

All levels are encouraged to register.

Learn more or register by visiting: lunenburgarts.org/workshops/erinphilp-summer2026/