MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning

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MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning

The MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning provides an alternative, creative learning environment for youth between 12 and 19 years old.

06/19/2026

🌱⚓ Check out the incredible planter boxes created by participants in our Boat School program this Spring!
Over 8 weeks, participants learned how to safely use a variety of hand tools and power tools to build their own wooden planter boxes from scratch. Once construction was complete, youth transformed their planters into unique works of art using paint, paint markers, and reclaimed nautical rope generously donated by Coastal Action.

Each planter reflects the creativity and personality of its maker, and we're excited to add them to the MacPhee garden space this summer. 🌿🎨

These new planters will help us continue expanding our garden while serving as a lasting reminder of the skills, creativity, and hard work of this term's Boat School crew!

06/17/2026

Explore this week’s incredible lineup—Art-a-Thon is buzzing with creativity! From poetry to jewelry, painting to ceramics, wellness to drawing, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it—register now!

Word Play Poetry with Margaret: Thursday, June 18 @ 6:30 pm
Printmaking with Lee: Saturday, June 20 @ 1 pm
Ceramics with Sam: Sunday, June 21 @ 1 pm
Jam Session with Ian and Stu: Monday, June 22 @ 6:30 pm
Surreal Bodies with Silas: Tuesday, June 23 @ 6:30 pm
Jewelry with Sophie: Thursday, June 25 @ 6:30 pm
Somatic Arts with Allison: Sunday, June 28 @ 1 pm

Check out the full workshop schedule and register: https://macpheecentre.ca/art-a-thon/

06/11/2026

On May 21, 2026, our friends and partners at Woodlawn High School hosted a beautiful and vibrant Mawio’mi, bringing students, educators, and community members together to celebrate Mi’kmaq culture, history, resilience, and community.

The day was filled with traditional drumming, dancing, ceremonies, storytelling, art, and opportunities for learning and connection. It was inspiring to see so many people come together to honour and celebrate the rich traditions and living culture of the Mi’kmaq people.

The MacPhee Centre was honoured to contribute to this special event through the work of our talented facilitator, Roberta Hibbert. Drawing on her incredible skills in textiles and sewing, Roberta created a one-of-a-kind handmade ribbon skirt for Woodlawn High School—a meaningful piece that will remain with the school and be shared with students for years to come.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the organizers, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, facilitators, staff, and students who helped make this gathering such a welcoming and joyful experience.

We look forward to continuing this partnership and supporting future Mawio’mi celebrations at Woodlawn High School.

Wela’lin. ❤️🖤💛🤍

06/10/2026

This week’s lineup is packed with fresh ways to create, connect, and have fun! Art-a-Thon continues with inspiring workshops for adults—each one supports free youth arts programming. Don’t miss out—see what’s new and register today.

Artist Trading Card with Lindsay: Sunday, June 14
Jam Session with Ian and Stu: CHANGED to Monday, June 22 @ 6:30 pm
Word Play Poetry with Margaret: Thursday, June 18 @ 6:30 pm
Printmaking with Lee: Saturday, June 20 @ 1 pm
Ceramics with Sam: Sunday, June 21 @ 1 pm
Be creative. Build community. Support youth.

Register today: https://macpheecentre.ca/art-a-thon/

06/08/2026

Join us this Thursday at the MacPhee Centre from 6-8pm for our Program Celebration (with presentations beginning at 6:30pm)!

This is one of our favourite evenings of the year — a chance to come together and celebrate the creativity, growth, and accomplishments of the young people in our Winter and Spring Term programs. The evening will include:

🎤 Improv and Musical performances
🪴 Tours of our community garden
🎨 Art Show
🎉 Scholarship and Leadership Awards
🍿 Light Refreshments

06/05/2026

As our Spring Term programs wrapped up, youth from several MacPhee Centre programs had the opportunity to take their learning beyond our walls and experience some incredible community spaces firsthand.

Participants in our Printmaking program visited the Graphic and Print Studio at Nova Scotia Community College, where they got an inside look at the world of professional printing. Youth toured the facility, learned about the equipment and processes used in the industry, and even had stickers created from their own original print designs!

Youth in our GSA program spent time with repersentatives at McInnes Cooper, learning about legal Trans ID clinic options and participating in a thoughtful creative activity exploring boundaries, rights, and the law.

Meanwhile, youth in our SHOUT! songwriting program stepped into a professional recording studio at the African Nova Scotian Music Association (ANSMA). After weeks of writing and developing an original song together, participants recorded their final performances using the same high-quality equipment trusted by industry professionals.

These experiences help young people see where their creativity, skills, and passions can take them. We're grateful to all of our community partners who open their doors, share their expertise, and help inspire the next generation.

A huge thank you to NSCC, McInnes Cooper, and ANSMA for welcoming our youth and making these memorable experiences possible. 💙

06/04/2026

For many years, the MacPhee Centre has been proud to partner with the IWK’s AIS (Adolescent Intensive Services) program, welcoming youth into our creative spaces to explore art, build confidence, and discover new ways to express themselves.

Over the past two sessions, facilitator Carmen MacKenzie introduced participants to charcoal drawing using an innovative “X method.” Rather than relying on traditional grids, youth learned to break down reference images into simple shapes and sections, focusing on tone, form, and observation before moving into the finer details.

The results were remarkable.

We watched youth create realistic charcoal drawings that genuinely surprised them, sparking a sense of pride and accomplishment in their work. One participant shared that many art activities can feel frustrating and often leave them wanting to give up, but that this process felt relaxing and helped them create a piece they were truly proud of.

Moments like these remind us why creative opportunities matter. Art can build confidence, encourage perseverance, and provide a meaningful outlet for self-expression.

We are incredibly grateful for our ongoing partnership with the IWK AIS team and always look forward to welcoming their youth to the MacPhee Centre. 💙

06/03/2026

Art-a-Thon is in full swing—but only for a few more weeks! Don’t miss your chance to get creative, meet new people, and support youth art programming. Join the fun and help shape the future of our community!

Jewelry with Sophie: Thursday, June 4 @ 6:30 pm
Zine-Making with Varrick: Saturday, June 6 @ 1 pm
Artist Trading Card with Lindsay: Tuesday, June 9 and Sunday, June 14

Check out the full workshop schedule and register: https://macpheecentre.ca/art-a-thon/

06/02/2026

Are you running programs this summer with youth between the ages of 12-19? Does your community group want to make cool art projects? We have a number of days dedicated to running outreach programs with community groups and would love to collaborate! If you would like to learn more about bringing your group of the MacPhee Centre reach out to [email protected]

06/01/2026

Registration is now OPEN for our ☀️🎭 Summer Term! 🎨😎

Get ready for a summer packed with art making magic, and choose between full week, multi-day, weekly or single workshops!! ✨

Registration is *not* first-come, first-served. Everyone is added to a wait list and our program team works hard to make sure everyone gets into a program! 🧑🏼‍🐰‍🧑🏾

Just make sure you register by Tuesday, June 16!
We’ll confirm all registrations by June 20.

And remember, all of programs are completely FREE to attend! 🤩

Head on over to our website (link in bio) and sign up today! ✅

Address

50 Queen Street
Dartmouth, NS
B2Y1G1

Telephone

+19024692851

Website

http://www.macpheecentre.ca/

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