AX: The Arts & Culture Centre of Sussex

06/19/2026

We’d like to extend a warm welcome to Jenna Ross who is our artist-in-residence until the end of August!

While Jenna is with us she will be working on a line of work, teaching some workshops, and selling her work in the AX Boutique! We are super happy to have her join us at AX!

“As it turns out, I love getting my hands dirty. The walls of my home are even (intentionally) covered in clay. I continue to be amazed at all the things this wonderful material can do.
I’ve been drawn to the magical art of clay shape-shifting on the wheel from a blob to a form since I first watched a potter as a kid.
My own pottery pieces are made using a wheel that gets its power from the sun, and trimmed on a wheel powered by my kicking foot. Once the pots are dried they’re brought to my nearby kiln for grid-electric firing. Some of my work uses hand building (though my true love is the wheel).
I find inspiration in gardens, forest, local hills and the joy of creating functional art. I try to bring care & beauty to every piece and hope this is felt when folks hold my pots in their own hands. Nothing tickles me more than thinking of my work becoming a part of someone else’s everyday life.”
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06/18/2026

Opening tomorrow night at 630pm!

Flora III brings together a group of award-winning artists from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia whose work explores the theme of nature and plant life across a range of craft disciplines. Working in wood, iron, plant fibre, clay, glass, textiles, and fine metals, the artists create pieces that reflect both individual approaches and shared inspiration drawn from the natural world.

The exhibition highlights the social and artistic connections between these makers, illustrating how material, process, and environment intersect in contemporary craft practices. Flora III celebrates a collective reverence for nature while showcasing the breadth and excellence of fine craft in Atlantic Canada.
Featuring work by Judy Blake, Vincent Briggs, Cat Candow, Brigitte Clavette, Caoife Garvey, Alexa Jaffurs, Heather Peacock, Adam McNamara,Caroline Simpson, and Ralph Simpson, Flora III will be on view from June 19 through August 22 at AX.

The AX Exhibition Series would not be possible without the support of the New Brunswick Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture.
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06/17/2026

What to Expect at TONIGHT’s DIY Disco!🪩

Part craft night, part dance party, and entirely unlike your average night out, DIY Disco is a creative social experience where making and moving go hand in hand.
Expect a live DJ spinning an upbeat mix of dancefloor favourites while you settle in with a craft project, a drink, and your friends. Bring your own craft (BYOC) or choose from a selection of nostalgic, millennial-inspired craft kits available for purchase. Whether you’re stringing friendship bracelets, getting lost in a creative project, or taking a break to hit the dance floor, DIY Disco is all about creating your own perfect night.

Feeling extra nostalgic? 90s-style hair wraps will also be available on site, bringing back one of the most iconic accessories of the decade. Add a pop of colour to your summer look and relive a little childhood magic while you’re at it.

To keep the good vibes flowing, delicious craft brews from Sussex Ale Works will be on tap throughout the evening, alongside great food offerings from 6Hundred. Whether you’re craving a cold drink, a tasty bite, or both, you’ll have everything you need for the ultimate summer night out.

No crafting experience is required—just come ready to make something, meet new people, and enjoy a fun, low-pressure atmosphere filled with great music, creative energy, and good company.

Craft. Dance. Sip. Create. Repeat.
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06/16/2026

Join us this summer for 7 weeks of creative fun! From June 30 to August 14, our art workshops will run from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM. Workshops for children ages 6–9 will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while ages 10–13 will meet on Wednesdays and Fridays.

These workshops are a wonderful opportunity for kids to explore their creativity, build confidence, and learn valuable artistic skills and techniques in a fun and supportive environment. Each class will introduce a new theme or topic, encouraging hands-on learning through a variety of exciting art projects and educational activities.

A range of workshops will be offered throughout the summer, with prices ranging from $20–$30, and all materials included.

Parents/Guardians are asked to prepare a snack for their kid(s) during the workshop. (6-9 ages)

Registration is open! Please click the link in our bio, visit axartscentre.ca, in person at 12 Maple Ave., or call us at 506-433-8351 to register!
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06/15/2026

We are super excited to share this collaboration we have been working on with the town of Sussex, NB, the Sussex Downtown Business Association, and Sussex Ale Works! Get ready to enjoy some free music at Leonard's Gate this summer!

Discover your summer sound, in The Gate Outdoors!☀️

Sussex, get ready—this summer, Leonard’s Gate transforms into an open-air stage for a brand-new free concert series unlike anything the town has seen before.

A collaboration between the Town of Sussex, the Sussex DBA, Sussex Ale Works, and AX, Arts & Culture Centre of Sussex, The Gate Outdoors brings your summer soundtrack to life in the heart of downtown.

For five Saturdays, Leonard’s Gate will pulse with live music under open skies, featuring an electric mix of local favourites and ECMA-nominated artists. These nights are built around sound, summer air, craft beer and community energy—more than concerts, they’re shared summer moments where the whole town gathers, the sun sets late, and the music carries well into the night.

This is your invitation to experience Sussex in a whole new way. Bring your friends, bring your lawn chair, and get ready for a summer you won’t forget.

Full lineup and details coming soon—stay tuned 🎶☀️
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06/13/2026

Our first event is coming THIS WEDNESDAY at Sussex Ale Works Taproom and we CAN. NOT. WAIT.

We want to give you a quick intro to our DJ so we’re all friends when you come in! Ultraterrestrial will be serving up the hottest dance floor hits and make sure the vibe stays high!

Haven’t got your tickets yet? They are still available via the link in our bio or at axartscentre.ca! (While you’re there, grab your tickets for the July 8th event at Yip Cider!) Extra craft kits will be available on site as well! We can’t wait to see you Wednesday night!
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06/10/2026

Flora III brings together a group of award-winning artists from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia whose work explores the theme of nature and plant life across a range of craft disciplines. Working in wood, iron, plant fibre, clay, glass, textiles, and fine metals, the artists create pieces that reflect both individual approaches and shared inspiration drawn from the natural world.

The exhibition highlights the social and artistic connections between these makers, illustrating how material, process, and environment intersect in contemporary craft practices. Flora III celebrates a collective reverence for nature while showcasing the breadth and excellence of fine craft in Atlantic Canada.
Featuring work by Judy Blake, Vincent Briggs, Cat Candow, Brigitte Clavette, Caoife Garvey, Alexa Jaffurs, Heather Peacock, Adam McNamara,Caroline Simpson, and Ralph Simpson, Flora III will be on view from June 19 through August 22 at AX.

The AX Exhibition Series would not be possible without the support of the New Brunswick Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture.
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06/09/2026

Join us October 1–4 for the AX Atlantic Ceramics Conference: Surface Matters—four inspiring days dedicated to the art, craft, and innovation of ceramic surface design. Bringing together ceramic artists, educators, students, and enthusiasts from across Atlantic Canada and beyond, this biennial gathering explores the endless possibilities of decoration, texture, colour, carving, glazing, and mark-making in clay.

Through artist talks, demonstrations, hands-on workshops, studio and bus tours, and networking events, Surface Matters celebrates the surfaces that transform functional objects into powerful works of art. Whether you’re an emerging maker or an established ceramic artist, the conference offers a unique opportunity to learn from leading voices in contemporary ceramics, connect with fellow makers, and immerse yourself in the vibrant Atlantic ceramics community.

Hosted by the Arts & Culture Centre of Sussex, the AX Atlantic Ceramics Conference is the only event of its kind in Atlantic Canada, fostering collaboration, creativity, and professional development within the region’s growing ceramics sector.

Registration launches July 3 at 12pm. Mark your calendars and join us for an incredible weekend of celebrating clay!
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