We’ve Been Arting Around!

  • Our Evolution

    When we started our society in 2022, we were a small group of people brainstorming an idea. Today, in 2026, we are settling into our own space, offering and planning all kinds of great programs for our community.

  • The Stewdio

    Our creative and cozy home base, located in the basement of LifePoint Church in Stewiacke, is becoming a busy spot. We hold meetings and do most of our programs here. This multi-functional space is perfect for visual, literary and performing arts.

  • Out and About

    We have all kinds of things happening around our community like pop-up art tables at the local outdoor market, workshops at the river park, community art at the Crawford Trail, a mural at the library and fundraising events at local venues. We will continue to develop programming in the local community.

Community Art

Mural: Stewiacke Branch, Colchester/East Hants Library

In the spring of 2025, our librarians invited us to create a mural at the library in downtown Stewiacke. After tossing some ideas around with library staff, Sarah MacAulay sketched the design out on paper. Sarah and Kamie Branch transferred the drawing to the walls, got the paint and colour-coded the sections for the artists. Then, they invited kids to come in to add the colours. The entire process was so much fun and a great community art initiative that will be enjoyed by visitors to the library for years to come.

See the Chronicle Herald article HERE.

See the Truro News article HERE.

Dramatic Arts

“Seniority Rules” Dinner Theatre and Fundraiser
Provided by: Barbara Moxsom, Shannon MacPhee and the Crew of Volunteers - April, 2024

What a great weekend we had with three shows of 'Seniority Rules'. It takes so many hands to make it work and we are very grateful for all of the volunteers who chipped in! From the creators (writing, directing, production) to the gang in the kitchen, the crew who set up the tables freshly every day, welcomed guests in the lobby, provided sound and lighting, and of course, our amazing actors who also served the meals in between performances. Rising Tides was grateful to have been the recipient of proceeds from this show. Stand by for news about new programs we will be rolling out soon!



Dramatic Arts Sponsorship

“Could You Hug a Cactus?
Sponsored by: Stewiacke Recreation and Rising Tides Arts Society - March, 2024

We were pleased to co-sponsor the Children’s Theatre production that featured a talented case of local children aged 7-12 years old. The play was directed by Hannah Grosvenor, who was assisted by a volunteer crew of parents!

Community Art

Multi-colour Panel Forest Viewer: John Crawford Trail, Stewiacke
Funded by: Town of Stewiacke Microgrant 2024

In 2024, our 'Art in the Park’ project was this multi-colour panel installation facilitated by Kamie Branch. Rising Tides partnered with Smiles and Chuckles daycare to have the kids come install the colorful panels. This was a success for getting the children out to the trail and engaged in the project. The educators have said that they often take the children back to the trail to see their work! All trail users can experience the amazing views provided by looking through the different colour panels. The installation was updated in 2025 to ensure it is sturdy and interactive and was officially designated as a ‘forest quilt’ by Kamie!

Kids and Teens Visual Art

Process Painting
Funded by: South Colchester Community Health Board Wellness Grant 2023/24

In July and August of 2024, we hosted an eight-week, weekly process painting program which attracted participants from our area and even a few from HRM.  Kids enjoyed getting together on Sunday afternoons to paint for a couple of hours.  We had 12-16 participants in each session ages 6-17. The scope of pictures that were created was amazing and feedback was very good. Process painting can offer benefits like boosted creativity, emotional expression, and problem-solving, alongside developing fine motor skills, language, and social skills (sharing, collaboration) by allowing free exploration, sensory engagement, and self-discovery without pressure for a specific outcome and also - it’s just a nice way to spend an afternoon!