Sunbury Shores Celebrates 60 Years of Art and Nature in Perfect Harmony

Sunbury Shores Arts & Nature Centre in St. Andrews, New Brunswick is celebrating a significant milestone this year—its 60th anniversary. Founded in 1964 by Dorothy Eidlitz, the centre has long served as a creative haven, blending art with nature in a truly inspiring way. Recently, Executive Director Sara Brinkhurst spoke with Vicki Hogarth on CHCO-TV's *Southwest Magazine* to discuss the centre’s history, upcoming celebratory events, and exciting plans for the future.

The anniversary kicked off with a vibrant '60s-themed party at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre, where guests donned vintage costumes to embrace the spirit of the decade. Reflecting on the event, Brinkhurst shared, “I was absolutely amazed at how many people made the effort and looked so great. It really was a fun event. We had a great time, and I think everyone else did too.”

A key highlight of the celebrations is the “Six Decades of Sunbury Shores” exhibition, running from September 6 to 28, 2024. This diverse showcase of art reflects the centre’s rich history and influence. “We were hoping for 60 artists to mark the 60th, but we’ve ended up with over 100. It’s fantastic. It’s a great-looking show,” Brinkhurst said.

For those unfamiliar with Sunbury Shores, the centre is renowned for its unique fusion of art and nature, a vision crafted by its founder, Dorothy Eidlitz. “All the artwork that comes through Sunbury Shores is based on observations of and experiences in nature. You can’t separate art and nature; they are intrinsically linked,” Brinkhurst explained. This philosophy remains central to the centre’s educational and creative approach.

Beyond its gallery exhibitions, Sunbury Shores has evolved into a community hub, offering a wide range of classes for all ages and skill levels, from beginner to professional. Courses span diverse disciplines like ceramics, printmaking, metalwork, and filmmaking. “We provide classes for all local age groups and schools across Charlotte County, with instructors teaching everyone from amateurs to professional artists,” Brinkhurst noted.

In recent years, the centre has expanded its reach in arts education, offering programs for students from kindergarten to grade 12 in schools throughout the region. These initiatives have reached schools in Milltown, St. Stephen, St. George, Blacks Harbour, Deer Island, Campobello, and Grand Manan. Looking ahead, Brinkhurst shared an ambitious goal: “Our aim is to extend after-school arts programming to every elementary school in Charlotte County, from Campobello to Grand Manan and up to Lawrence Station.”

As Sunbury Shores continues to evolve, it remains focused on the changing needs of the community. “We’re exploring more options for online study to keep things affordable, which is a big issue for many. We’re also broadening the scope of classes we offer, experimenting with different mediums and practices,” Brinkhurst said.

The 60th anniversary is not only a celebration of Sunbury Shores’ past but also a testament to its ongoing impact on the community and its dedication to fostering creativity. “There’s more here than people often realize. We invite everyone to come and experience what Sunbury Shores has to offer,” Brinkhurst concluded.