About AX

Our Building

is located in the heart of Sussex, New Brunswick and includes Knocks Cafe (a licensed restaurant), an outdoor patio, a professional, climate-controlled and secure gallery, a ceramics centre, artists’ studios for rent, and a newly renovated workshop space.

Storm Policy

Weekdays: if school is closed in Anglophone School District South, the AX gallery and office is closed for the day, and events and workshops are cancelled/postponed.

Afternoon and evening events, and weekends: in the event of inclement weather (current or incoming), we will assess on a case-by-case basis and provide information through our telephone voicemail message (506) 433-8351, here on our website, and our Facebook page.

Gallery Rentals

An intimate venue for gatherings of up to 45 people.

AX is pleased to offer gallery rentals (up to 4 hours) of our gallery space or patio to the public at a fee of $175 (including tax) and to non-profit organizations for a fee of $125 (including tax). This does not include catering. Please coordinate catering for your event directly with Knocks Cafe by emailing knockscafe@gmail.com or calling 506-432-5120 Here you can find information on the gallery dimensions. We have 7 plastic folding tables, 45 folding chairs, a screen, projector, and some basic audio equipment that you may borrow, but we ask that you notify us of your needs in advance.

Please call Melanie at 506-433-8351 or email her at execdirector@axartscentre.ca to check availability and book your rental date.

Rental Contract and details here.

Staff and Volunteers

The success of AX hinges on hard work and support from our local community

– we can offer great programming because we have great staff and volunteers. Our volunteers help in countless ways, but here are a few examples: 

  • Serve on committees
  • Help coordinate events
  • Greet gallery visitors
  • Promote arts and culture programming

We're Hiring!

AX, the Arts and Culture Centre of Sussex is seeking a personable and organized Youth Programming Coordinator to help build and implement summer curriculum for local youth through the Canada Summer Jobs program. The successful candidate will spearhead workshops, day programs and all other youth-based events, playing a vital role in fulfilling AX’s strategic objectives and mandate to support, promote and foster arts and culture in the region.

Specific responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

–Aid in youth summer program curriculum building;
–Work directly with children, implementing conceived programming;
–Support the work of the AX staff and volunteers;
– Act as an arts and culture ambassador for AX in the community;
–Light cleaning and sanitizing, maintenance, space organizing;
– Other assigned tasks and projects as required by EAD.

Qualifications: 

–Canadian youth under 29 years of age;
–Some experience with Microsoft Word and Google Docs;
–Ability to work independently and as part of a team; 
–Excellent organizational abilities and project management skills; 
–Excellent interpersonal and communications skills; 
–Ability to work effectively with competing deadlines;
–The ability to anticipate, identify, and resolve issues; 
–Demonstrated tact, diplomacy, sound judgement, and confidentiality;
–Experience working with children as asset;
–Artistic skills are an asset. 

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to Melanie at execdirector@axartscentre.ca. Must be available to start June 3rd.

Melanie Mitton

Executive and Aristic Director

Melanie grew up in Sussex, and after spending half of her life outside of New Brunswick, got tired of missing it and moved back a few years ago. A writer and photographer, she is very excited to be involved with AX and the arts scene back in her hometown.

execdirector@axartscentre.ca

Joelle Martin

Gallery Docent and boutique manager

Joëlle Martin is a visual artist who resides near Fundy National Park in New Brunswick. She specializes in portraying flora, fauna, and found objects in her watercolour artwork, infusing each piece with intricate detail and a vibrant narrative. Joëlle blends antique paints with modern pigments, making her paintings a true chronicle of time and memory. Previously a Makeup Artist with a background in customer service and retail management, she brings valuable experience to her role as Docent and Boutique Manager at AX. She is dedicated to curating enriching experiences for visitors and promoting local arts and culture in the region

docent@axartscentre.ca

Emily Rioux

marketing and programming coordinator

Originally from Rothesay, NB, Emily Rioux is a multidisciplinary artist and arts administrator based in Sussex, New Brunswick. She serves as the Marketing and Programming Coordinator at AX, the Arts and Culture Centre of Sussex, where she is dedicated to fostering creativity and community engagement through innovative arts programming.

Emily is a graduate of the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, where she earned a Certificate in Visual Arts and a Diploma in Metalsmithing and Jewellery Design. Her artistic practice pushes the boundaries of traditional jewellery, focusing on creating full-body, conceptual pieces that challenge the conventional understanding of wearable art.

When she is not working in the arts sector, Emily is a passionate spin coach, who enjoys spending time in nature with her dog.

marketing@axartscentre.ca

Megan Pearson

Boutique Assistant

Megan Pearson is a multimedia artist whose creative practice spans a diverse range of mediums. Holding a BA in English Literature and European History from Mount Allison University, along with a Foundation Visual Arts certificate from the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design (NBCCD), Megan brings a deep appreciation for history and storytelling into her artwork.

Driven by a passion for exploration, Megan constantly seeks to learn new techniques and experiment with different forms of artistic expression. Embracing both traditional methods and digital art, Megan continuously expands her creative horizons, always looking for new ways to challenge herself. Her work is a reflection of her curiosity, her dedication to craft, and her desire to bring personal expression to each piece.

info@axartscentre.ca

Willow Mitton

programming assistant

Born and raised in Sussex, New Brunswick, Willow is a passionate young adult, soon to be graduating from Sussex Regional High school. From a young age, Willow has always been interested in the arts. Whether that be combining creativity and passion to create art works using any medium, or embracing the importance of arts and culture within her community. Willow has volunteered with Ax many times but has officially joined our team as of May 2025, working as our Programing Assistant. 
 
programassistant@axartscentre.ca

Our volunteer Board of Directors

Mark Webster

President

Mark Webster graduated from Acadia University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. After successful careers in Sales (Midland Transport/Cavendish Farms, and the Paper Industry (Rolland Inc/Graphic Papers), Mark entered the investment business in 1991 where he spent the next 30 years working with clientele in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. He sold his practice and retired from Scotia McLeod in 2021. Mark enjoys being active playing hockey and golf, and other general fitness activities and has enjoyed a growing interest in both music and visual arts. A strong proponent of “giving back” and “paying it forward”, Mark has sat on a number of different boards/committees, including Sussex Area Community Foundation, St. Paul’s United Church and Sussex Golf and Curling Club.

Donna Floyd-Hanson

vice President

Donna graduated from UNB Saint John in 1999 with a Bachelor of Business Administration and obtained her CGA designation in 2002. Donna has worked in the accounting industry for more than 20 years, in both industry and public accounting, and in 2009, she opened an accounting firm of her own. Donna is actively involved in her community, currently serving on the Board of the Sussex Regional Library as well as past Chair and Treasurer of the Sussex Area Community Foundation Inc. When she’s not in the office, Donna loves baking and spending time with her husband Derrick as well as family and friends.

Mary Lea Stafford

past President

Mary Lea Stafford obtained a BA from Mount Allison University in 1975 with a major in history and a music minor, in 1976 a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University in Kingston Ontario, and in 1994 a Master of Education from UNB in Fredericton. Mary Lea retired from teaching in 2006 as the Principal of Sussex Elementary, having taught at elementary schools in Rothesay, Sussex Corner, Apohaqui and Sussex for 30 years. She is currently on the Board of the Sussex Public Library and is a former board member of the Sussex Area Community Foundation. Mary Lea is the choir director of St Paul’s United Church and chair of their Worship Committee, and is an active member of the Sussex Golf and Curling Club and Class Act.

Delanie Pearson

Treasurer

Emily O'Donnell

Secretary

Emily O’Donnell has recently completed her post-secondary studies, graduating this year with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education from Université de Moncton. During her time at university, Emily was involved in many groups and associations on campus, as well as with organizations such as French for the Future and Canadian Parents for French. Having previously been a summer student and part-time employee at AX, she is excited to continue being involved in the arts community while beginning her career in education

Peter Powning

Director

Peter has been active in arts and culture organizations for more than forty years. His work has been exhibited on six continents and he has an active studio practice producing public art commissions and gallery exhibitions. Peter is a founding director of AX, was on the founding board and vice president of ArtsLink (Arts Association of New Brunswick) from 2008 – 2012, on the Advisory Council of the NB College of Craft and Design from 2011 – 2015, as well as the New Brunswick Arts Board as vice-chair 1990 – 1991 and the Premier’s Advisory Committee for the Arts, 1987 – 88.

Peter is the recipient of the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for High Achievement in the Arts, in 2017, the 2006 Bronfman Governor General’s Award, and an honorary doctorate from UNB in 2014.

Sloane Ryan

Director

Before joining the AX staff in late 2017 as an Administrative Assistant and Gallery Docent, Sloane attended StFX University where she served as the president of X Pride, a student-led LGBTQ+ advocacy society. Now in Sussex full-time, Sloane works as a brewer at the local microbrewery Sussex Ale Works continues to participate as a member of the AX Creative Writing Group and serves as a board member for the Sussex Downtown Business Association.

Heather McCaig

Director

Heather McCaig is a flameworked glass artist from Ontario, who now lives near Sussex, New Brunswick. In 2019 she transitioned from her production glass line to creating one of a kind fine craft. Heather has received a scholarship to the Pittsburgh Glass Center in the United States and generous support from the New Brunswick Arts Board. In August of 2021, Heather displayed her gallery series titled Shadows, a statement about Canada’s threatened ecosystems and the climate crisis at AX: The Arts and Culture Centre of Sussex. This exhibition was selected by Canadian Heritage and the Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture to represent New Brunswick at the Frankfurt Book Fair in Frankfurt, Germany. Heather’s upcoming solo exhibition Together we Bloom will be on display at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery in November, 2022.

Alyson Scott

Director

Alyson Scott was raised in the small community of Markhamville, located just outside of Sussex NB. Alyson studied fiber arts at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, graduating from the college in 2005 with a diploma in Textiles. After completing her studies at the college, she and her sister Amy opened Legacy Lane Fiber Mill, a custom fiber processing mill. Legacy Lane expanded its services to fiber producers, with a weaving, knitting and dyeing studio. Alyson and Amy also own Legacy Lane Yarn & Gift Shop on Main St in Sussex, which sells a variety of handwoven items, knitwear apparel and many fiber related products. 

 

Sari LaBelle

Director

Laurel Corbett

Director