The Fredericton Region Museum is pleased to host its second Artist in Residence program. Made possible by a grant from the City of Fredericton Arts Culture & Heritage project, this program seeks to inspire artists with Fredericton’s diverse and rich heritage. The program is open to local artists, working in a visual media, whose work relates to Fredericton’s history. The Museum will hold a reception on Monday, July 28 at 7:00 for this summer’s Artists in Residence. All are welcome to come out to meet and view the works of painter, Derek Davidson and rug-hooker, Mary Grant.

Derek Davidson is an emerging artist who raised in Devon, England. He moved to Fredericton in 1978 in order to pursue a master’s degree at UNB. He began to paint when his children were young and is mostly self-taught. His paintings bear similarities to those of Renoir whose grandson spoke with Derek while he was in France. Davidson is an active member of Fredericton’s arts community and has his own website, derekart.tumblr.com. He has been engaged in painting activities and artefacts around the museum.

Mary Grant, the second artist begins her residency in August. Since her retirement, Grant has enjoyed developing and teaching the historic craft of rug hooking. She is now a certified instructor. Rug hooking is in the genes of Grant whose grandmothers also rug-hooked. However, she quips, “My mom’s mom hated it because it was a necessity and did not fulfill her as an artist.” Mary became interested in the craft after her unsuccessful search to join a quilting guild led her to a rug hooking display where she signed up for a beginner’s course. Twelve years later, Grant is an accomplished artisan who is a member of two rug hooking guilds. Mary Grant will occupy a gallery room in the museum from August 11-26 where she will be creating rugs and teaching visitors how to do the same.

The Fredericton Region Museum wishes to thank the City of Fredericton who made this program possible. The FRM is a non-profit organization dedicated to the collection, preservation and interpretation of local history. Hours of operation are Sunday -Saturday from 10am until 5pm throughout the months of July and |August. Hours are limited during the rest of the year; April-June and September –November from 1pm-4pm, December-March is by appointment or by chance.