Our History

Mrs. Dorothy Meigs Eidlitz of Winter Park, Florida, our founder, was a long-time summer resident of St. Andrews. Her idea was to teach people to integrate studies of natural science and art as interdependent sources of inspiration and challenge.

Mrs. Eidlitz believed in the Zen Buddhist concept of harmony between art and nature in the world around her and this belief became the basis for the Sunbury Shores Arts & Nature Centre.

The organization was incorporated as a not-for-profit enterprise in 1964, and after a year’s research into various other similar groups to make sure that Sunbury Shores was not trying to duplicate an already existing organization, “token” programs were offered in the summer of 1965. Larger pilot programs were offered in 1966 including 6 children’s courses, adult courses in weaving, pottery and painting, and various field trips and lectures. And in 1967, Centennial House, a 100 year old renovated general store, was opened year round with the aid of funds provided by friends and relatives of the late Charles Hosmer.

Since that time, Sunbury shores has offered extensive programming in the summer months with students participating not only from New Brunswick but from many distant locales.

Instructors have been many, including Tom and William Forrestall, Toni Onley, Robert Percival, Fred Ross, Luben Boykov, David Silverberg, Molly Lamb Bobak, Tom Smith, Sharon Yates, Jay Dampf and Peter Thomas to name a few.

The Centre has just celebrated its 42nd year of operation!