Instructors
forestART
Our instructors are the heart of what we do. Coming from diverse corners of the globe, they bring a wealth of expertise, passion and cultural perspectives to every program. Each instructor is a dedicated professional in their field, from nature exploration and creative arts to wellness and education.
Together, they inspire learning, foster connection and create unforgettable experiences for kids, families, and communities. Whether leading workshops or guiding outdoor adventures, our instructors are here to share their knowledge and enthusiasm, making forestART a place of growth and discovery for all.
Our Instructors
M. Craig Campbell
Said to Craig one day, "You create because you have to create. You like the feel of metal, you like the potential in metal. You like simplicity in your designs because the metal itself has something to say. You like the noise, the smells, the fire, and the weight of what you do. You like to open the doors and let people wander in. You like to talk about what you do. You never tire of telling people about the material, techniques, joinery and finishes. You like to teach. You want to learn."
Craig began blacksmithing in 1992 at the Western Development Museum in Saskatoon. A hobby that became a passion and then a career, blacksmithing has taken him across Canada and across oceans. Craig looks forward to sharing his knowledge with you at Ness Creek.
Upcoming Workshop
-
Coming soon
Jenny Ambrose
Jenny Ambrose is a lifelong sewist and creative entrepreneur who believes that everyone should have the opportunity to learn valuable skills like sewing, regardless of where they live or go to school. Sewing has been an integral part of her life; it has helped her find her path, earn a living, and build strong connections with others. She is passionate about helping students discover the joy of creating things they never thought possible. With over 15 years of teaching experience, she has mentored many students aspiring to pursue a career in this field. Throughout her career, she has held various roles, including fashion designer, tailor, small business owner, and program coordinator. Jenny now resides in Big River and is proud to serve on the board of the Jack Millikin Centre. Additionally, she is privileged to contribute to the empowerment of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities through her work with Soaring Circle.
Upcoming Workshop​
-
Sewing Retreat November 21-23, 2025
Elsie Hartnett
Elsie Hartnett is a self-taught artist who has been creating art since childhood. Her love for painting deepened during her time at university, where she minored in art as part of her education degree. Over the years, Elsie has cultivated her passion through various avenues, including running forest art camps for kids and participating in paint workshops and art nights at Ness Creek and the Jack Millikin Centre. She has also completed numerous private commissions and murals. The natural beauty of Ness Creek and its surrounding landscape has long been a source of inspiration for Elsie's work, which often reflects her connection to nature. She is excited to lead this special Valentine's Van Gogh Paint Night, where she can share her love of art and creativity with others.
Upcoming Workshop
Jessica Deback
Jess Deback is a prairie born mixed media artist living on Treaty 6 Territory in Saskatoon Sk. Her artwork draws inspiration from the textures and rhythms of everyday life, often weaving together various materials and techniques. In addition to her personal artistic practice, Jess is passionate about nurturing creativity in others. She teaches art classes for children and hosts painting events for both kids and adults that help everyone have fun and tap into their inner artist. When not creating art, Jess spends her time hanging out with her partner, two teenage sons and their neurotic German Sheppard named Moose.
Upcoming Workshop
Melanie Monique Rose
Melanie Monique Rose is a Metis/Ukrainian visual artist from Regina, Saskatchewan Treaty 4 Territory, a citizen of the Metis Nation of Saskatchewan, and a long-time contributing member of Sâkêwêwak Artists’ Collective Inc. Rose’s work centres on kinship and relationships between the land, ourselves and each other. Through plants and flowers Rose invites transmissions of ancestral knowledge and teachings while also imagining and creating a de-colonial future through the lens of Metis world views.
Upcoming Workshop
-
Winter Felting in the Forest - March 8+9, 2025
Tyler Dies
Since 2008, Humboldt-based blacksmith Tyler Dies has been crafting artistic hand-forged metalwork. In 2022, after 21 years of experience in welding and fabrication, he made the decision to pursue blacksmithing full-time and launched Tyler Dies Forge & Fabrication. Tyler spent 13 years working at PAMI, an agricultural machinery research and development company, where he gained a deep understanding of precision and functionality in fabrication.
In recent years, he has focused on creative projects, including custom commissions and large-scale installations, skillfully blending traditional blacksmithing techniques with modern design. His portfolio includes a range of projects, from intricate interior countertop supports to large exterior railings. Recently, Tyler has worked on sculptures and forged pieces that showcase his creative vision and exceptional craftsmanship.
Upcoming Workshop
-
July 8-11th, 2025