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
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Coming soon
Jenny Ambrose
Upcoming Workshop
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ForestART Winter Kids Camp Jan 1-2, 2025
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Sewing November 21-23, 2025
Upcoming Workshop
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ForestART Winter Kids Camp Jan 1-2, 2025
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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
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Winter Felting in the Forest - March 8+9, 2025