After 14 impactful years as SJAC’s Executive Director, our dear friend and colleague Andrew Kierstead will be retiring later this month. At his request, in lieu of a retirement party, he invites friends and well-wishers to contribute to SJAC’s Art Advocacy Fund.

Andrew seeded the fund this fall with a $5,000 donation from the Sheila Hugh Mackay Foundation, which he received as part of its prestigious Arts Advocacy Award in recognition of his decades-long contributions to the arts in New Brunswick. Early in 2026, Andrew will work with SJAC staff and the board to determine the most meaningful way to use the funds. All contributors will receive a tax receipt for their donation.

Contributions can be made in person at the centre or through this link: https://sjartscentre.ca/…/donation-andrews-art…/

The SJAC staff, workshop instructors, and the local arts community will miss having Andrew in this role. We would like to thank Andrew for everything he has done for the Saint John Arts Centre and the artists who exhibit with us.