Each year, the Quoddy Quilters, a talented quilting and crafting group based in Charlotte County, NB, come together to celebrate their craft through a vibrant quilt show and raffle. Their efforts support the Quoddy Quilters Scholarship, an annual award dedicated to empowering students from Charlotte County pursuing their studies at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design (NBCCD). This scholarship not only fosters creative growth but also strengthens the connection between traditional crafts and emerging artists.
From Ontario roots to the shores of New Brunswick, the journey of this year’s Quoddy Quilters Scholarship recipient, Deanna Rose, reflects both tradition and transformation. Having moved to St. Stephen, NB, a decade ago to complete an undergraduate degree. Deanna spent recent summers working at Bantry Bay Farm. Seeking a creative outlet during the off-season, she discovered the Foundation Visual Arts (FVA) Online program at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design (NBCCD).
“The online option felt like a perfect fit for my lifestyle,” she shared. “I’ve always loved crafting, and the FVA program offered the opportunity to take that passion further.”
The Quoddy Quilters Scholarship, funded through the dedication of the Charlotte County quilting and crafting community, has provided more than just financial support—it has deepened the recipient’s connection to their craft and their creative journey.
“I learned about the scholarship through an NBCCD staff member who encouraged me to apply as someone from Charlotte County. It’s an incredible feeling to be supported by such a talented and generous community,” Deanna said.
Since starting the program, Deanna has experienced significant personal and artistic growth. “I’ve always enjoyed crafting but never considered myself an artist. Being surrounded by like-minded peers and supportive instructors has given me the confidence to explore my creativity further. I’ve improved my design understanding and drawing skills and feel like I’ve finally found my artistic voice.”
A descendant of quilters and garment makers, Deanna also sees traditional crafts like quilting as integral to their work moving forward. “I think traditional crafts play an important role in our culture. They connect us to our past and hold a sense of authenticity in a mass-produced world. For me, exploring quilting strenghtens my bond with my family and keeps those skills alive for future generations.”
The FVA Online program has been instrumental in this evolution. “The instructors are amazing. They balance constructive feedback with encouragement, helping me see the value in my work. And even though my classmates and I are in different locations, the connections we’ve built are incredibly supportive. It’s like being part of a virtual creative community.”
Deanna also highlighted the program’s accessibility and flexibility for those considering enrollment. “If you’re unsure, just try it. Even one semester has made a difference in my creativity and confidence. As a mature student, I’ve been able to manage part-time work alongside the workload, and the online classes make it easy to participate from anywhere.”
For Deanna, NBCCD has been a transformative experience—one that bridges tradition with personal growth and creates a foundation for a bright, creative future.
Foundation Visual Arts is a one-year certificate program that offers students a wide-ranging overview of the practice, theory and history of the visual arts and is achieved over two semesters. A solid technical grounding and an understanding of the conceptual framework of visual art is learned through a hands-on, project-based curriculum.
At NBCCD, we believe in nurturing creativity, innovation, and strong business skills, ensuring that our graduates are not just skilled artisans but also savvy entrepreneurs, ready to make their mark in the ever-evolving world of craft and design.