Edward Pickering and Shauna Seabrook stand as the creative pillars behind SHED-Studio, a dynamic and evolving mini-exhibition space nestled within the pastoral landscape of Chetwyn Farms in Prince Edward County. Drawing from deep wells of experience in fashion, design, and retailing for non-profits across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the duo is forging a fresh vision for fibre arts and visual creativity—one that is as intimate as it is ever-changing.

Backgrounds Rooted in Creativity and Community

Edward Pickering and Shauna Seabrook’s backgrounds tell a story of innovation, dedication, and a commitment to artistic excellence. Both have spent formative years in the vibrant sectors of fashion and design, gaining an acute understanding of material, process, and aesthetic. Their professional journeys have not just been about commerce or craft, but about leveraging creativity for the greater social good.

In the competitive world of fashion, Shauna honed her eye for detail and developed a passion for the tactile pleasures of fabric and form. Edward, meanwhile, cultivated a unique approach to design that balances visual flair with functionality. Their collaborative work in the non-profit retail sector of the GTA exposed them to the power of art and design as agents of change—whether by supporting local artisans, promoting sustainable practices, or curating experiences that uplift communities.

The Genesis of SHED-Studio

Inspired by their rich backgrounds and intent on creating a new fibre-arts hub, Edward and Shauna launched SHED-Studio at Chetwyn Farms. Set against the bucolic backdrop of Prince Edward County—a region known for its artistic communities and agricultural roots—SHED-Studio embodies the intersection of tradition and innovation.

The very name “SHED” evokes a sense of rustic authenticity, recalling the humble outbuildings that dot rural landscapes. Yet, within its walls, visitors discover a space transformed: whitewashed timber, natural light filtering through wood-slat windows, and displays that rotate regularly to surprise and delight. SHED-Studio is not a static gallery, but an alive, breathing space—one that changes with the seasons, the artists, and the community it serves.

Vision: Fibre Arts as Living Dialogue

At the heart of Edward and Shauna’s vision is an abiding belief in the power of fibre arts to tell stories, forge connections, and reimagine traditions. Fibre arts—encompassing everything from felting and weaving to innovative mixed-media works—are, to them, a living dialogue between past and present.

Their approach is to curate exhibitions and experiences that honour the heritage of traditional textile crafts while also pushing boundaries into contemporary art. A felted landscape may hang beside a bold, abstract tapestry. Sculptural installations, wearable art, and experimental pieces are all given a home within the compact SHED-Studio’s walls. The result is an eclectic, ever-changing visual feast that encourages visitors to look closer, ask questions, and engage with the tactile world around them.

The Importance of Intimacy and Change

One of the defining features of SHED-Studio is its intimacy. Unlike larger, impersonal galleries or museums, SHED-Studio offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the art and interact with creators directly. Edward and Shauna often host “meet the artist” events, workshops, and artists Opeinings, fostering a sense of belonging and community spirit.

The curatorial philosophy is deliberately dynamic: no two visits to SHED-Studio are ever the same. New artists and collectives are invited to exhibit regularly, and pop-up installations enliven the space at unexpected intervals. This commitment to change ensures that SHED-Studio remains vibrant and relevant, reflecting the shifting landscape of contemporary fibre arts and the evolving tastes of its audience.

Fostering Community Through Art

Community engagement lies at the core of Edward and Shauna’s mission. SHED-Studio is not just a venue for display; it is a gathering point for artists, makers, and art lovers throughout Prince Edward County and beyond. By forging partnerships with local farms, artists, and cultural organizations, they create programming that is accessible, educational, and inclusive.

Small, curated workshops invite participants to try their hand at felting, dyeing, or weaving, guided by both established masters and emerging talents. Artist talks and panel discussions provide insight into creative processes and the challenges facing contemporary makers. Public events are often accompanied by local food, music, and the ever-present sense of hospitality that defines Prince Edward County.

A Sustainable Ethos

Edward and Shauna’s shared commitment to sustainability is woven into every aspect of SHED-Studio. Many of the fibre artworks on display use locally sourced wool, plant-based dyes, or recycled materials. The studio itself is an exercise in upcycling: a once-forgotten farm outbuilding repurposed into a beacon of creativity.

Partnerships with local farms and fibre producers reinforce the studio’s dedication to “slow art” and mindful making. Visitors are encouraged to think about where materials come from, how they are transformed, and the value of supporting local economies.

Influence of the Greater Toronto Area

Edward and Shauna’s experiences in the GTA continue to inform their work at SHED-Studio. The metropolitan pulse of Toronto—the diversity, the pace, the sense of possibility—is balanced by the tranquility and slower rhythms of rural Prince Edward County. This blend of urban and rural perspectives enables them to attract both local artists and city-based talent, enriching the cultural tapestry of the region.

Their involvement with non-profit retailing in the GTA including Harbourfront Centre - Craft Studios www.Harbourfront Centre.com - The Canadian Museums Association www.museums.ca and Craft Ontario - craftontario.com  along with articles in the Toronto Star - www.thestar.com and Globe style www.theglobeandmail.com  has gained them understanding where accessibility remains a key value. SHED-Studio makes a conscious effort to break down barriers between “fine art” and “craft,” offering exhibition opportunities to artists at all stages of their careers while eliminating admission fees keeping the experience both accessible and affordable – though donations are always appreciated.

Looking Forward: An Expanding Vision

The future of SHED-Studio is as open and promising as the county skies above Chetwyn Farms. Edward and Shauna are already planning to expand their programming: artist residencies, seasonal festivals, collaborative projects with local businesses, and educational initiatives for youth and adults alike. They see SHED-Studio not just as an exhibition space, but as a seedbed for artistic growth and cultural exchange.

Their dream is to see fibre arts and related visual expressions take their rightful place within the broader art world, celebrated for their complexity, beauty, and power to unite people. As SHED-Studio continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to what happens when creative minds, strong community ties, and a passion for art converge in one small but extraordinary space.

Conclusion

Edward Pickering and Shauna Seabrook have created much more than a studio space —they have shaped a living, breathing work of art in itself. SHED-Studio at Chetwyn Farms is an invitation to engage, create, and connect. Whether you are an artist, collector, or simply a lover of beautiful things, the studio promises discovery, inspiration, and a sense of belonging. In the hands of Edward and Shauna, the future of fibre arts in Prince Edward County is bright, inviting, and infinitely creative.