MERA

Closed for Cleaning
2026-03-10 05:00 - 07:00, 2026-03-17 05:00 - 07:00, 2026-03-24 05:00 - 07:00 (America/Toronto)

Pottery Studio
2026-03-10 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-17 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-24 13:00 - 15:00 | MERA Schoolhouse, McDonald’s Corners
Meeting Space: Pottery Studio (basement)
Contact Person: Lyndal Neelin
We are a joyful group of potters who share space, tools and experience in the basement of the MERA schoolhouse. We are organized as a co-operative, sharing responsibility for making our studio a fun, open, supportive and safe place to enjoy creating works in clay both on and away from the wheel.
Each studio member is encouraged to participate in both individual and collective projects, to contribute to studio maintenance tasks, and to teach and learn from the other potters. MERA potters also organize learning and teaching opportunities in the form of in-house workshops and sessions led by professional potters and contribute to the Annual MERA Christmas Fair.

Pottery Studio
2026-03-11 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-18 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-25 13:00 - 15:00 | MERA Schoolhouse, McDonald’s Corners
Meetings Space: Pottery Studio (basement)
Contact Person: Heather Vriends

MERA's Needle Pushers
2026-03-11 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-18 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-25 13:00 - 16:00
Meeting Space: MERA Room
Contact Person: Bonnie McQuatt
We welcome anyone who might have new techniques or designs to share or perhaps just has a desire to try something new.
Most of the fun of quilting is being with the people we quilt with. Newcomers learn by doing. If you would like to try quilting with us we will share our supplies with you until you figure out if quilting is your thing or not. The requirements for quilting are minimal. Those who have a portable sewing machine, rotary cutter and mat will bring that equipment when we are starting a quilt and we work together cutting out the pattern and assembling the quilt. Once the hand quilting begins each person needs their own thimble, scissors and quilting needles.

Heritage Weavers
2026-03-12 09:00 - 14:00, 2026-03-19 09:00 - 14:00, 2026-03-26 09:00 - 14:00
Meeting Place: Dean Hall
Contact Person: Lise Loader
This collective has expanded significantly from a core group over the last few years.
The weavers gather to plan and work on projects and are available to share ideas, advice and enthusiasm with each other and newer weavers. It’s an apprentice-like learn-as-you-go environment suited to those who have taken an introduction to weaving weekend workshop at a guild.
We have 7 looms of various sizes and styles at MERA. Some of these looms are set up with extra-long warps which become cooperative projects that various members work on when they can.
As with all groups at the Schoolhouse, you must have a MERA membership to become a regular member of the MERA Heritage Weavers.

Art Circle
2026-03-13 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-20 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-27 10:00 - 12:00 | MERA Schoolhouse, McDonald’s Corners
Join us and learn from and be inspired by what others in the group are working on. There is plenty of time to work on your own piece and also trade ideas and techniques with others in a casual way.

Recorder Consort
2026-03-13 13:00 - 14:15, 2026-03-20 13:00 - 14:15, 2026-03-27 13:00 - 14:15 | MERA Schoolhouse, McDonald’s Corners
The MERA Recorder Consort is an ongoing, flexible group of players. We meet regularly, playing intermediate level music in 2-5 parts, soprano, alto, tenor and bass. We play for our own enjoyment, and we sometimes play for a MERA event such as the Wassail.
If you already read music and play the recorder, we would love you to join this group of enthusiastic amateur players, with teacher Helen Mogford providing guidance and music. We have a 75 minute class most Fridays.

Saturday Cafe
2026-03-14 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-03-21 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-03-28 10:00 - 14:00
Come in from the cold and enjoy a warm Saturday at MERA
Coffee, Tea and Hot Chocolate and fun conversations (free)
Homemade soup
Baked goods
Take in the Art Show in Dean Hall
Enjoy your coffee and let your kids create at the Children’s Art Table!
Donations and volunteers are more than welcome!

Music at MERA: Maggie's Wake
2026-03-15 14:00 - 16:00 | MERA Schoolhouse, McDonald’s Corners
Maggie’s Wake is the inspired collaboration of Tara Dunphy (The Rizdales, Luther Wright and the Wrongs), on lead vocals, fiddle, tin whistle and flute and Lindsay Schindler (Rant Maggie Rant, Trent Severn), on fiddle and vocals, backed up by Andrew Kosty on bass and Ken Palmer on guitar. Although recently formed, this is a seasoned quartet with strong original compositions that have the story lines, vocal harmonies and Celtic arrangements rooted in a traditional folk idiom, but played with a contemporary freedom that hints at jazz, Americana, and classic country. With a busy recording and concert schedule, Maggie’s Wake have been rapidly gathering audience and critical acclaim that recently resulted in a 2025 Canadian Folk Music Award for Best New/Emerging Artist for their self-titled debut album, Maggie’s Wake. Prepare yourself for an afternoon of meaningful stories set to beautiful melodies, rich vocal harmonies and wicked fiddle arrangements played with a joyful energy.
CLICK HERE for more information and video about Maggie’s Wake.
Tickets are available at TicketsPlease.ca
Thanks to the generous support of the Ontario Arts Council we are able to offer a $20 discount to those 30 years and under, and if they wish, an additional $20 discount for their “guest” of any age.
Regular – 31 years & older: $35 plus fees
Discount Single – 30 years & under: $15 plus fees
Discount Pair – 30 years & under with guest of any age (2 tickets): $30 plus fees
Funding support provided by the Ontario Arts Council and the Government of Ontario

MERA's March Break Art Camp!
2026-03-16 09:00 - 2026-03-20 15:00
MERA’s March Break Art Camp Returns!
MERA is offering a March Break Art Camp for children ages 5 to 12. The camp will take place March 16th to 20th, 9am to 3pm and offers a dynamic environment where young artists are encouraged to explore their unique voices through a variety of mediums and techniques. Over the course of the camp, each child will have the opportunity to experiment with different materials such as watercolors, acrylic, collage, sculpture, and mixed media, allowing them to discover which tools best express their personal creativity. Our focus is on fostering individual expression and building confidence in their artistic abilities. Children will learn not only the fundamentals of art but also how to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and ideas visually. With guidance and support, they will develop their skills in a fun, collaborative atmosphere, embracing the joy of self-expression through art.
This year camp will be run by Heather Vriends, mother of 4, Jill of all trades, artist, cook, and experienced child care provider. She will be supported by her daughter Finnlee Vriends, and daughter-in-law MJ MacLeod. Both experienced and capable young artists. We’re so very excited to see what creations our young friends come up with this year!
The camp fees are $240 per child for MERA members or $300 per child for non- members. Please note: grandchildren of MERA members are entitled to members’ rate. Bursaries are available. Please inquire. To register, please contact meraschoolhouse@gmail.com

Open Artists Studio
2026-03-16 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-03-23 10:00 - 14:00 | MERA Schoolhouse, McDonald’s Corners
MERA members are welcome to come to the MERA schoolhouse on Mondays for the Open Artists Studio. Bring your own work, and enjoy the light and the warmth during the fall, winter and spring seasons. The MERA room beside the kitchen can hold up to 7 people comfortably. We’ll begin with a drop in, so come for all or a part of the time slot.
Mondays, 10-2, excluding statutory holidays.
Starting Oct 20, 2025
contacts:
Sandy McNulty sandymcnulty8@gmail.com
Deb Shea debjshea@gmail.com

Book Club
2026-03-17 19:00 - 21:00 | MERA Schoolhouse, McDonald’s Corners
Meetings are usually held the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 7pm to 9pm. We are a friendly, respectful, no rules book club.
Each month one person will facilitate a discussion about the book chosen for that month. Discussions are always informative and lively. New members are welcome. If you see a book that peaks your interest and would like to join us for an evening’s discussion we also welcome drop-ins.
You can join us by contacting Jean Dunning at 613-259-2636 or email here.
MERA Bookclub Reads 2025 – 2026
September There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak
October James by Percival Evertt
November Gourmet Rhapsody by Muriel Barbery
December Project Hail by Mary Andy Weir
January Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
February The Troublesome Young Men by Lynne Olson
March Women Watching by Marilyn Simonds
April The Women by Kirsten Hannah
May The 100 Foot Journey by Richard Morris
June Choose next year’s reads

Annual General Meeting
2026-03-22 14:00 - 16:00 | MERA Schoolhouse, McDonald’s Corners
