Kyara Andrews
She/Her Acrylic Painting | Watercolours |
Howdy! I’m Kyara, a multidisciplinary artist with a passion for anything creative. In 2019, I founded Drift Designs, my creative outlet, art business, and means to quite literally drift away from reality through the colorful world of creativity.
For me, artmaking is innately therapeutic and has the power to lift people up. It has done wonders for my own mental health and I hope to bring this positivity to others through my work. |
Mattias Beechey
He/They Children's Programming |
Mattias Beechey is a multidisciplinary artist working predominantly in oil and acrylic paint, and small-scale sculpture. Mattias studied Early Childhood Education at St. Lawrence College and worked full-time in the field before pursuing Fine Arts at SLC. Their artwork is bold and graphic, taking inspiration from classical art and children’s folktales. Mattias’ goal is to promote love for art and literature through accessible and fun programs for youth and adults.
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Maevis Chamberlain
She/Her Children's Programming |
Maevis Chamberlain is a multimedia artist who is currently working towards her Bachelors of Fine Arts at Queen's University. She works primarily in graphite, charcoal, and oil paint but enjoys experimenting in other mediums such as textiles, clay, and pastels. Her teaching philosophy is that art is a form of play and should be fun, and that she has as much to learn from her students as they do from her. Maevis looks forward to helping all of the creative and passionate projects that her students have.
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Tessa Charlebois
She/Her Children's Programming |
To show the beauty that exists in the world. My name is Tessa Charlebois and art to me has been about the infinite dreams. I hold a Major in Studio Art, Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University, Montreal Quebec. Growing up in North Western Ontario, Thunder Bay, located on the shores of Lake Superior; landscapes taught me how to draw. Surrounded by nature is the root to my inspiration. A passion for the arts to blossom, that brings a sense of truth. The love of being in a place where expression is infinite. To help others grab that same feeling. That is what really motivates me. My primary practice is in drawing and painting, my real love is work with metal, bronze casting. As a community art organizer, I’ve created group exhibitions and collaborative artistic events for the public. I’m a Gallery Exhibitor, Public Art Competitor, and I stand with various Collectives and Centres in the public and educational sectors. A new Set Designer, I am also striving to make new large-scale paintings. Attracted to the use of art as an apparatus. Currently, my focus has shifted on thinking about creating art for hospitals, as a haven and solace, as I navigate my health journey through the medical system. My dream to create a space for healing.
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Grace Delamere
She/They Crochet | Sewing |
Grace Delamere is a student at Queen’s University student studying Concurrent Education, Drama, & Music! She did her first-year placement at KSOA and loved the environment, staff, and students so was very excited to become a Teaching Artist. She has been crocheting for as long as she can remember and was taught by her mother and grandmother. She has a little crochet shop (@gracescrochetshop) where she sells little animals and other fun things that she has made!
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Floriana
Ehninger-Cuervo She/Her Drawing & Illustration |
Floriana Ehninger-Cuervo came to Kingston for her BFA and never left. She believes in the small ways art can enhance everyday life, and finding the humour of the situation. She started Colourful Crow Studio in 2016, offering illustration, lettering, and sign painting services, and joined the Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning as a resident artist in January 2019. She maintains an active private practice in a variety of mediums, with special interest in people and portraiture. She exhibits at the Tett regularly, and in 2021 created work for two public art installations through the City of Kingston (Paved Paradise and the Downtown Storefront Project).
As an instructor, she aims to lay a solid technical foundation for students to build upon, so they may express their creativity with confidence and clarity. |
Colton Fox
He/Him Comics & Illustration |
Colton Fox is an unusual Canadian that hates hockey, hiking, and the cold; because of this he has had a lot of time to sit indoors and think about comics.
Colton Fox began his comic career when he moved from out of the forest and into the big city where he started doing really bad comics for his campus newspaper before becoming involved in Toronto comic anthologies, conventions, and art shows. He later dropped out of OCADU and enrolled in Ty Templeton's Comic Book Bootcamp where he learned how to make really good comics from the legend himself. Colton Fox has worked as a garment printer, graphic designer, writer, storyboard artist, glassblower, landscaper, production assistant, cartoonist, actor, gallery artist, illustrator, and magician: but his favourite achievements have been creating the award winning comic Witch Hazel with Beige Blum, his regular works in the Kingston community publication The Skeleton Press, and his contributions to the film Erin’s Guide To Kissing Girls. His story What Happens At Midnight is featured in the anthology Failure to Launch by Iron Circus. You can follow him on Instagram at @coltonthefox. |
Meenakashi Ghadial
She/Her Children's Programming |
Meenakashi Ghadial is an artist from Brampton, Ontario currently completing her dual degree at Queen's University for a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) as well as a Bachelor of Education, with a specialization in First Nations, Métis and Inuit Studies. Her work primarily includes representational oil painting, focusing on portraiture and figurative work as well as conceptual sculpture using plaster, metal and textiles. She is part of the 4o8 Collective and has exhibited her work at Union Gallery as well as the Isabel Bader Centre of Performing Arts. Meenakashi is an active member of the arts community here in Kingston through her work as a Programming Committee Member for Union Gallery, as well as her work with the Community Foundation as a member of their Grants Committee.
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William Jennings
He/Him Photography |
William Jennings is currently an MA student in the Queen's film and media department, working on a research-creation thesis concerned with ideas of hauntology, memory, and the poor image. He holds a BA in Art History and Visual Studies from the University of Victoria, and has an amatuer and professional background in filmmaking, photography, and stop-motion animation. Influences include Robert Frank, Vivian Maier, William Eggleston, and Jim Jarmusch. Not to be confused with the 41st US Secretary of State.
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Emily Joyce
She/Her Art Conservation |
Emily is a Toronto-based painter and paintings conservator. She specializes in the study of paint materials, from traditional egg tempera and oil paints to contemporary acrylic mediums. Emily has a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) with a minor in art History and a Master's of Art Conservation (Queen’s University), as well as a certificate in Traditional Materials, Methods of Painting and Restoration techniques through San Gemini Preservation Studies in Italy. Emily works at Toronto Art Restoration in the west end of Toronto, conserving a range of artworks from Tom Thomson landscapes to abstract Jack Bush paintings. Outside of the conservation studio, she teaches a variety of classes and workshops at the Toronto School of Art, Inspired by her conservation studies. She has developed courses and workshops that teach artists about the function and practical chemistry of paint materials, and how to increase the longevity of their paintings.
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Sarah Kaye
She/Her Children's Programming |
Sarah Kaye is an interdisciplinary artist based in Katarokwi/Kingston currently working
towards her Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours), Bachelor of Education, and minor in Geography at Queen’s University. She specializes in performance, printmaking, and sculpture to examine narratives of lived experiences and the body’s capability of storing memory. In her teaching practice, Sarah strives to foster creativity and exploration through meaningful collaboration. |
Sumera Khan
She/Her Children's Programming |
Sumera Khan has an Honors Bachelors in Visual Arts from the University of Toronto. Her personal art journey focuses mainly on painting human emotions and engaging portraiture works with traditional media. She has also found a valuable presence as an art content creator on YouTube (@ContemporarySumera) inspiring a global audience with art tutorials and artistic insights.
Sumera established herself as a known professional artist and art educator in her community in Saugeen Shores by showcasing her works at local galleries, teaching popular art programs at Southampton Arts School for kids ages 3+ and running her own coveted art classes as part of her Art Skool with K programs for more than 4 years. Sumera's playful and supportive approach ignites the creative spark in her students, encouraging them to explore and express themselves artistically. Through her dedication to both her own artistry and the growth of aspiring artists, Sumera remains a valuable figure in her art community. With her recent move to Kingston, she is looking forward to continuing her role as a traditional artist and art educator nurturing the young minds with the power of creativity and self expression. |
Tiina Kukkonen
She/Her Felting |
Formally trained in painting and drawing, Tiina uses a range of media in her work but specializes in pencil drawing and acrylic painting. She is also a self-taught felt artist, approaching felted landscapes much like painting whereby colours are combined and layered to achieve visual effects. As an arts educator and researcher, she has taught visual arts to students of all ages and advocates for equal access to arts education opportunities for rural and underserved communities. Tiina holds a Ph.D. in Education from Queen’s University, where she is also an instructor of visual arts education.
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Alejandra Laria
She/Her Animation | Illustration |
Alejandra Laria is a passionate and curious illustrator who grew up watching lots of animation. She is currently looking for work in the animation industry as a background painter or character designer but is not shy to go outside of her comfort zone and explore other job opportunities as an illustrator. She formerly worked as a background painter and scene planner for an indie animation studio—Coyle Digital.
When she is not busy at work, she likes to spend time with her Corgi puppy, Bruno, playing video games, or studying politics. |
Lisa Leskien
She/Her Printmaking | Acrylic Painting |
After studying studio art and earning a Fine Art Degree from York University, Lisa put her art on hold to pursue her teaching career. She has since returned to painting and printmaking with a passion and has had her work displayed in a couple of different galleries, and has sold numerous paintings and prints including specific commissioned pieces of work. Many of Lisa’s ideas for her work come from exploring the trails as a competitive trail, ultra and snowshoe runner. Lisa also teaches the arts and health part-time for the Limestone District School Board. She teaches "Learn to Crochet," painting and printmaking classes at Tie One On Creativity Bar in Kingston, and is a running coach and race director at Spafford Health and Adventure.
Lisa’s new website, where you’ll be able to see all of her work, will be launched soon. You can also find Lisa on Instagram . |
Brandon Liesen
He/Him Charcoal & Pencil Portraits |
A self-taught, life-long artist, Brandon began pursuing art seriously after retiring in 2019 from a 20-year career as a Senior Chief in the U.S. Coast Guard. While Brandon considers himself primarily a charcoal and pencil portrait artist, his interests and skills include oil landscape painting, photography, and custom picture framing. Brandon is eager to introduce you to his methodology and passion for creating realistic and expressive portraits that you will be proud of!
You can find Brandon on Instagram. |
Alice Melo
She/Her Watercolours | Acrylics |
Alice Melo is a Resident Artist at Kingston's Tett Centre for creativity and learning. She can be found, in her studio on Lake Ontario, capturing her love of animals in acrylic on canvas with as much personality as her endearing subjects themselves. Drawing from her roots in the Azores and following in the creative footsteps of her grandfather, she brings a unique viewpoint, respect, and faith in nature.
Self-taught in realism, Alice shows her dedication through the detail in her work but also shows a high level of intuition by capturing the spirit of her subject. There is a warmth and empathy that leaps into the hearts of the viewers. An important message that she is relaying on behalf of the animals that might not be in the spotlight otherwise: "the world is a better place because of them." "My paintings are inspired by the beauty that surrounds us. I am a realistic acrylic painter, who loves all the fussy details. Creating dreamlike backgrounds, compliments and adds warmth and depth to help capture the spirit of my subjects. Using luxurious colours, creamy consistencies, l love the way the paints spread on the canvas and how they blend to make every brush stroke life like. The possibilities are endless, and I often feel a great sense of anticipation when l know that l will get to spend time in my studio. Art makes everything seem simple in my life, l don't require grammar or words to express who l am, it is a way l love to connect and inspire." - Alice Melo |
Alicia Moura
She/Her Children's Programming |
Alicia Moura is a young artist and elementary certified school teacher who wishes to connect all children to the joy of artistic expression. Since her time obtaining her Bachelor of Fine Arts and teaching licence at Queen's University, Moura has been working with young children to develop their foundational artistic skills within a variety of mediums. In her classes, focus is placed upon merging classic techniques with student innovation! Students should expect to create fun projects, discuss art history and practice creating with a growth mindset!
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Abby Nowakowski
She/They Printmaking |
Abby Nowakowski is a queer interdisciplinary artist and art educator who is driven by curiosity and community. Through printmaking, illustration and handpoke tattooing, they spread advocacy for care, share stories, and make space for radical softness. Their practice extends into art facilitation with a range of collaborations including workshops, performances, and community weaving opportunities.
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Laura Palma
She/Her Children's Programming |
Laura is a local elementary school teacher with ALCDSB and radio show host with CFRC. She grew up in Kingston and attended Queen’s University to study Art History and Fine Art before continuing with her Bachelor's of Education at Duncan McArthur. She loves to work with a variety of media both with her grade 1/2 class and on her own time. Laura is inspired by nature, music and of course art through the ages.
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Natalie Palma
She/Her Children's Programming |
Natalie Palma graduated from the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Commerce. She is currently working as a Personal Support Worker and also volunteers as an assistant ballet teacher at The Conservatory and an inclusive arts facilitator at H’art Centre. Natalie is hoping to gain entry into medical school! Natalie has been practicing as a hobby artist since high school and primarily enjoys acrylic painting, watercolour, and sculpture.Natalie describes her art as a creative outlet for self-expression, personal well-being, and identity formation. She loves capturing the things she loves (especially flowers and dogs) and uses her art as an opportunity to connect and share with others.
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Liv Rondeau
She/They Beadwork |
Liv Rondeau is a Kanyen'kehá:ka (Akwesasne Mohawk Territory, Wolf Clan) interdisciplinary artist, educator, and owner of Flint and Maple Beadwork. She is thankful to her grandmother who passed down the art of beading to her and who has allowed her to explore the ways in which beading is connected to her identity, as a Kanyen'kehá:ka woman. Through her artwork and workshops, she aims to celebrate Indigenous artwork, brilliance, and show the community that Indigenous arts are still thriving.
Liv is devoted to learning about Rotinonhsyón:ni language and culture and weaving her teachings into her work. Through her art and workshops, Liv creates and educates by embodying the Rotinonhsyón:ni teachings of living with a good mind, peace, and strength. In everything that she does, positive intentions are put into. She continues to expand on her abilities as a beadwork artist, always learning new styles and techniques to improve her art and pass that knowledge on for seven generations to come. |
Marta Scythes
She/Her Ink | Watercolour |
Marta Scythes is an illustrator, researcher and educator. Her work has been published in Harrowsmith Magazine and by Simon & Schuster and Harper Collins. McClelland & Stewart featured her illustrations in their best-selling UP NORTH nature series and in The Canadian Encyclopedia. Marta holds a Master of Science in Biomedical Communications from the University of Toronto and Master of Design in Strategic Foresight & Innovation, from OCADU. She is currently collaborating with Queen's University and Providence Care Hospital in Kingston, researching novel art-based strategies for stroke rehabilitation.
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Nancy Steele
Oils | Acrylics | Plein Air |
Nancy is an enthusiastic educator who teaches the foundations of observational painting and drawing practices, both indoors and outdoors. Nancy graduated from NSCAD and Queen's University, and continues to study master classes worldwide. Nancy seeks to explore, understand, and capture those moments when pauses in our awareness meet spaces in our environments. Nancy earned Best in Show at SquareFoot 2021 at the Tett Centre in Kingston.
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Amelia Tran
She/Her Children's Programming |
Amelia Tran is a contemporary artist from Ottawa completing her Fine Arts and Education degree here in Kingston. Amelia has always loved working with and around creative like-minded people. This passion for creative communities and teamwork has carried itself over into her teaching practice. Her enthusiasm for the creative process can be found in her mixed media sketchbook journaling work, as well as her dynamic figurative oil paintings. Upheld through her education in literary studies, her sketchbook work also includes a kind of poetry that introduces a surreal narrative into the piece. Her paintings are created using photos captured from her everyday life, edited and enhanced to create a dream-like perspective that seeks to unease and intrigue the viewer.
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Taylor Tye
She/Her Beadwork |
Taylor Tye is a beadwork artist and educator of mixed Celtic and Ojibwe heritage. She learned flat stitch beadwork in 2018 at the Four Directions Indigenous Student Center at Queen’s with Dr. Karen Lawford as her teacher. Since then, she has learned various other methods by attending all sorts of beadwork circles with friends. In the summer of 2020, she started her small business, Jackpine Designs, through Instagram and has been selling her beadwork online and in person ever since. She has been teaching beadwork in Kataro’kwi since the fall of 2022.
Taylor is inspired by the resilience and beauty of the jack pine, which dot the shores of her backcountry canoe adventures, and hopes to inspire the wearers of her jewelry and her beadwork students to embody that same strength and growth. |
Alicia Udvari
They/He/She Printmaking | Sculpture |
Alicia is a young artist who works with no shortage of different mediums. Alicia graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Fine Art, specializing in sculpture, film, and printmaking. They like to blur the line between art and craft and challenge the idea of what “fine” art can be. Alicia’s goal is to make art accessible to all regardless of background, and give anyone interested in the arts the space and knowledge to explore that.
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Hill Werth
They/Them Children's Programming |
Born and raised in the U.S, Hill Werth has been an artist and athlete all their life. They were an all American track & field athlete who received a full scholarship as a student athlete to the University of California Los Angeles and received a degree in history/ art history in 2009. After graduating, they were accepted into the University of Nebraska’s art education program where they studied for one year until they hung their paintbrush up to be an Olympic hopeful.
Hill tried out and was named as a member of the U.S. National Bobsled Team. Due to injury they retired, picked their art career back up, and ran their own successful business as a working artist. From making guest speaking appearances at k-12 schools and universities, to national publications, to international recognition, Hill has had great success as an artist and athlete. In 2018, Hill wanted to complete their teaching certification where they enrolled at the University of Missouri St. Louis. For the last 5 years Hill has put all their creative energies into being an art educator. In 2021, they moved to Kingston to marry their wife. As of October 2022, Hill received their permanent residency here in Canada and is eager to jump into the Kingston art and education world. Hill just started Teachers college at Queen’s University to finish their teaching certification once and for all. The way in which Hill creates is similar to the way they teach. Focusing on balance, layers, and composition. “The space we create in is just as important as what we create. Producing a therapeutic environment for people to feel calm and themselves is what I aim for.” Hill is a trans non-binary artist and activist using their art and voice to spread visibility, awareness, and to represent their community. Using various mediums, their creations are the result of emotions pouring out, transcending from personal experiences and endeavors. This allows Hill to achieve patterned layers of balance and composition. You can find Hill on Instagram and on Etsy. |
Michaela Zinsmeister
She/Her Printmaking |
Michaela Zinsmeister was born in rural Ontario, Canada in 1999 and grew up in the Kawartha Lakes Region. Her interest in art began in early childhood. In the 8th grade she recognized her desire to create and was awarded with the Art Award at Dr. George Hall Public School during her graduation in 2013.
Her passion was cultivated during her years in high school with the introduction of advanced placement art classes taught by Mr. Payette and Mr. Widjedal at Lindsay Collegiate & Vocational Institute. During her high school experience, she lived in Beijing, China as a model for three months at the age of 16 where she visited numerous art galleries and attributes her level of independence to this time. Michaela’s high school art teachers and experience viewing art internationally essentially catapulted her into the Fine Arts Program at Queen’s University where she also studies Art History and will graduate in the Spring of 2023. In the BFA program, she was trained to work with oil paint and dove deeper into print media. Studying printmaking under Jan Winton ignited a love for the medium that only grew stronger once she began studying under Alejandro Arauz. Professor Arauz’s third year printmaking class unlocked her aspiration to specialize in printmaking for her fourth-year thesis project, which is currently in the works. Michaela currently lives in Kingston, Ontario where she is involved with the creative community of ForWorld Studios Artist Collective. Her print work was exhibited at the Union Gallery in February 2022 at their annual “Cézanne’s Closet” event. Together, ForWorld Studios members exhibited their works at their first show, “Opening”, at the Kingston School of Art’s Window Art Gallery in March 2022. Michaela’s work can currently be viewed on the Hoopla Gallery & Press website and storefront, downtown Kingston on Princess Street. |
