BMFA Artist Directory

Nancy is an artist, teacher and juror. She is a Director and Past President of the Toronto Watercolour Society (TWS). Nancy is proud to be a Silver Signature Member of TWS. She is an Exhibiting member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, and the FCA, Toronto Chapter, a member of the International Watercolour Society (IWS), Canada, and the East Central Ontario Art Association (ECOAA).

Nancy has exhibited her work in many solo shows and juried group shows including TWS Aquavision, Federation of Canadian Artists, Toronto Chapter, IWS, Art Aurora, Society of York Region Artists (SOYRA), and Blue Mountain Foundation of the Arts (BMFA). She has received several First Place, Awards of Merit, Honourable Mentions and People's Choice Awards.

Nancy, an experienced professional teacher, conducts workshops for many art societies such as the Toronto Watercolour Society, Banbury Group of Artists, the Barrie Art Club, the Don Valley Art Club and the Society of York Region Artists.
She has taught regular sessions of classes at the Aurora Cultural Centre. Nancy has been an instructor at the Blue Mountain School of Landscape Painting and has taught at the Haliburton School of Art and Design for many years. Nancy has enjoyed providing Zoom watercolour workshops for several different groups. Her work can be seen at:
www.nancynewmanart.com
www.facebook.com/NancyNewmanart/

My background and training is in journalism. In the mid 1990's I re-discovered an interest and enthusiasm for art and in particular, the challenge and joy of painting in watercolour. Since then I have been privileged to receive instruction from some of the finest watercolour artists in Canada and then, subsequently, let experience be my teacher.

NSCAD graduate with a degree in interdisciplinary studies majoring in printmaking. Over the years my style has changed but I enjoy painting landscapes, entering in printmaking exchanges or competitions and exploring new mediums.

Brian Nelson discovered his passion for woodworking almost 30 years ago. He focused initially on traditional and contemporary furniture, drawing from various styles ranging from Shaker to Arts & Crafts to Japanese Tatami.

In recent years he has shifted to free-form designs, testing the limits of classic woodworking techniques, and expanding into art and sculpture.

Brian’s approach is grounded in a deep understanding of the natural properties of wood. He selects species carefully to match the requirements of each project, so the character of the wood becomes integral to the final product. He uses reclaimed and sustainably harvested wood, including rare and unusual specimens that always inspire new ideas.

Brian owns and operates an independent studio in the Village of Thornbury, a well-known center of creative arts and crafts located on the shores of Georgian Bay in Ontario, Canada.

Jess Graham is a barefoot wondering, sensitive and ever-evolving artist from the shores of Georgian Bay, working with mixed mediums to capture and reflect upon moments of Devine connection while in nature. She creates art that gives its viewers opportunities to let their own imaginations wonder and reflect on the ever-evolving beings that we all are. She works to encourage others to immerse themselves in nature and see what beautiful inspirations come to follow.

In addition to her artwork and poetic writings, Jess is a self published children's author of two children's books that inspire the same curiosity, imagination and wonderment into the next generation.

Jess aims to forever Inspire both viewers of her art and new little readers to never loose sight of the magic life holds.

As a self-taught photographer, Tobias's style is marked by a quest for the unnoticed and an unrelenting fascination with the details. From black and white to colour, his work unveils new perspectives on subjects most people wouldn't spare a second glance. His camera explores abandoned urban alleyways, empty storefronts, the worn textures of city architecture and humanity's interaction with the natural world.

Tobias finds the allure in trash, the intrigue in low-brow graffiti, and the charm in the in-between. His images aren't just frozen moments; they're narratives enriched with unexpected elements. Whether it's a fleeting bird in a tranquil landscape or a burst of unexpected light and color in a cityscape, he captures scenes that invite viewers to ponder and explore.

His work is far from conventional postcards. Tobias roams with his camera, exploring the wilderness, hiking in raw nature, and delving into the heart of cities worldwide. His use of a mix of technology and vintage lenses adds a touch of imperfection that often becomes the most captivating aspect of his work. For Tobias, a photograph's essence isn't in its technical perfection but in the emotions it evokes.

Tobias Sallewsky's life is a story of relentless curiosity and creative evolution. His journey is one of exploration, discovery, and introspection, revealing the extraordinary within the seemingly mundane.

Sarah Smile is an interdisciplinary artist, designer & art facilitator from Wasaga Beach, Ontario.

Born and raised Toronto, she studied interior design and ran a design & staging business before pursuing a more peaceful, creative life in the beautiful beach town, Wasaga Beach in 2008.

From 2009-2019, she made and sold typographic & custom cushions on platforms such as Etsy, Houzz and exhibited at craft shows like One of a Kind Toronto.

Since 2020, she has been designing jewelry, creating art, hand dyed linens and embroidery. She also runs Art, Heart & Soul where she facilitates art classes, teaches the cutest paintings for mobile paint parties and works with children at art clubs, camps and events.

Sarah loves to create unique, one of a kind pieces and sharing the joy of art with the community.

Paula grew up in Toronto, spending summers in Wasaga Beach surrounded by family. She began drawing and painting from a young age, following in her father’s footsteps. Paula has studied art at various art institutions in Toronto and Florence, Italy. She has worked in oils, acrylics, watercolours, and egg tempera. She still divides her time between Toronto and the Wasaga Beach area and is always on the lookout for colourful drama in the beauty around us. Paula’s paintings have been chosen to be presented as banners for the Collingwood Art on the Street Project.

Laura grew up on the south shore of Montreal in Mont St Hilaire. She attended McGill University for science and nursing. Growing up she spent hours drawing but never did any formal training. Her mother is an artist so there was always paint and art supplies around. She painted in her 20’s doing children’s illustrations. After a 20-year hiatus of raising kids, Laura participated in Inktober 2017, she completed all 31 days and just never stopped after that. Laura lives on a 100-acre farm on Georgian bay in Meaford and works as a professional gardener when she is not in her studio.
Laura works in both Pen and Ink and in Coloured Pencil. She loves to capture details and tries to bring out an emotion in each piece. Laura is passionate about the environment and all the wonders it holds. Creating these portraits is a way to highlight the emotion and value these flora and fauna bring to the world and why it is important to preserve their habitats.

As an artist with a unique and personal style, she uses acrylic mediums to convey emotions and spark memories through her subject matter. She predominantly explores landscapes and built form around Collingwood, Lake Huron, Georgian Bay, and Ontario Provincial Parks. Her painting style blurs the lines between impressionism and realism, with colours and brush strokes that transport you within the scenic beauty of your memories and dreams. Her personality and style make her a highly sought after artist.

Originally from Australia, Lisa exchanged coastal beaches for the idyllic Blue Mountains where she now happily calls home. She’s always had a deep appreciation for the raw beauty of nature, but here Lisa can explore, experience and savor the magic found in her natural surroundings all year round.

Mostly using acrylic and mixed media, Lisa’s abstract and representational works reflect her inspirations from nature, its elements and our connection to it, fusing Australian vibrancy with Canadian tranquility.

www.lisamcstayart.com

Creating predominantly in rich inks, mixed media, and luxurious oil paint, Katerina’s artistic inclinations bow to the graceful intermingling of endangered species, elegant people, and their ever-changing environment. She is driven by her undeniable passion for endangered species conservation, environmental protection, and the deep need for the ethical treatment of animals.

Her artistry is celebrated for her bold use of colour and line, and innovative approach in showcasing the glorious species of this earth as they become one with the human form. The results are a memorable impression of an unusual harmony, one that exhibits calmness and sophistication, captivating the viewer, in a formidable approach to expressing love, respect, and unity for these breathtaking beings through the birth of a new surrealistic style.

Katerina Pravda is the recipient of the 2015 Murray Jacob Clerkson Award, and has exhibited extensively in Canada and abroad, having been highlighted in many magazines and publications. She is currently working on expanding her “Darlings Collection,” to prepare for several national and international exhibits. Sign up to her special Art Collectors Newsletter for exclusive previews of her newest pieces as well as invitations to exhibitions and events by visiting her website at www.katerinapravda.com. She welcomes you to her world of beautiful artistry and animal conservation!

Born August 29th, 1995, Aaron Eckersley-Kates (otherwise addressed as Aaron E. Kates) grew up with a passion for animals, illustrating, and storytelling. Some of his biggest influences include Tony DiTerlizzi (American author and illustrator; best known for collaborating with Holly Black for "The Spiderwick Chronicles"), Aaron Blaise (former Disney animator; best known for "Beauty and the Beast", "The Lion King", and "Brother Bear"), and Maurice Sendak (American author and illustrator; best known for "Where the Wild Things Are" and collaborating with Else Holmelund Minarik for "Little Bear"). While largely self taught, he took art classes during high school. As a novice artist, Aaron started largely with pen and ink, in recent years he expanded to acrylic, gouache, and digital art.

Stephen is a self taught photography living in Wasaga Beach Ontario

Eden loves to capture the beauty and mystery of our world in landscapes, wildlife and macro photography. She also works with mixed mediums incorporating photographic artifacts, resin, encaustic wax, dried organics, as well as cyanotypes and fluid art into her pieces. Her photography is available, in limited release, on large-scale acrylic glass, canvas, and alupanels, as well as in wearable art scarves.

About the Potter
Each piece of custom Stoneware is hand crafted and finished by me, Jamila Monahan, at my homestead in the beautiful rolling hills of Glen Huron, ON.

My small batch, wheel thrown pottery is inspired by the beauty of the natural world around me and a simple Scandinavian aesthetic . Our honey bees, free range hens, organic gardens, local orchards and ever changing seasons constantly inspire my work and ignites my passion to create anew.

No two pieces of pottery are alike. Although sets may be similar dimensionally. This is the making of true, artisanal, handcrafted work.

This Stoneware is oven, microwave and dishwasher safe, and made to last for generations. (Removal of wooden or leather hardware is recommended before washing, if applicable).

Due to the intensive firing processes of this art form, the clay has been transformed back into stone and the glaze has essentially been melted into glass. Nothing tastes better than when eaten from natural pottery and wine or beverages take on a whole new level of complexity.

Each piece is lovingly handled and artistically refined dozens of times by me, over many weeks, before it is considered 'finished'. Over a 6-8 week period, I take the clay through many stages of transformation and refinement; wedging, forming, drying, trimming, handle application, more drying, sanding, bisque firing, glazing and finally a firing of up to 2269°F, where water and earth have now been woven into functional pottery.

I sincerely hope that you too enjoy each piece of this custom small batch stoneware as much as I have enjoyed making it for you!

Bruce became interested in painting at an early age when he received his first oil set as a Christmas present.

He was fortunate enough to study under the tutelage of Toronto artist Martin Grove at York University

Bruce, in 2006, was invited...along with Robert Bateman and 140 other wildlife artists across Canada...to participate in a project to create a large mural (16' x 24') for the CPAWS organization...which saves wilderness lands. We each received a panel upon which we painted our piece...it was sold through an online auction...to create the mural.

In 2008 Bruce was again invited to join a world wide group of wildlife artists from Argentina, Australia, England, Finland, France, etc. ... to create a mural (22' x 18') entitled "Le Cadeau du Cheval".

Bruce uses acrylic paint for his wildlife and pets and brilliant landscapes. He has works hanging in private collections across Canada, The United States and Europe.

Bruce does commissioned work as well as producing his own original pieces.

Shandelle is an artist, muralist, and creative facilitator living near the water in Wasaga Beach, ON. She deeply admires colour, connecting with her community through art, and the transformative power of paint.

Victoria D. Huntley

I was born in the Philippines. I attended university and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in
Economics. I worked for a large international shipping company, as secretary to the president of the
company. I immigrated to Canada in 1997 and have worked as a Customer Service Coordinator for a
Canadian Licensee for a large Canadian brand. In 2006 I moved to a community on the south shore of
Georgian Bay. Here, I live in a setting that is ideal for a landscape painter.

In 2012 I was able to spend a few winter months in California, that was when I started painting. Although
I am largely a self taught artist, I have taken courses from some internationally recognized artists. I am a
landscape artist and the medium I use is oil. The paintings I create are largely based on my photographs.
I enjoy the entire process from observing the landscape, to taking photos, to perceiving the composition
and transforming it with brush strokes to become a piece of art. I have been told I have a good eye for
colour. My use of bold colours has been the feature that has drawn the most favourable comments from
patrons of galleries where my paintings have been exhibited. Each painting I create requires dedication
and hard work. I like facing challenges and the feeling of satisfaction I get by overcoming obstacles in my path.

In 2019 I embarked on a new art form that I long dreamed of; stained glass art. Since then I have been
created a number of pieces of stained glass art on live edge wood and received very favourable
comments from galleries, artists and the general public..

Tracey is a proud resident of Collingwood where she regularly admires the flower gardens around town. Using an airdry clay, Tracey exquisitely forms realistic looking petals, buds, blooms, and leaves. A Floral Artist/Instructor with The DecoClay Academy (Hawaii), her creative floral work has been published, showcased, auctioned, and admired by collectors since 2008.

Having recently retired I had the desire to nurture my creative side! I fell in love with the Beach Wave and knew that I needed to learn how to make them. Thankfully I found a studio in Florida for making my creations and the waves just keep on coming!! If you love water, you probably have very fond memories of jumping over or diving into waves. Every wave is unique and can be customized to suit the colours of your decor. I hope that you will find a special spot in your home or cottage that can highlight one of my beach waves! Enjoy! Instagram - @beachwaveglassart

Susan Sellers has had a drive to create since childhood. She began quilting in 2000 and hasn’t looked back. She keeps her mind firmly open to new techniques and materials. A love of colour guides the exploration, with fabric as the medium of expression. To allow inspiration to come from the subject, her style ranges from representational to abstract.

Geoff's stories have been staged by Gaslight Theatre and published in On the Bay magazine. Some of them are true. His novel "Tom Thomson's Last Bonfire", has inspired three musical productions. He and his wife Sally are often found at the Collingwood Curling Club.

Living in Toronto most of my life, I found myself wanting to move closer to nature. Recently my husband, son and I landed in Wasaga Beach. I focus on fine art photography. I try to capture the magic that hides in the mundane. I like to highlight the beauty of a droplet of rain shimmering in the suns rays or the unwanted flower that will likely be weeded out of the otherwise sterile patch of grass. I tend to be attracted to the overlooked beauty that can be found in everything.

Elaine is a contemporary, Canadian artist, living in the Southern Georgian Bay area of Ontario, who is inspired by nature and aims to capture the beauty and awe of her natural Canadian surroundings, in her work.

Elaine primarily paints in Acrylic on canvas but, when inspiration strikes, is happy to try and learn new mediums -- always stretching and reaching for new adventures. Her artistic style is a modern-blend of realism and post-impressionism, with a twist of abstraction, turning natural landscapes into stories to experience. With a trained eye for design, Elaine’s approach to creating is visceral and intuitive and is as much of a journey as a destination, resulting in work that has a unique feel, with interesting levels of abstraction within seemingly conventional landscapes. She is also an avid photographer, typically composing her pieces through lens, before translation onto canvas.

As a member of the Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts (BMFA) and an Associate member of The Society of Canadian Artists (SCA), her artwork is currently available through The BMFA Art Shop, in beautiful Collingwood, Ontario, Canada and graces the homes of private collectors across the country.