Cedar Ridge Creative Centre Biographies
Instructors' Biographies
A mother of four, freelance art instructor, fine artist and aspiring author of fiction with a long history in providing art programming for the city. My interest in visual art and comic books began in childhood and has remained a part of my life ever since. I started instructing weekend children's art programs for the city as a teen. Years later, after leaving a career in graphic arts to start a family, I returned to the city as a part-time art instructor. I teach drawing for children and adults, cartooning for children and fine art for handicapped adults. You can find me at Cedar Ridge, Curran Hall and The Storefront.
A mother of four, freelance art instructor, fine artist and aspiring author of fiction with a long history in providing art programming for the city. My interest in visual art and comic books began in childhood and has remained a part of my life ever since. I started instructing weekend children's art programs for the city as a teen. Years later, after leaving a career in graphic arts to start a family, I returned to the city as a part-time art instructor. I teach drawing for children and adults, cartooning for children and fine art for handicapped adults. You can find me at Cedar Ridge, Curran Hall and The Storefront.
A Toronto-based artist skilled in a wide variety of mediums and styles. Much of the work he produces is representational with realism and impressionism the most popular styles with his audience. A growing percentage of Jay's art projects are private commissions. His customers request a whole host of subjects painted on canvas, on walls as murals and Trompe L'oeil, carved in wood, sculpted in leather etc.
A good deal of his experience comes from over 22 years of artistic instruction to adults. Through much of the year he holds approximately eleven classes a week Ufor four organizations that include the Toronto District School Board, the City of Toronto and private organizations. His method of instruction is highly flexible and predominantly one of individual demonstration. Jay travels and teaches all summer within Ontario and New Brunswick.
A Toronto-based artist skilled in a wide variety of mediums and styles. Much of the work he produces is representational with realism and impressionism the most popular styles with his audience. A growing percentage of Jay's art projects are private commissions. His customers request a whole host of subjects painted on canvas, on walls as murals and Trompe L'oeil, carved in wood, sculpted in leather etc.
A good deal of his experience comes from over 22 years of artistic instruction to adults. Through much of the year he holds approximately eleven classes a week Ufor four organizations that include the Toronto District School Board, the City of Toronto and private organizations. His method of instruction is highly flexible and predominantly one of individual demonstration. Jay travels and teaches all summer within Ontario and New Brunswick.
Holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of British Columbia, and an Honours Specialist in Visual Arts and History from the University of Toronto. She recently retired from a 30 year career teaching high school. She has been teaching at Cedar Ridge Creative Centre since 2003. She is a member of The Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour, and has exhibited her works at annual CSPWC shows at the John B. Aird Gallery. Pamela has also exhibited at Cedar Ridge Gallery, and her work has been part of the Scarborough Arts Council's annual juried art show. Her work has been published in the magazine Artist's International. Pamela's artwork is deeply influenced by her extensive travels.
Holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of British Columbia, and an Honours Specialist in Visual Arts and History from the University of Toronto. She recently retired from a 30 year career teaching high school. She has been teaching at Cedar Ridge Creative Centre since 2003. She is a member of The Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour, and has exhibited her works at annual CSPWC shows at the John B. Aird Gallery. Pamela has also exhibited at Cedar Ridge Gallery, and her work has been part of the Scarborough Arts Council's annual juried art show. Her work has been published in the magazine Artist's International. Pamela's artwork is deeply influenced by her extensive travels.
Born in New Orleans to artist parents, Sue Ericsson has been drawing all her life. She defines her works as drawings whether using traditional materials (graphite, charcoal, chalk, ink, wash) or combining them with watercolour, acrylic or oil. In 1974 Sue brought her love of drawing into the classroom. Currently she teaches art courses by contract for arts groups, art schools, interior design firms and for Ryerson University G. Raymond Chang School. From 1991 to 2000 Sue served on the Executive of the Society of Canadian Artists including a term as President. The City of Toronto Archives houses two drawings and one painting by Sue Ericsson.
Born in New Orleans to artist parents, Sue Ericsson has been drawing all her life. She defines her works as drawings whether using traditional materials (graphite, charcoal, chalk, ink, wash) or combining them with watercolour, acrylic or oil. In 1974 Sue brought her love of drawing into the classroom. Currently she teaches art courses by contract for arts groups, art schools, interior design firms and for Ryerson University G. Raymond Chang School. From 1991 to 2000 Sue served on the Executive of the Society of Canadian Artists including a term as President. The City of Toronto Archives houses two drawings and one painting by Sue Ericsson.
Has been part of the Cedar Ridge staff for almost a decade, teaching art programs and special interest workshops to children ages five to 14. Marilyn also teaches art workshops at several Toronto area schools. A professional artist, Marilyn is a member of the Art Guild of Scarborough and of Cedar Ridge Studio Gallery. She has taken part in several juried exhibitions and recently showed watercolour, acrylic and pastel works at Cedar Ridge Gallery. Marilyn has received various "Special Merit" awards for her artwork.
Has been part of the Cedar Ridge staff for almost a decade, teaching art programs and special interest workshops to children ages five to 14. Marilyn also teaches art workshops at several Toronto area schools. A professional artist, Marilyn is a member of the Art Guild of Scarborough and of Cedar Ridge Studio Gallery. She has taken part in several juried exhibitions and recently showed watercolour, acrylic and pastel works at Cedar Ridge Gallery. Marilyn has received various "Special Merit" awards for her artwork.
A graduate of the National Art School, Sydney; Sydney Teacher's College and University of Toronto. She has taught art at a high school level in Australia, England and Ontario. Beverly retired as the Art Department Head from Dunbarton High School. She has been teaching Watercolours at Cedar Ridge for several years. She has exhibited her work in various group exhibitions.
A graduate of the National Art School, Sydney; Sydney Teacher's College and University of Toronto. She has taught art at a high school level in Australia, England and Ontario. Beverly retired as the Art Department Head from Dunbarton High School. She has been teaching Watercolours at Cedar Ridge for several years. She has exhibited her work in various group exhibitions.
During his 34 years of elementary teaching in Scarborough, a great deal of Ed's classroom and extra-curricular teaching time was spent with emphasis in visual arts, drama, instrumental and vocal music. Early in his teaching career, Ed had the good the fortune of learning and working with clay at special art days and at the Art in the Country camp run by the Scarborough Board of Education. A natural extension of these experiences was to share the techniques and projects with his students.
For a two-year period, Ed was assigned to the visual arts department as a teacher consultant presenting workshops and staff in-services in kiln operation and maintenance, pottery and clay sculpture. Many of his summers (27 years) were spent as an instructor at Scarborough's Art in the Country in the areas of drawing and painting, mixed media, sculpture and pottery. Eight years were spent instructing at Scarborough Board of Education's Adult Art Camp in mixed media and pottery.
Since his retirement from classroom teaching in 2001, Ed has devoted much of his time to his own art endeavours: pottery, sculpture, painting and photography. He has continued to instruct adults and secondary students at Cedar Ridge Creative Centre, Pine Tree Potters' Guild and Don Mills Collegiate. He has also been involved in helping to organize the annual 'Rakudu' event at Cedar Ridge.
During his 34 years of elementary teaching in Scarborough, a great deal of Ed's classroom and extra-curricular teaching time was spent with emphasis in visual arts, drama, instrumental and vocal music. Early in his teaching career, Ed had the good the fortune of learning and working with clay at special art days and at the Art in the Country camp run by the Scarborough Board of Education. A natural extension of these experiences was to share the techniques and projects with his students.
For a two-year period, Ed was assigned to the visual arts department as a teacher consultant presenting workshops and staff in-services in kiln operation and maintenance, pottery and clay sculpture. Many of his summers (27 years) were spent as an instructor at Scarborough's Art in the Country in the areas of drawing and painting, mixed media, sculpture and pottery. Eight years were spent instructing at Scarborough Board of Education's Adult Art Camp in mixed media and pottery.
Since his retirement from classroom teaching in 2001, Ed has devoted much of his time to his own art endeavours: pottery, sculpture, painting and photography. He has continued to instruct adults and secondary students at Cedar Ridge Creative Centre, Pine Tree Potters' Guild and Don Mills Collegiate. He has also been involved in helping to organize the annual 'Rakudu' event at Cedar Ridge.
Her passion for the arts began when she was a child, experimenting with various art mediums. She was first introduced to pottery during high school at Wexford C.I., where she attended a specialized vocational arts program. Keltie continued her studies at the Ontario College of Art and Design, where she graduated in 1994 from the applied art and design department with a major in ceramic art.
Keltie has been teaching art since 1992 where she taught at various art camps for City of Scarborough and City of Toronto. Keltie has been teaching adult and children's pottery courses at Cedar Ridge Creative Centre since 1994 and is also the studio technician at the centre. She has also taught pottery courses at The Clay Pot and The Pickering Potters Studio. She has been a member of the former Scarborough Potter's Guild and is currently an active member of the Durham Potter's Guild.
Keltie works with porcelain and stoneware clay bodies and her pottery ranges from functional dinnerware to very whimsical, sculptural and raku pieces.
Her passion for the arts began when she was a child, experimenting with various art mediums. She was first introduced to pottery during high school at Wexford C.I., where she attended a specialized vocational arts program. Keltie continued her studies at the Ontario College of Art and Design, where she graduated in 1994 from the applied art and design department with a major in ceramic art.
Keltie has been teaching art since 1992 where she taught at various art camps for City of Scarborough and City of Toronto. Keltie has been teaching adult and children's pottery courses at Cedar Ridge Creative Centre since 1994 and is also the studio technician at the centre. She has also taught pottery courses at The Clay Pot and The Pickering Potters Studio. She has been a member of the former Scarborough Potter's Guild and is currently an active member of the Durham Potter's Guild.
Keltie works with porcelain and stoneware clay bodies and her pottery ranges from functional dinnerware to very whimsical, sculptural and raku pieces.
Discovered her passion for folk art painting 15 years ago. She has refined her technique under several well-known instructors. Since then she has opened up her own home studio and teaches regularly to students of different levels. Over the years, based on her personal experience both as a student and a teacher, she found folk art painting to be an artistic outlet, a pressure relieving activity and very much a social phenomenon. It is a hobby that she wished she discovered much earlier.
Discovered her passion for folk art painting 15 years ago. She has refined her technique under several well-known instructors. Since then she has opened up her own home studio and teaches regularly to students of different levels. Over the years, based on her personal experience both as a student and a teacher, she found folk art painting to be an artistic outlet, a pressure relieving activity and very much a social phenomenon. It is a hobby that she wished she discovered much earlier.
A Toronto based artist who primarily works in paint, illustration and digital media. Joe focuses on themes of memory and consciousness in his work. He has participated in many shows although he works predominantly as a free-lance artist. Joe graduated from the University of Toronto, majoring in both Art History and Studio. Recently, Joe received his Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor. Joe has worked as an outreach artist with the City of Toronto and is passionate about getting students to express themselves through the arts.
A Toronto based artist who primarily works in paint, illustration and digital media. Joe focuses on themes of memory and consciousness in his work. He has participated in many shows although he works predominantly as a free-lance artist. Joe graduated from the University of Toronto, majoring in both Art History and Studio. Recently, Joe received his Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor. Joe has worked as an outreach artist with the City of Toronto and is passionate about getting students to express themselves through the arts.
A self-employed graphic designer by profession. She graduated from York University, majoring in the Visual Arts. Over the past 20 years, pottery making and teaching have become a recreational venue to exhibit one aspect of her personal creative expression. As well as being past president of the Scarborough Potter's Guild, Susan was recognized for her community involvement, receiving a Recreation Parks & Culture Award in appreciation of her contribution to the City and the local community through Pottery. Susan also received a Five Year Volunteerism Award, "Joining Hands" awarded by the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture, Tourism and Recreation for volunteer services and skills as a viable component and Past President on the Board of Directors for Cedar Ridge Studio Gallery.
A self-employed graphic designer by profession. She graduated from York University, majoring in the Visual Arts. Over the past 20 years, pottery making and teaching have become a recreational venue to exhibit one aspect of her personal creative expression. As well as being past president of the Scarborough Potter's Guild, Susan was recognized for her community involvement, receiving a Recreation Parks & Culture Award in appreciation of her contribution to the City and the local community through Pottery. Susan also received a Five Year Volunteerism Award, "Joining Hands" awarded by the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture, Tourism and Recreation for volunteer services and skills as a viable component and Past President on the Board of Directors for Cedar Ridge Studio Gallery.
Has been weaving since 1995. She has trained extensively with Anna Willson at Whitevale Craftworks and has also taken workshops on spinning and dyeing with many instructors, including Susan Keast. Recently, Christine explored the art of the Rio Grande rug and tapestry weaving with well known weaver, Kerri Ellis. In the fall of 2001, she had the unique opportunity to travel to Peru and work with some of the country's most renowned tapestry weavers and spinners.
Christine continues to take workshops whenever possible. There is always something new to discover in the art of weaving, and Christine is determined to learn as much as she can!
Has been weaving since 1995. She has trained extensively with Anna Willson at Whitevale Craftworks and has also taken workshops on spinning and dyeing with many instructors, including Susan Keast. Recently, Christine explored the art of the Rio Grande rug and tapestry weaving with well known weaver, Kerri Ellis. In the fall of 2001, she had the unique opportunity to travel to Peru and work with some of the country's most renowned tapestry weavers and spinners.
Christine continues to take workshops whenever possible. There is always something new to discover in the art of weaving, and Christine is determined to learn as much as she can!
An award winning visual artist who has an extensive background in drawing and painting. A graduate of England's prestigious Royal Academy of Fine Art, which included appreciation courses in major cities in Europe. Her infectious enthusiasm and experienced instruction is a hallmark of her classes at Cedar Ridge. Her work can be found in private collections around the world including the famed Canadian artists Doris McCarthy.
An award winning visual artist who has an extensive background in drawing and painting. A graduate of England's prestigious Royal Academy of Fine Art, which included appreciation courses in major cities in Europe. Her infectious enthusiasm and experienced instruction is a hallmark of her classes at Cedar Ridge. Her work can be found in private collections around the world including the famed Canadian artists Doris McCarthy.
Speciality Workshop Leaders' Biographies
Has recently retired from teaching after many years of working with Family Studies teachers and their students. She has a passion for fabric in all forms and has been sewing for most of her life. She has taught workshops at various quilt stores, the Toronto District School Board and Cedar Ridge. Ann includes weaving, knitting, sewing, and machine embroidery in her repertoire of talents. Her garments are tastefully embellished with attention to detail. Her basic philosophy is that you must touch fabric once each day to make that day complete.
Has recently retired from teaching after many years of working with Family Studies teachers and their students. She has a passion for fabric in all forms and has been sewing for most of her life. She has taught workshops at various quilt stores, the Toronto District School Board and Cedar Ridge. Ann includes weaving, knitting, sewing, and machine embroidery in her repertoire of talents. Her garments are tastefully embellished with attention to detail. Her basic philosophy is that you must touch fabric once each day to make that day complete.
A professional architect who received his degree at the Moscow Architectural Institute and continued his studies at the Silesian University in Poland. Also a Civil Engineer, Lawrecki has spent his career working on a variety of projects internationally. A Chief Architect in two Polish cities, Lawrecki went on to design residential, public and industrial buildings in Austria and Toronto. He was an assistant professor at the Moscow Architectural Institute, where he taught principles of architectural design.
A professional architect who received his degree at the Moscow Architectural Institute and continued his studies at the Silesian University in Poland. Also a Civil Engineer, Lawrecki has spent his career working on a variety of projects internationally. A Chief Architect in two Polish cities, Lawrecki went on to design residential, public and industrial buildings in Austria and Toronto. He was an assistant professor at the Moscow Architectural Institute, where he taught principles of architectural design.
A mixed media artist and professional jeweler working with gold, silver, platinum and semi-precious stones and retails her own limited edition pieces in select boutiques in Europe and North America. She has a B.A in Sociology and BHSc. in Textiles - Art, Science and Design. Laura speaks French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Hebrew, Hindi, and Urdu.
A mixed media artist and professional jeweler working with gold, silver, platinum and semi-precious stones and retails her own limited edition pieces in select boutiques in Europe and North America. She has a B.A in Sociology and BHSc. in Textiles - Art, Science and Design. Laura speaks French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Hebrew, Hindi, and Urdu.
The Artistic Director of the Community Arts Guild, an offshoot of Jumblies Theatre. The Community Arts Guild makes art of all sorts with people in East Scarborough: inviting those who may not normally have the opportunity to participate; connecting people separated from each other because of distance, language, income, age, culture or ability; celebrating and discovering the traditions that people bring; and building community through our art-making. Beth is a theatre artist based in Toronto. She has worked as a director, actor, playwright, and artist educator. For the last three years she has been working with Jumblies Theatre on numerous projects and productions. Other places she can often be found include the Young People's Theatre, the Paprika Festival, the Tarragon Theatre, and Tottering Biped Theatre in Burlington. She has been an associate professor in the acting program at Ryerson University, has created and directed projects with young women in Parkdale and Lawrence Heights through Theatre Revolve, and worked as an artist educator with Soulpepper and Canadian Stage. Beth has a BFA in acting from Ryerson University.
The Artistic Director of the Community Arts Guild, an offshoot of Jumblies Theatre. The Community Arts Guild makes art of all sorts with people in East Scarborough: inviting those who may not normally have the opportunity to participate; connecting people separated from each other because of distance, language, income, age, culture or ability; celebrating and discovering the traditions that people bring; and building community through our art-making. Beth is a theatre artist based in Toronto. She has worked as a director, actor, playwright, and artist educator. For the last three years she has been working with Jumblies Theatre on numerous projects and productions. Other places she can often be found include the Young People's Theatre, the Paprika Festival, the Tarragon Theatre, and Tottering Biped Theatre in Burlington. She has been an associate professor in the acting program at Ryerson University, has created and directed projects with young women in Parkdale and Lawrence Heights through Theatre Revolve, and worked as an artist educator with Soulpepper and Canadian Stage. Beth has a BFA in acting from Ryerson University.
A Toronto based artist, printmaker and educator. Her practice includes drawing, painting (watercolour and pastel), and printmaking. As a printmaker, Liz incorporates traditional techniques such as etching, aquatint and drypoint with collograph, chine colle and handcolouring. Liz prints on traditional Western paper, handmade Japanese paper (washi) and textiles. Washi and textiles may appear delicate and fragile; however, they are often strong and resilient – the same qualities that Liz admires in her subjects. Liz has won several awards including a City of Toronto Purchase Award (2010), The Frank Faubert Memorial Art Award (2010), Juror's Choice (2012) and was honoured when named Open Studio's Nick Novak Fellow for 2011-2012.
A Toronto based artist, printmaker and educator. Her practice includes drawing, painting (watercolour and pastel), and printmaking. As a printmaker, Liz incorporates traditional techniques such as etching, aquatint and drypoint with collograph, chine colle and handcolouring. Liz prints on traditional Western paper, handmade Japanese paper (washi) and textiles. Washi and textiles may appear delicate and fragile; however, they are often strong and resilient – the same qualities that Liz admires in her subjects. Liz has won several awards including a City of Toronto Purchase Award (2010), The Frank Faubert Memorial Art Award (2010), Juror's Choice (2012) and was honoured when named Open Studio's Nick Novak Fellow for 2011-2012.
(b.1981 Toronto) A painter of Cantonese-Chinese descent, who has lived and worked in Canada, the U.S., Spain, the Netherlands, and China. Solo exhibitions include ‘Naive Melody (this must be the place)’ at INDEXG, Toronto and ‘Everything is Everything’ at aceartinc. Winnipeg. Group exhibitions include ‘The Queens Prize for Painting’ at the Gementemuseum, the Hague, and ‘Rodney Graham Band with the YPF’ in collaboration with Musée d'art Contemporain de Montréal. Wong is the recipient of grants from Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council, and Canada Council for the Arts. She is a graduate of Concordia University in Montréal, Québec, and De Ateliers in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
(b.1981 Toronto) A painter of Cantonese-Chinese descent, who has lived and worked in Canada, the U.S., Spain, the Netherlands, and China. Solo exhibitions include ‘Naive Melody (this must be the place)’ at INDEXG, Toronto and ‘Everything is Everything’ at aceartinc. Winnipeg. Group exhibitions include ‘The Queens Prize for Painting’ at the Gementemuseum, the Hague, and ‘Rodney Graham Band with the YPF’ in collaboration with Musée d'art Contemporain de Montréal. Wong is the recipient of grants from Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council, and Canada Council for the Arts. She is a graduate of Concordia University in Montréal, Québec, and De Ateliers in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.