Yasmin is a multi-disciplinary artist from Burlington, Ontario with a passion for storytelling and expressionism. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Art and Art History with specializations in Classical Civilizations and Visual Culture from the University of Toronto and a diploma from Sheridan College. Her main mediums are oil and acrylic paint, mixed-media sculpture, and ink and graphite; however, she loves to constantly try her hand at new mediums and techniques and is always open to learning something new!
Yasmin has a background in youth group counselling and being a camp instructor at VAM. She especially enjoys teaching children and teens, whose curiosity and passion to create are always so inspiring to see. Her favourite part of teaching art is helping students discover their own creative voice and seeing their confidence grow!
Simrat Marwaha is a multidisciplinary artist based in Mississauga, and is currently a student at ocad university studying in the cross-disciplinary: life studies program. Simrat has been making and studying art for numerous years and has been using her knowledge in teaching. Simrat has specialties in drawing & painting, printmaking and sculpture. simrat’s works focuses on her own life experiences and the nature of life. simrat has always had a passion for art and for teaching those around her
Joy San (she/her) is a Filipina Canadian illustrator, comic artist, and writer. She lives and works in Brampton with her family of three. Her comics have been published by Simon & Schuster, Chickadee Magazine, The New Yorker, Silver Sprocket, and Balustrade Press. Her work focuses on narrative and story featuring surreal themes that straddle the line between the strange and funny. Her book, Sugar & Other Stories, was published in 2023 by Silver Sprocket and is currently in circulation in the Brampton, Mississauga, and Toronto Public Libraries. She is also the founder of the Brampton Indie Comics & Zines (BICZ) collective. She graduated from Seneca College with an Independent Illustration Diploma and holds an HBSc in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour from McMaster University.
Marcie Costello is a Graduate Student in Art Therapy and Psychotherapy, majored in Art History, holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a Diploma in Design, and is a local Professional Photographer specializing in families and newborns in the Mississauga and surrounding area. As a visual artist with over 17 years of experience, she helps people tell their stories through creative expression. Guided by the belief that creativity can foster self-awareness, resilience, connection, and emotional wellbeing, Marcie creates welcoming, inclusive spaces where individuals of all ages can slow down, explore, and reconnect through the creative process.
Her workshops are thoughtfully designed to encourage curiosity, mindfulness, self-expression, and personal growth in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Focusing on the process rather than the finished product, Marcie believes that everyone has the capacity to create and experience the restorative benefits of art, regardless of artistic ability.
Joyce Szydlowski is a multidisciplinary artist who loves exploring new mediums and sources of creative inspiration. Holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts from OCAD U, her career is a culmination of creative facets spanning floral and event design to digital advertising and communications. Joyce works primarily in oil and acrylic painting, fabric, and needlecraft. Her artwork is centered on the rich palettes achieved through colour mixing, drawing inspiration from the Old Masters, to celebrate the beauty of the nature and its unique animals.
I am Renu Sharma a passionate hand embroidery/sewing artist and instructor. My journey with embroidery began in childhood, learning this beautiful craft from my mother and grandmother, who passed down their skills and knowledge through generations.
Hand embroidery has long been an important part of Indian culture, with traditional techniques and motifs being shared within families for centuries. For many women, embroidery was not only a creative art form but also a way to preserve stories, traditions, and cultural heritage. I am proud to continue this tradition and share it with others.
In my workshops, I combine traditional hand embroidery techniques with modern creative applications. Participants will learn essential stitches, decorative embroidery methods, and practical design tips that can be used on clothing, accessories, and home decor items. They will also discover how embroidery can be used to upcycle and personalize existing garments, giving them a fresh, unique look while supporting sustainable fashion.
I believe embroidery is more than a craft—it is a mindful, rewarding, and creative form of self-expression that connects us to generations of makers before us. I look forward to sharing this timeless skill and inspiring participants to create beautiful pieces with their own hands.
Inaya Sher is a Character/Prop Designer, Animator and Illustrator. She’s worked on productions such as Paw Patrol, Angry Birds, Alzarfa and Oscar shortlisted film The Glassworker. She is Currently a Creative Director at Muslim Media Hub. Inaya has a passion for storytelling, illustration and bringing community together. She is the founder of Animuslims, a non-profit aimed at fostering better representation for Muslim in animation. She hopes to one day continue working in her field, create her own stories through picture books, publishing and animation as well as have a hand in teaching other artists
Pooja Kenjale-Umrani is the author of the book Modern Watercolor Workshop, a professional watercolor artist, licensed surface designer, brand ambassador, and art instructor who has conducted in-person workshops across Canada, India, and the US and has taught more than 20,000 students worldwide via Skillshare. A popular content creator, Pooja is committed to spreading joy through art and enjoys delivering daily painting inspiration on Instagram to her growing fan base of over 128,000 dedicated followers!
A passionate and experienced Art and Craft Instructor with a deep love for hands-on creativity and teaching. Special interest in mixed media including clay work, paper crafts, fiber arts, upcycling and folk arts, I guide learners of all ages and skill levels in developing their artistic voice through fun, engaging, and accessible workshops. My approach blends technical instruction with encouragement, fostering both skill and confidence in every participant.
With a background in Indian textile, Yogita has keen interest in folk art which finds its reflection in her art.
Yogita is a contemporary dot mandala artist whose work explores the intersection of mindfulness and symmetry through the meditative practice of detailed pointillism transforming the motifs created by dotting into vibrant, balanced compositions that evoke both harmony and introspection, thereby acting as a powerful artform for mental health and overall well being.
Ray Vidal is an award winning multidisciplinary artist, muralist, musician and educator based in Toronto, Canada. Focusing on building a better more connected community through accessible arts programming, workshops, mentorships, mural & public art initiatives. That is inclusive and helps foster creative thinking and problem solving for youth, emerging artists and the whole community. After graduating from Sculpture and Installation at OCAD University his art practice has expanded into the public art realm specializing in murals, scenic painting, illustrations, live performance, community events, arts programs and workshops. Empowering community through diverse arts programming and workshops with various non profit arts organizations around the GTA.
Ray’s work can be seen internationally and locally. In mediums of aerosol, latex, acrylic and vinyl wrap. Over all completing 35 plus public art projects around Ontario, Calgary and California. Using the streets as a canvas to connect with others. Collaborating with clients such as LCBO, Google, TTC Subway, BMO Canada, Flap Canada, Peel Children’s Aid Society, Bell Canada, Mount Sinai Hospital and Lola’s Kitchen. Ray is a dedicated community arts educator with 10 years experience teaching murals, workshops and arts programming with various community focused non profit arts organizations. Recognized for his community impact at the 2023 Mississauga Urban Design receiving the Award of Merit and featured in the 2023 Big Pictures conference in British Columbia at Wilson School of Design for his community driven mural series Ebb and Flow. 2024 he was awarded the People’s Choice and Jury’s Choice Award for a 48 hr mural marathon at the Sutter Theatre for the Arts in Yuba City, California.
Diana Nadia Lawryshyn is a Ukrainian-Canadian artist based in Toronto. Her wood grain-based paintings explore pareidolia: the human impulse to derive images and meaning from ambiguous forms. Beginning with an abstract, gestural underpainting, each painting evolves as faces, figures, and other forms emerge through her response to the natural patterns embedded in the wood grain.
Rooted in early training in visual fundamentals, Lawryshyn deepened her practice through cross-disciplinary study while completing a Master of Music degree. Her musical background continues to shape her approach, informing the rhythmic structures, repetitions, and vibrational qualities that organize her visual language.
Diana’s work has been exhibited locally and internationally, with highlights including Nuit Blanche Toronto, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, Oshawa City Hall, and the Kavaleridze Museum (Kyiv, Ukraine). She has received recognition in multiple juried exhibitions, including ‘Best in Show’ at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery and ‘People’s Choice’ at the Station Gallery.
Disha Sharma is a professional artist, illustrator, and educator who has recently relocated to Texas with her family. We look forward to continuing to offer her watercolour course online starting this Fall:
https://app.amilia.com/store/en/visual-arts-mississauga/shop/activities/7236385
Working in both realistic and expressive styles, she is best known for her detailed botanical and food illustrations as well as her vibrant watercolor florals and landscapes.
Disha teaches a range of popular watercolor classes and workshops. Her teaching emphasizes strong fundamentals, observation, and an encouraging, process-driven approach that helps students build both skill and confidence. Beyond teaching, Disha works commercially as an illustrator, creating artwork for packaging, picture books and editorial clients. Her work blends traditional watercolor techniques with modern digital tools like Procreate, reflecting her belief that creativity thrives in both tradition and innovation.
A nature lover and tireless hiker, Maria finds inspiration in exploring the provincial parks and conservation areas of Southern Ontario. Often painting on location with dry pastels, she captures the light and feeling of each scene. She later uses her pastel sketches as references for larger oil pieces, which she creates in her studio on canvas using a palette knife. By manipulating oil paints wet-on-wet with a palette knife, she blends colors directly on the canvas, creating harmonious transitions and subtle gradients that enhance the textural complexity of her work. Embracing the unpredictability of using a palette knife and allowing the underpainting to show through, she fills her paintings with spontaneity and vitality, making the landscapes feel alive and in motion. The result is a series of textured pieces that celebrate the beauty of nature and invite viewers to experience it in a tangible, immersive way.
Maria is an Elected Member of the Society of Canadian Artists and the Ontario Society of Artists, as well as a Master Signature-Eminent Pastelist Member of Pastel Artists Canada. She lives and works in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
For over a decade, Elena has captivated audiences with her intricate, and deeply emotive glass and ceramic mosaic art. Renowned for her ability to weave colour, texture, and storytelling into stunning visual narratives, Elena has established herself as a notable figure in contemporary mosaic art, creating works that are both deeply personal and profoundly communal.
Elena firmly believes that art should be inclusive, participatory, and accessible. Through hands- on workshops, collaborative design sessions, and public art projects, she has brought together individuals of all ages and backgrounds to co-create vibrant murals that transform everyday spaces into stunning works of collective expression. Her community-driven approach fosters pride, connection, and a shared sense of ownership that resonates deeply with participants and viewers alike.
Dianne is a Certified Life and Business Coach and Vision Board Trainer dedicated to helping clients create clarity around their personal and professional goals. She empowers her clients to release doubts and insecurities, take meaningful action, and implement easy steps to achieve their dreams.
With a background in sales and management, Dianne brings a strategic mindset to her coaching. After leaving the corporate world, she shifted her focus to supporting professional women who often put others first, helping them reclaim their time and prioritize themselves.
Through her workshops and 1:1 coaching, Dianne teaches female entrepreneurs how to balance their personal lives with running a business. She understands the unique challenges women face and provides tools, techniques, and actionable steps to help her clients achieve success, joy, and balance.
A cornerstone of Dianne’s approach is using vision boards as a powerful tool for visualization and goal-setting. Vision boards help her clients discover what truly brings them joy and fills their lives with meaning, serving as a motivating roadmap to their success.
Joy Rogers is a member of Six Nations of the Grand River, Seneca. On her maternal side, she has Haudenosaunee (Six Nations) and Chippewa (Beausoleil First Nation) ancestry. On her paternal side, she has English and Scottish ancestry. She began beading in early 2021 and learned most of what she knows from her mom who was a beader while she was growing up. Joy’s beadwork blends contemporary and traditional Indigenous styles and is largely inspired by Mother Earth.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Arts Education, with over 25 years of experience teaching students worldwide and working with brands and live events. For me, calligraphy is more than handwriting. It is expression, creativity, and connection. I love helping people build skills from strokes to words while slowing down, staying focused, and gaining confidence. It is a process that engages both the mind and body. I also enjoy combining lettering with drawing and illustration to create unique, expressive designs for workshops, events, and custom projects.
Deon Best is a multidisciplinary Fabric Artist and Creative Educator specializing in the unique East African fabric art of Batik. Blending tradition with modern creativity, Deon has facilitated over 100 successful workshops and taught more than 700 students across Canada.
His work draws inspiration from people, animals, and nature, weaving cultural storytelling into every piece. With a passion for community engagement, Deon creates spaces where participants of all ages can explore self-expression, identity, and artistic confidence through the vibrant medium of Modern Batik Fabric Art.
Scott Cooper graduated from the Communication and Design department of Ontario College of Art (now OCAD University) in 1978. He spent many years as a studio artist producing illustrations, cartoons, comic books, character design for animation and graphic design and illustration for advertising and CDs. He went the route of a freelancer in the early 90s.
Scott began teaching in the early 2000s, offering courses in cartooning, fundamental drawing, and painting to adults and children at the Mississauga Valley School of Art, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and Barry Coombs Studio. Currently he teaches adults and teens at Visual Arts Mississauga, takes painting commissions and continues with some freelance illustration and design.
Aditi Ganeev Sangwan is a Brampton-based visual artist and art educator, and the Co-founder of Art Studio Izza, a collaborative focusing ecologically sustainable visual art practices through community engagement workshops. Born and raised in India, Aditi earned her PhD in Visual Art from Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan India. She has over two decades of experience as a visual artist and academic scholar. Her work has been shown in various international exhibitions in Canada, India, South Korea, Bangladesh, Brazil, the USA, and she has successfully conducted workshops and presented papers in seminars at several prestigious institutions.
Adam de Vries is a Canadian character designer known for his appealing posing ability. Born in Toronto and raised in Mississauga, he loved Looney Tunes cartoons and the Muppet show, Calvin and Hobbes comics, movies, and ice hockey, which led him to his logical career choice, drawing silly stuff for tv.
Adam graduated from Algonquin College’s Animation Program and went on to work for John K (Ren and Stimpy creator) as a character layout artist, and then later worked for multiple tv animation studios. He worked as an animation artist on Peep and the Big Wide World, then as animation director on Iggy Arbunkle where he used to hand draw a lot of the main poses to guide the artists like in ways Chuck Jones used to back in the day. Later on, he worked on shows such as Scaredy Squirrel and Sidekick, where he really pushed the animation posing. He then continued to excel in hand drawn posing as he moved onto such shows as Peabody and Sherman for Netflix, and then Tom and Jerry.
When he’s not drawing, he enjoys being outdoors, photography, and playing ice hockey. Adam and his wife and their two daughters live in Mississauga where they have fun drawing together and having ice cream.
Erin MacKeen is an artist and educator who works in cooperative and artist-run spaces helping
people engage with the creative process and learn how to make things. She is an
interdisciplinary artist who plays with a variety of methods that include: screen printing, fibre
arts, sculpting, drawing, painting, and making her own colour for dyes and inks. Her work is
primarily concerned with collective care: how we connect to the natural world and ourselves by
building communities of practice.
Stephen Uhraney is an award-winning Canadian photojournalist and documentary photographer whose work looks beyond the surface to capture the essence of life. In 2024, he became the only Canadian ever to win the International Association of Fire Fighters Media Award for his “On Duty” documentary, a four-month immersion with Fire Station 104 in Port Credit. He was named Mississauga’s visual Artist of the Year in 2023 and received the 2024 Heritage Mississauga Modern Heritage Award for his long-term documentation of Port Credit. His acclaimed projects include Life in the Marsh, a two-year documentary on migrant farm workers in the Holland Marsh which was featured in the 2013 Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival, he has also produced five solo exhibitions. A former staff photographer with the Toronto Sun and a current contributing photographer with Canadian Press Images, his work has been featured on CBC’s local and national newscasts, and continues to resonate locally, nationally, and internationally. This Fall, Uhraney will also be teaching at George Brown College sharing his immersive approach to documentary photography with a new generation of artists.
Hacer Ozcan is a Turkish Ebru (paper marbling) artist with over 18 years of experience dedicated to preserving and promoting the traditional art of Turkish marbling. Trained in classical techniques, she creates intricate floral and traditional patterns rooted in Turkish artistic heritage. Through exhibitions and workshops, she shares her passion for Ebru as both a cultural heritage art form and a meditative creative practice. Her aim is to introduce this one of a kind art to all the Canadians.
Lynda D’Souza’s portraits and sculptures are deeply rooted in the traditions of the 19th-century masters. A graduate of the Academy of Realist Art in Toronto, where she studied Realism, her work is best described as “Classical with a strong dose of Romance.”
Her graphite and oil portraits are rendered with the Bargue technique and a reverence for the Old Masters. Lynda’s approach to portraiture is not merely representational; it is psychological. She seeks to uncover and convey the inner world of her subjects—their emotions, quiet strength, and vulnerabilities. Working primarily on panel, she uses layered oil glazes, delicate brushwork, and controlled tonal shifts to evoke presence and atmosphere. Whether in graphite or oil, her portraits are intimate and timeless, often infused with a poetic stillness that invites contemplation.
In sculpture, Lynda draws deeply from architectural history—especially the ornate rhythms and dramatic contrasts of the Baroque period. She brings a sculptor’s sensitivity to form, detail, and materiality, crafting works that are both grounded in classical technique and boldly imaginative.
Lately, she has been exploring the integration of sculpture and painting by creating highly detailed, ornamental frames that are sculpted, kiln-fired, and then painted on. These hybrid pieces blur the line between object and image, merging two- and three-dimensional art forms into a singular visual experience. This innovative body of work reflects her desire to push traditional boundaries, reimagining how classical aesthetics can function in a contemporary context.
Lynda is continually evolving her practice, seeking new ways to express the emotional and symbolic potential of the human figure through both sculpture and portraiture. Her work bridges classical craftsmanship with modern storytelling, rooted in tradition yet always looking forward.
Vira Tuhusheva
Artist name: Valkyrie Hild
Born in Ukraine and based in Canada since 2023, Vira Tuhusheva is a multidisciplinary artist with formal education in art education and interior design. She has extensive experience teaching art to both children and adults, as well as participating in exhibitions and plein air events across Europe.
Vira is fluent in Ukrainian, Russian, Polish, and English, which allows her to connect with diverse creative communities.
Working across multiple mediums, she specializes in oil, watercolor, and acrylic painting, while also exploring candle making, handcrafted textile art, macramé, epoxy resin, alcohol ink, quilling, and other mixed-media techniques. Art has always been a central part of her life — a constant source of inspiration and creative expression.
Michaela is a multi-disciplinary artist from Mississauga with a background in both business and the arts. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Integrated Business and Humanities from McMaster University, with a minor in Sustainability. This academic foundation informs her creative process, grounding it in a deep respect for the natural world and its endless shapes and forms. Having completed 12 years of French immersion, Michaela applies her bilingual skills as a French ArtReach Instructor at VAM, creating art experiences that inspire creativity and foster an appreciation for the French language.
Carla Gonzalez was born in Caracas -Venezuela but left her native land at the early age of 3 to travel the world with he parents, this gave her an opportunity to explore and learn a lot about cultures and colours which will come into play when she started picking up drawing and painting at an early age, her first drawing class took place in Hong Kong, Design & Caribbean history in Trinidad and Tobago, back to Caracas for Art Fundamentals and finally she earned her Fine Arts Diploma from Toronto School of Arts in 1997, in the following years she worked as a Graphic Designer in Colour Vision Inc. and after she went on to one of her favourite journeys teaching art to kids and adults alike. Her favourite subjects for art are women & mother nature, her mediums go from pencil crayon, ink, acrylics & oils. She believes life is a collective journey and is her intention to make it a colourful one for her and those who she is blessed to share it with.
“One of my aspirations is to share my creative spirit with others in ways that inspires them to find their own creative potential. I strive to also engage people to think critically and feel with their hearts on global and local challenges that we all collectively face, be it political, environmental or on social issues. I feel it is incumbent on all of us to find solutions that go beyond our own lives and to think more of the legacy we leave behind for future generations.
My style of painting is impressionist / expressionist. I predominantly use acrylic paints along with more contemporary techniques, such as applying paper and aggregates onto the canvas to create texture and volume. Along with using paint brushes and pallet knives, I also utilize mark making tools from found objects to create more intuitive expressive lines that add depth and dimension to the painting.
My two main passions are creating intuitive abstract paintings which allow me to explore and release my emotions as part of the creative process. The other more realistic paintings explore the themes of nature, animals and portraiture. “
I am currently displaying my paintings at Pixie Blue Studio and have previously exhibited at Arts on the Credit Studio Tour, Mississauga Art Gallery, Kaleidoscope Studio, Arts on the Credit Spring Show, Pazan Gallery, Lakeshore Art Trail, and Mississauga Central Library.
I have also had several solo and group shows at the Imagemaker, Port Credit BIA, Clarke Hall, Promenade Gallery, Almada Negreiros Gallery, Gallery 888, Image Matrix and Mississauga Sculpture Studio.
For further information and Inquiries on my work visit: http://www.leodias.ca
Joanna Konopka is a print media artist, designer, curator, painter and filmmaker based in Toronto, Canada. She has graduated from Sheridan College and the University of Toronto with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts and Art History as well as a certificate in curatorial studies. Recently, Konopka interned at Images Festival in Toronto which has broadened her knowledge and practice in contemporary film and moving image making. It has inspired her to create art that can be viewed and understood globally through the simply communication of composition, colour and form. Konopka is currently an artist resident at Visual Arts Mississauga where she aims to build her portfolio for grad school, work on larger scale pieces and get involved in the local art community. Her current focus is within Printmaking, she is drawn to the multi-step process that can uniquely change the artwork at any point. Throughout her work, she explores themes of environment, body, memory, and girlhood while working in various mediums to gain the most amount of knowledge through experimentation.
Deepa Krishnan is a self-taught artist based in Mississauga. She specializes in the art of Paper Quilling which involves manipulating narrow strips of paper to create exquisite designs. She discovered this art form when she was looking for a creative outlet from her engineering job. She was amazed by the possibilities and beauty of paper quilling, that she decided to pursue it as a full-time career. Since then, she has been passionately mastering this technique and has created many artworks drawing inspiration from nature, music and travel. She cuts the paper strips in different widths to add depth and dimension to her creations. She loves to play with the colours and experiment with the quilling techniques to create her own distinctive style. Deepa believes that anyone can learn this art form, regardless of their age or skill level and she hosts many workshops to spread the joy of quilling. She enjoys seeing her students discover their own creativity and style in paper quilling.
Fulya’s love for art began at an early age. She travelled as a 19 year old to visit many European museums solely to see the art she admired in the art books. She taught herself how to paint with soft pastels more than 20 years ago when she had her first baby, thanks to the ease of the medium with no drying time, no set up requirement. To this day, soft pastels remain her first love due to the intense pigment, vibrancy and the natural painterly effect of the medium. She is mostly a self-taught artist, and understands the trials and tribulations of learning how to paint and accelerate one’s skills and technique without the structure of an art school. Today, she paints in multiple mediums, and regularly exhibits her work. She participated in many group and juried shows including Women’s Art Association of Canada, Visual Arts Mississauga, and the Grange. She was also a selected painter at the Joy III exhibition at Summer Grace Gallery. She is an active organizer of Sauga Plein Air Group (SPAG) and regularly paints with this group. She enjoys attending workshops with the artists she admires to continuously learn.
Connie is a visual artist born and raised in South Korea. Naturally fascinated by art, she spent her youth constantly drawing. As a child she loved to read illustrated novels. As such, she was drawn to realistic illustration art style which effectively conveyed the depth of the emotions in the narrative. She departed from her artistic path for the period of her teenage years and twenties in favour of more pragmatic pursuits, but at the age of 30, she travelled to Canada to study fine arts in the diploma program of Visual and Creative Arts at Sheridan College. During her studies, she explored different mediums to create representational art. During this time she developed a keen interest towards the world of portrait arts. Immediately captivated by the beauty of individual personalities expressed through that medium, and the various techniques and methods of depicting them in the flowy richness of oil colours, she has worked on cultivating techniques and artistic intuition through the eye of a portrait artist since then. Already having years of experience in completing commission work, Connie is continuing her journey of capturing interesting personalities in her medium of choice, always committed to making her best effort. Presently Connie is focused on expanding her artistic repertoire by painting different art subjects such as still life, landscape, and animal portraits. She is always open to learning new techniques and methods from other fellow artists, and experimenting with different mediums.
Another great passion for Connie is to teach students, sharing her artistic knowledge and inspiring them through her guidance and leading by example. Her classes are designed for learning representational arts rooted in realism, which are taught through timeless principles, however she also values and promotes individual interpretation and creative freedom. By teaching big concepts, incorporating fun activities, and assigning personal projects, she always makes sure her students get artistic knowledge and stimulation, and acquire the right skills to walk out of the class with a higher level of confidence as an artist!
Sofia Sue-Wah-Sing is a GTA-based multimedia artist. Their work deals with personal psychological and political themes, often bridging them to critique the norms that govern queer bodies and people of colour. They have a Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto for Psychology and Art and are currently completing an Interdisciplinary Masters of Art at OCAD University.
Tanzina is a dynamic and passionate Bangladeshi-Canadian visual artist, recognized for her vibrant and expressive artworks. With a background in architecture and extensive experience in corporate management roles, she brings a unique perspective to her artistic endeavors. Tanzina is the co-founder of Artusiasm, an innovative art gallery and curatorial business that provides an inclusive platform for artists.
Driven by a transformative personal journey, Tanzina shifted her priorities in life after undergoing intensive grief therapy in 2019. She decided to leave the corporate world and dedicate her time to volunteering, art creation, and practicing wellness programs. As a certified Reiki Master and palliative and bereavement support volunteer, she utilizes creative and holistic approaches to support others in their healing processes. Tanzina completed a certificate course on Healing with the Arts through the University of Florida, further enhancing her ability to facilitate healing through art.
Tanzina not only creates captivating artworks but also shares her knowledge and passion through teaching. She offers drawing and painting lessons and conducts innovative workshops, such as meditative art, pet portraits, and expressive self-portraits. Tanzina also offers 1:1 and group healing workshops to help individuals that are dealing with stress, anxiety, grief and loss. Since 2020 she has been conducting virtual art classes and workshops, making her expertise accessible to a broader audience.
Although primarily self-taught, Tanzina has expanded her artistic skills through professional courses and lessons in oil painting, acrylics, abstract expressionism, and design theories both in Bangladesh and Canada. Her diverse portfolio showcases a range of styles, from realism to abstraction, with a particular focus on expressionist portraits and figures characterized by vivid colours and bold strokes. Tanzina’s artworks have found homes in private collections across Canada, the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Colourful ethnic cultures and traditions serve as a constant source of inspiration for Tanzina. She is particularly drawn to forms that exhibit powerful simplicity and embrace an abstract style. Art has always been Tanzina’s refuge from the demands of a fast-paced life, and she channels this passion into her creations.
Tanzina strongly believes in the transformative power of art for mental health and overall well-being. Her art and holistic approach aim to bring positivity and healing to individuals’ lives, making a lasting impact through creativity and self-expression.
Tritan is an accomplished artist with expertise with oil on canvas, watercolor, pencil and charcoal drawings, and life drawings.
He was a London, England based artist for over 18 years and received his Masters of Fine Art from Byam Shaw School of Art, London England. I have been living and working as an artist in Oakville and Toronto, Ontario since 2011. You can see his most recent work on
Jasmine Bournes is a Toronto, Canada-based storyboard artist. She graduated from Sheridan College with a Bachelor of Animation and a passion for storytelling through visual media. Jasmine’s specialties lie within digital art, ranging from digital painting, character design, layout, animation, and of course storyboarding. She has a passion for traditional media as well, especially of the ink-based variety.Ink, markers, highlighters, and anything colorful that breathes life into a sketchbook page (even stickers) are something that she especially loves. Jasmine strives to share her stories with those around her through new and innovative ideas, combining digital and traditional art to tell stories in new and exciting ways. She has completed a production internship with Pipeline Studios and participated in a storyboarding workshop with House of Cool. Jasmine’s goal is to always be open to new ideas and constantly adapt her art skills to better share her experiences with those around her.
Jenna DeFacendis is a background designer and painter for 2D animation, and a 2023 graduate of Sheridan College’s Animation Program. During her final year of schooling she independently created the short film “Artist’s Alley”, which went on to win multiple awards at local festivals around the GTA. Alongside her animation work Jenna enjoys getting outside for plein air sketching and painting, always finding inspiration throughout the world around her.
Anna is a Korean-Canadian self-taught artist from Brampton, specializing in resin abstract art and ceramics. She draws inspiration from her daily life, travels, and the beauty of nature, particularly aerial landscapes, marble, and crystals. Her intuitive approach to painting allows her to explore free-flowing forms and rich, vibrant colors, which also translate beautifully into the glazes of her ceramic pieces.
Anna’s journey with clay began during her first wheel-throwing class at the Toronto School of Art. She instantly fell in love with the meditative, yet playful process of working with clay, feeling a sense of freedom and creativity as she shaped each piece. Today, she shares that passion through teaching both wheel throwing and handbuilding. One of her greatest joys is watching her students develop their skills and fall in love with pottery, just as she did when she first started.
Sima Naseem is a Pakistani-Canadian mixed media artist who works with multiple mediums with a focus on animation, illustration and public art. She enjoys telling stories of exploration, discovery, and personal family life. She enjoys using bright colours and playful designs that have a positive impact on her community through inclusivity, diversity and inspirational imagery. Sima is always looking for new and creative ways to share her cultural and personal experiences through art.
Sierra Peca is an emerging painter and art historian. She completed her graduate degree in Art History at the University of Toronto with a research interest in feminist and decolonial theory. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Toronto with a double major in Art & Art History (joint with Sheridan College) and Professional Writing & Communication. With training in painting, drawing, print, sculpture and photography, Sierra combines these media in the production of her paintings that often reflect on her cultural identities, nostalgia, relationships, and banality.
Born in Bogota,Colombia,Gustavo is a self-taught artist specializing in portrait drawing in pastel,pencil and colored pencil.In elementary school he would help classmates with their art projects and in high school he would be selected by teachers to work in art project for the entire school,during these years,Gustavo enhanced his skills by enrolling at the school of art.During his working years,Gustavo made a living by working in art,graphics and art commissions In 1991,Gustavo and his family moved to Canada,here he continued working with his arts as well as in a factory until retirement.
Since retiring,Gustavo has worked as an art teacher in mani locations in the GTA such as the City of Mississauga,Dufferin peel and Visual Arts Mississauga,to name a few. Gustavo Currently teaches at the Mississauga Valley Seniors club,Visual art Brampton,Visual arts Mississauga and several retirement facilities.
Gustavo is very grateful for the opportunities to be able to work with art which is his passion.
Tiina Salo-Devries is a Finnish artist and teacher living and working in Mississauga. She likes to work on her own art projects and teach students of all ages and levels. Her education credentials, BA and Specialization Studies in arts and crafts, are from Finland as well as her Vocational Teachers’ Training.
From 1988, Tiina has sustained an active record of exhibitions both locally and internationally such as Florence Biennale in Italy and solo exhibitions in Dubai, UAE. She has taken part in international art camps and symposiums in Europe. Her artworks have been integrated into public spaces such as city halls, banks, and collections. As a founder of an artist’s group Liite in Finland, she has made installations, exhibitions, and performances. Additionally meantime, Tiina has given many lectures and workshops in arts, crafts, and design.
After moving to Canada in 2016, Tiina has actively been exploring Canadian art and taking part in various exhibitions. From the 2019 exhibition “In the wild” at Beaux Arts Brampton, she received the First Place Award. In addition, in the 2022 Halton & Peel Juried Exhibition in Joshua Creek Arts Centre, she received a certificate of excellence for her painted textile collage.
Tiina´s inspiration and theme of work evolve around the study of natural elements, light and color, found objects, and human spirits. Tiina´s philosophy is inspired by the fact that art is an endless learning endeavor. Travelling and living in different countries has giving her a new perspective to her own background and culture. New cultural influences are filtered and accompanied with important themes from the past in her artworks. Her artworks have both symbolic and surrealistic elements. She does not give answers, she raises more questions, and she wants to lead the viewer onto the thinking journey. For the most of the time she paints with acrylics on canvas, paper, and textile collages.
Tiina is now an art instructor in Visual Arts Mississauga and a principal and teacher in the Toronto Finnish Language School.
Stephanie began her career as a fashion designer, studying in Europe. While designing in the Toronto fashion district, she also created fashion illustrations for catalogues, storyboards, and advertisements for Canadian Designers.
She eventually left the fashion industry to become a graduate of Communication and Design at OCAD in Toronto. Only then to enter the Liturgical world of Design, where she established Labyrinth Studios Inc., designing and manufacturing sanctuary décor for Churches across Canada and the US.
Stephanie is an established multi-Disciplinary visual artist with over 40 years of experience, in portrait and figurative painting.She is a member of the Portrait Society of Canada, Ontario Society of Artists, and the Society of Canadian Artists, and has over 25 years of experience teaching visual arts.
Her ability as a multi- disciplinary artist enables her to focus more on leading and fostering students, whether privately or as groups, towards imagination & self -expression in her workshops.
Stephanie has been with the VAMILY since 2008, teaching multiple disciplines from Drawing to Mixed Media to figurative painting.
Recently she is the recipient of the 2023 Marty Award, from the Mississauga Arts Council, for the category of Established Artist in Traditional form and her mentorship in the arts for Peel region.
Born in Toronto, Ontario Canada, Bonnie Steinberg is a practicing artist and a popular art teacher. She is a guest artist and instructor for many groups in Canada, the US, and Europe. Her teaching also emphasizes architectural elements and their incorporation in urban and rural landscape. Transparent watercolour is Bonnie’s medium of choice.
With her passion and fascination with colour and light, Bonnie’s paintings and bold use of brushstrokes make her work instantly recognizable. Plein Air painting is an added passion, and this is exemplified in a recent teaching trip to Le Monastere, France summer, and last summers’ trip to Quebec city.
Bonnie Steinberg is a graduate of York University where she received her Honours(B.F.A)Bachelor of Fine Arts. Bonnie is also an elected member of the C.S.P.W.C.,(the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour, the S.C.A.(the Society of Canadian Artists,)
, the IWS, (the International Watercolour Society) and a signature and platinum member of the Toronto Watercolor Society (T.W.S).
Bonnie is honoured to announce that her watercolour painting, [ “Waiting for Spring”], has been selected by the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour (CSPWC) for inclusion in the prestigious Royal Project gift.
This significant initiative commemorates the 100th Anniversary of the CSPWC and represents the third phase of a distinguished 40-year project. Upon completion, 100 exceptional watercolours by Canadian artists will be placed in the Royal Collection Trust of King Charleslll at Windsor Castle, celebrating the enduring legacy and excellence of watercolour painting.
Min Yi (Joyce) Wang was born in Shanghai, China. She wanted to be an artist at her young age. Due to the Cultural Revolution in China, Joyce was not able to get into the Art School, but she learnt a lot of painting skills privately from a famous Artist Min Chau in Shanghai. She never gave up the dream she had. In 1982, she enrolled the Arts and Crafts Institute of Shanghai Adult whi_le she worked as a full time Mechanical Designer in a company. She had put herself in developing the good tradition of Chinese painting.
Joyce applies small and detailed objects in her paintings. Whatever she paints, she captures the essence of the object in a brilliant composition. Adept in painting flowers, fruit and plants, her paintings are vivid, refreshing and interesting. Having well developed traditional techniques, she unfolds a personal vision of particularly feminine softness and spiritual charm.
Joyce’s artwork is very well developed. Her style is unique as it shows an integration of the Chinese and Western arts. Her artwork is about everyday life experiences and observations. Joyce hopes all can enjoy her visions of favorite moods, places, things and shapes. Joyce is now a member of Visual Arts of
Mississauga (VAM). Also, she is a member of Mississauga Sumi-e Society.
Winifred is a seasoned artist with over 25 years of professional experience. She is a proud elected member of The Society of Canadian Artists and The Toronto Watercolour Society.
Continuing to expand her expertise, Winifred participates in workshops across the globe and shares her knowledge by teaching watercolour, oil, and acrylic painting. For the past seven years, she has been an instructor at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre.
Win’s teaching approach emphasizes the use of a limited palette, helping students develop their colour-mixing skills to create harmonious compositions. Renowned for her plein-air and still life sessions, she also offers studio-based instruction using photo references.
