MASC

In this interview, Alvaro de Minaya talks about the group’s formation in Ottawa, and how the local music community has grown in the past 25 years.

Deidre Hierlihy is a MASC artist who practices a wide range of printmaking and calligraphy media. Here, she talks about the beauty of putting words on paper and how being a mother influences her teaching.

In advance of Wendy Hartley’s retirement from MASC in June of this year, we are sharing this heartfelt letter from Wendy to the people who defined her time at MASC. As Wendy mentions in her letter, we are delighted that Micheline Shoebridge will be continuing in her role as Executive Director to lead MASC into its exciting next phase.

Louis Mercier is an ambassador of traditional French-Canadian music. His family is from Maniwaki and has passed on their traditions to him throughout his childhood, providing his foundation of square dance, traditional percussion and music, toe dancing, playing the bones, washboards, spoons and the comb.

MASC is launching the first virtual edition of the MASC Young Authors and Illustrators Festival (MYAIF). Students in grades six to eight will take part in literary events and creative workshops as well as work with the authors and illustrators of their choice.

Today, when she’s not performing, Kellylee teaches and speaks about her journey to recovery by sharing her inspiring story.

Leslie McCurdy has numerous stage, film, and TV credits but is best known for the one-woman plays that she wrote and has performed for over 20 years. The Spirit of Harriet Tubman, her first play, was a finalist for a Canadian Chalmers Award for Best New Play for Young Audiences.

Lola Ryan is one of Canada’s foremost practitioners of dance and movement improvisation. A former champion athlete, she began a career in dance in her twenties, founding and co-founding several dance/theatre companies and touring nationally. Her work with children and adults is an abiding interest, and encourages links between youthful play and the world of dance. 

Kseniya Tsoy  is a new Canadian community-engaged artist, originally from Uzbekistan. In her murals and workshops, she is passionate about introducing this part of the world through iconic patterns and traditional applied art techniques with a contemporary twist.

Nicole Bélanger is a visual artist who specializes in murals as collaborative works of art. In schools or the community, her emphasis is on group work, both in conceptualization and creation. Nicole believes that the power of energy comes from the creative efforts of the group and that there is room for everyone in the world of creativity.

For over 40 years, VOX Théâtre has been a vast playground for young audiences. Stories take on a unique theatrical form with voices singing words and sounds to express ideas and emotions. Actors, music, sets, and puppets animate stories and characters that strike the imagination. 

Jimmy Baptiste is a father, youth educator/facilitator, graphic artist, curator, and muralist. With his unique approach to education, he aims to build a sense of ownership and belonging in schools and communities.

Kathryn Patricia Cobbler is a musician, artist, storyteller, and catalyst for creative experiences. As a multi-faceted musician-educator, she engages audiences of all ages in interactive performances, residencies, and musical workshops. In this interview, Kathryn talks about collaborating with other Ottawa-based artists and inspiring students to express themselves through visual arts and music.

Shaun Elie is an Ottawa-based video artist and videographer who offers video workshops that can adapt to different situations. He has worked with MASC for over 15 years, offering short workshops and residencies to students in both English and French.

Amanda West Lewis  is dedicated to words. Words on the page and words on the stage. Her eight books for children and youth range from non-fiction books to historical novels. She has a particular interest in creating historically relevant stories for young people.