Arts Experience

Andrew Sookrah is a colourist whose confident and powerful free brushwork displays his strong sense of design, exquisite use of effective composition and confident presentation of bold colours. He was one of the contestants in the finals of Landscape Artists of The Year Canada competition and is an accomplished artist with an extensive teaching and exhibition record. He is an elected member of various art societies and has been an active member of the Arts & Letters Club of Toronto for 27 years. His work can be found in corporate and private collections in Canada and the US.

sookrah.ca
@andrew_cheddie_sookrah

Steve Rose is a graduate of OCAD University and earned an MFA degree from the University of Windsor. In addition to his own active studio practice and teaching schedule, Steve is a sought-after art juror and critique mentor, known for his discerning eye and fair assessment of a broad range of art disciplines, regardless of media, format or subject matter. A dedicated and passionate instructor, he has taught extensively at various art centres, colleges, universities, public galleries and has also offered private studio classes. Steve’s work is held in numerous international private and corporate collections.

@steverose.ca

Kim-Lee Kho is a Canadian artist of Chinese-Indonesian and British descent, exploring deeply personal experiences as a gateway to broader human concerns. A member, (now associate), of The Red Head Gallery collective in Toronto since 2018, Kho has participated nationally in exhibitions, residencies, and mentorships. She also has an extensive background in design. Kho’s multidisciplinary work examines vulnerability and empathy, biography and identity, life, death, love, and loss. Recent projects include: a site-specific room installation at the 2024 In Situ Multi-arts Festival in Mississauga Ontario; and her largest solo exhibition to date, Burnt Offerings at Station Gallery in Whitby, Ontario. Kho is a popular and experienced speaker, juror, and art educator, teaching art to adults in both digital and traditional media.

Valerie Kent, known for her vibrant and evocative works exploring themes of identity, memory and the human experience, achieved a BFA from Concordia University, followed by an MFA from the University of Iowa and a BEd from the University of Toronto. Innovative use of colour, texture, and form creates immersive environments that challenge perceptions and evoke emotional responses. She has exhibited in China, France, Italy, the US, Holland, Korea, Japan, and locally at Gallery Q, Gallery on the Lake, and the Parrott Gallery. Valerie has taught at various institutions and at artist retreats in France, Italy and Canada.

valeriekent.com

Addie Murchie is a self-taught cake and cupcake artist, known for intricate buttercream flowers. A stay-at-home mom of three, she began cake decorating as a hobby nine years ago, inspired by her passion for art and drawing. Inspired by the joy of creating something beautiful, Addie launched her business, Beautifully Delicious, where she specializes in crafting stunning buttercream flowers that make every cake a work of art.
beautifullydelicious.ca

Beth James is an artist who works primarily in painting, printmaking, and collage. She holds a graduate certificate from the Haliburton School of Art + Design and a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts from York University. Her practice explores and pushes the creative process, continually experimenting with materials and ideas to spark growth. Her work has been featured on the CBC, exhibited across Ontario, and is part of numerous private collections.

Luke Despatie is an Illustrator by training and a graphic designer by trade. He has since found his voice in contemporary landscape painting. Inspired by the diverse natural and built environments of Northumberland County, he brings vitality to everyday scenes through bold, expressive brushwork, capturing fleeting light and movement that is often overlooked.

Addie Murchie is a self-taught cake and cupcake artist, known for intricate buttercream flowers. A stay-at-home mom of three, she began cake decorating as a hobby nine years ago, inspired by her passion for art and drawing. Inspired by the joy of creating something beautiful, Addie launched her business, Beautifully Delicious, where she specializes in crafting stunning buttercream flowers that make every cake a work of art.
beautifullydelicious.ca

Denise Finn is a fibre artist based in Kingston, Ontario. Her journey into textiles began in childhood, when she learned knitting, sewing, embroidery and quilting under her mother’s guidance. In 2020, she discovered rug hooking and studied with renowned Canadian textile artist Deanne Fitzpatrick, a recipient of the Order of Canada for elevating the craft to an art form. To date, Denise has introduced rug hooking to many newcomers through intimate home and community workshops.

Marta Scythes is a fine artist, medical illustrator, and stroke researcher. She teaches portraiture, botanicals, drafting, drawing and watercolour painting at various institutions throughout Ontario. Her illustrations have been published by Harrowsmith Magazine, Simon & Schuster and Harper Collins, US. McClelland & Stewart featured her work in the best-selling UP NORTH series and in The Canadian Encyclopedia. Marta holds a MSc in Biomedical Communications from the University of Toronto and a Masters of Design from OCADU. She is currently designing and researching novel strategies for stroke rehabilitation.

Valerie Kent, known for her vibrant and evocative works exploring themes of identity, memory and the human experience, achieved a BFA from Concordia University, followed by an MFA from the University of Iowa and a BEd from the University of Toronto. Innovative use of colour, texture, and form creates immersive environments that challenge perceptions and evoke emotional responses. She has exhibited in China, France, Italy, the US, Holland, Korea, Japan, and locally at Gallery Q, Gallery on the Lake, and the Parrott Gallery. Valerie has taught at various institutions and at artist retreats in France, Italy and Canada.

valeriekent.com

Studio Experience

Kirei Samuel started designing jewellery using glass nuggets in the mid 90’s and began fusing glass in 2000 when she became mesmerized by the striking beauty of Dichroic glass. She has had media coverage in newspapers, TV, and magazines, including InStyle and, most recently, on 99.3 FM’s County Profiles. With a rich history of craft shows and festivals, Kirei now works out of her studio where she creates and teaches. She has also taught a variety of ages at assorted institutions and groups.
facebook.com/LalaLandGlassStudio