About Magic of Children in the Arts
Magic of Children in the Arts is a not-for-profit corporation formally registered in 2006, after more than a decade of showcasing the creative works of Collingwood’s children.
Its mission is "To inspire and encourage children to create, exhibit and celebrate the arts by facilitating innovative, accessible arts programming in the community."
Our Board of Directors represents the wide array of local residents keenly interested in supporting and encouraging the creative talents of Collingwood’s children. The area’s educators also have extensive involvement in every facet of the project and a myriad of volunteers rounds out the 'staff'.
Generous support from businesses, organizations and individuals makes each year’s show possible and ensures that every young artist receives a prize of art materials to use in future projects. In order to broaden our access to support, the Board has applied for charitable status and anticipates approval in early 2009.
Our Board
President
Saundra Saunders BA Fine Arts, University of Waterloo
Art and drama teacher, Collingwood Collegiate Institute
Residence:
39 Maple Drive, Wasaga Beach, L9Z-0A8
Secretary/ Treasurer
Marion Lewis,
Arts activist, artists, and arts coordinator
Residence:
205 Birch Street, Collingwood, ON
Members
Angie Green, B.Ed, Nippising University, HBa, University of Toronto
Residence:
9 LaMont Creek Drive Wasaga Beach
Art and drama teacher in New Lowell and Stayner Collegiate
Lenie Waldman
Event management coordinator and grandmother to three
c/o Collingwood Downtown Business District
Collingwood, ON
Florijan Papa, BASc
Investors Group Consultant
c/o Investors Group, Suite 3A-186 Hurontario St, Collingwood ON L9Y 4T4
Rick Lloyd,
Stone engraver, local business owner, ( Smart’s Flowers), former Councillor, Town of Collingwood, flower designer and arts advocate
History of Magic of Children in the Arts
Magic of Children in the Arts corporation evolved from the annual exhibition at the Collingwood Public Library Gallery, entitled ‘The Magic of Children's Art Show’. The Show was established 13 years ago by artist and educator Lory MacDonald, to encourage artistic expression in children and showcase their creative works.
The Show is indelibly stamped with Lory's vision of respect and encouragement of creativity in children. Over the past decade, under the stewardship of Heath Needles and Adrienne Heesen, the Show became the most popular exhibit at the Library Gallery and reached an unparalleled level of professionalism and vigour.
Over 375 local children now exhibit in the annual Show and receive a prize package of age appropriate, high quality art supplies for their creative endeavours. These are awarded at a fantastic Awards ceremony usually held at the Gayety Theatre. The Show is a testament to the teamwork of volunteers, parents, children, educators and sponsors. It is also a very visible demonstration of the high value Collingwood places on arts education as the community invests in its most treasured resource- our children, our future.
For three years the Show benefited from the work of publicist and arts activist Marion Lewis, who made "Magic" a community buzzword, the artistic direction of Sandra Saunders and the guidance and wisdom of artist Chari- Lynn Reithmeirer as Chair. Along with Lory MacDonald and graphic designer Katrina Trautrim, they led the way down an exciting new path in 2006 and incorporated the not for profit corporation that we have today.
These intrepid arts supporters and founding directors, have forever changed the course of the arts in Collingwood, ensuring that children are supported and encouraged to explore and excel in the arts.