o The End of an Era: Loyalist College’s Photojournalism Program Closes
o Quinte Little Theatre debuts in QW
Janet Jarrell, Executive Director janet@quinteartscouncil.org
Kodie Trahan-Guay, Communications & Media Director kodie@quinteartscouncil.org
Tonya Sutherland-Stewart, Program Director tonya@quinteartscouncil.org
Andrew Gray, Graphic Designer drewgraymatters@gmail.com
Kim Lidstone, Bookkeeper qac@quinteartscouncil.org
The Quinte Arts Council is a not-for-profit, charitable organization, registration number 107869448 RR 0001. Published by: The Quinte Arts Council, P.O. Box 22113 Belleville, Ont. K8N 2Z5.
Material may be reprinted only with permission. Umbrella is available in digital format through Issuu. The information contained within is believed to be reliable, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. We do not assume responsibility for any errors and/or omissions related to submitted content.
Message from the Executive Director
It is with great pleasure that I present to you the Fall issue of Umbrella arts magazine. This edition is a testament to our ongoing commitment to celebrating the vibrant arts and culture scene across the Bay of Quinte region. Our mandate is to highlight the diverse array of artistic disciplines and locations that make our community so unique, and this issue is no exception.
In this Fall issue, you will find stories, interviews, and features that showcase the incredible talent and creativity of our local artists. From visual arts and music to theatre and literary arts, we strive to represent the full spectrum of artistic expression that flourishes in our region. Each piece is a reflection of the passion and dedication that our artists bring to their craft, and we are honoured to share their work with you.
We gratefully acknowledge our contributors, whose exceptional talent and dedication to writing help bring this magazine to life. Their insightful articles and stunning visuals not only promote our local artists but also inspire and engage our readers. Thank you for your invaluable contributions.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our Board of Directors. Your unwavering support and guidance are crucial to the success of our work. Your belief in our mission empowers us to continue fostering a thriving arts community.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the generous support of our patrons, sponsors, and the broader community. Your encouragement and recognition of our efforts drive us forward. Your contributions enable us to continue our work, and for that, we are deeply grateful.
As you delve into this issue of Umbrella, I hope you feel the same sense of pride and excitement that we do. Together, we are building a vibrant and inclusive arts community that celebrates the richness of our local culture.
Thank you for being a part of the Quinte Arts Council family.
Warm regards,
Cover: Josh Connell
Back: Jesus Estevez
Janet Jarrell, Executive Director
John M. & Bernice
Quinte Arts Council
Message from the Chair + Umbrella Contributors
QAC welcomes new board directors
Photography
Larry Tayler - an enthusiastic street photographer Bay of Quinte student photography show
Stephanie Tratner's Experience Photography Centre
Fine Arts
Josh Connell - Photorealistic graphite and charcoal drawings
Music
Robyn Scott - Nashville North Mama
Third Times a Charm - wise beyond their years
Culture
37th Annual Tyendinaga Traditional Pow Wow
Crafts
Fantasy fashion designer Liv Mori
Permorning Arts
Young Company at Tweed & Co
Westben celebrates 25 years
Comedy Country celebrates ten years of side-splitting fun
Theatre
Quinte Little Theatre
First annual Canadian National 10 minute play festival
Literary
Loyalist College’s renowned photojournalism program closes Tweed News - 137 years of local print journalism
Heritage
The Schneider School of Fine Art
Stephanie Tratner's Experience Photography Centre
Message from the Chair
Dear Community Members and Esteemed Supporters,
As Chair of the Quinte Arts Council (QAC), I am filled with immense gratitude for the unwavering support we have received from our community and our generous program funders. Your contributions sustain our organization, enabling us to foster creativity and enrich the cultural landscape of our region.
I would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the City of Belleville, the Parrott Foundation, the Ontario Arts Council (OAC), the Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board, McDougall Insurance, and our esteemed patron, Ralph Johnston. Your steadfast support has been instrumental in our ability to deliver diverse and impactful arts programs. Your belief in our mission empowers us to continue nurturing the arts and supporting local artists.
I am also excited to introduce our new board members who will help steer the QAC towards a vibrant future. I am honoured to continue serving as Chair, with Andrea Kerr in the role of Past Chair. Joining us are Rick Moulton as Vice-Chair, Rachael Lidstone as Treasurer, Maribeth deSnoo as Director and Fund Development, Sean Sroka as Director and Community Engagement, and Donna Davies as Director and Arts Education. Each of these individuals brings a wealth of experience and passion for the arts, and I am confident that their contributions will be invaluable.
Together, with your continued support and the dedication of our new board, we look forward to a future filled with artistic growth and community engagement. Thank you for being an integral part of the QAC family.
Warm regards, Brit
Contributors
Brit Johnston
Ardith Racey
Kodie Trahan-Guay
Peter Paylor
Greg Ceci
Jennifer Shea
Janet Jarrell
Scott Williams
Paul Snepsts
Board of Directors 2024
Rick Moulton Vice-Chair
Donna Davies Director and Arts Education
Rachael Lidstone Treasurer
Sean Sroka Director and Community Engagement
Andrea Kerr Past Chair
Brit Johnston Chair
Maribeth deSnoo Director and Fund Development
Larry Tayler retired in 2014 after a 46-year career in teaching and arts management, with the last 30 years spent in Toronto. Born in Prince Edward County, he is relishing retirement back in Picton. An enthusiastic street photographer, Tayler appreciates the anonymity that comes with being a senior with a camera. On busy city streets, everyone ignores him – perfect for street photography! He has a special fascination with photographing mannequins and enjoys using Lightroom and Photoshop to create abstract, ambiguous, and otherworldly images.
Tayler is also passionate about writing and is working on a collection of narrative essays that he hopes to publish. He has embarked on a new daily writing project: posting “Tayler Tayler: 100 Words” to both his Facebook and Instagram feeds. The 100-word posts cover a wide range of topics, from the sublime to the silly to the annoying, and he invites people to join these daily wanderings!
In his spare time, Tayler cultivates interests in public speaking, trains, volunteer work, and doing the laundry. He shares life with his husband, the quilt maker Bill Stearman, plus three dogs and an unhinged cat.
Prince Edward County
Photography
Larry Tayler
Photography
Photography
Photography
Bay of Quinte student photography show
The Bay of Quinte Regional Market-
ing Board proudly presents the Student Photography Show, featuring participants and winners from its student photography contest. This event exhibited at the Quinte Arts Council Cultural Hub, showcases the unique perspectives of local students as they capture the essence of the Bay of Quinte region through their lenses.
Youth aged 7 to 18 were invited to submit photos of people, places, or things taken within the past year in the Bay of Quinte RMB’s partner communities. The contest aimed to foster artistic development, encourage experimentation, and promote self-expression among young photographers. It also offered a glimpse into how youth perceive the world around us, often providing a fresh and different perspective compared to adults.
Bay of Quinte Jaeren G, Belleville
Jalynn Y, Belleville
Photography
Anna J, Belleville
Amber Y, Belleville Jalynn Y, Belleville Photography
William O, Belleville
Madison B, Quinte West
Sophia K, Belleville
Photography
In
urban planning and community development, the concept of "third spaces" refers to environments separate from the home (first space) and the workplace (second space), where people can gather, connect, and engage in meaningful activities. These spaces are vital for fostering a sense of community, creativity, and personal growth.
Stephanie Tratner is the visionary behind the Experience Photography Centre (EPC), a unique third space dedicated to fostering a love for photography in Belleville and the surrounding areas. With years of experience as a professional photographer and a deep passion for the art form, Tratner established EPC with a mission to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for photographers of all skill levels. Her goal is to provide a space where creativity and community thrive, offering a platform for learning, growth, and connection through the lens of a camera.
The value of a third space
By Janet Jarrell
“When I relocated from Vancouver to Belleville, I missed being in the same space as other photographers. Not to say there isn't a group of photographers in Belleville, there most certainly is, but there isn't anything formal or a safe space to discuss, learn and grow as a photographer. I want to build a community of shutterbugs where all levels feel welcome and challenged so we can together grow our art, hobby, profession or passion for photography.” says Tratner.
The EPC is more than just a studio; it is a hub of creative energy where photography enthusiasts can explore their craft, gain new skills, and connect with like-minded individuals. The centre offers a range of programs designed to honour the history and craft of photography while also pushing the boundaries of its future. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics or a seasoned professional seeking inspiration, EPC has something to offer. “I hope that people aren't intimidated to
join because every level is welcome and has something to offer; yes, everyone! The most rewarding part has been week 6, the last week of the Camera Fundamentals Class. It fills my bucket to have photographers understand the functions of their cameras so they can begin to experiment and understand what functions of the camera make a photograph look a certain way.” That keeps cameras out of closets and in use, fostering a continuous journey of creativity and learning.
Tratner believes that world-class photography isn't confined to big cities. She has equipped EPC with a professional photography studio that rivals those found in metropolitan areas, proving that exceptional creative work can be produced anywhere. This studio provides local photographers and artists with access to top-tier equipment and facilities, enabling them to create high-quality work without needing to travel to larger cities. “Recently, some significant film and television projects have been made in our area, but photography
hasn't followed. I want Belleville to be known for its creative work and collaboration. I often talk about how big things don't have to come from big cities, which has been a goal in my core business and a part of the development of EPC.”
Tratner invites all who are interested in photography to visit EPC and see what it has to offer. She is always open to feedback, programming suggestions, and questions, and encourages anyone with an interest in photography to get in touch.
“Not one person walking this earth knows everything there is to know about photography—I can promise you that, so don't be intimidated to photograph! The only person's opinion of your photography that matters is YOURS, so keep going!”
The Experience Photography Centre is not just a place to take photos—it's a place to be part of a creative community that values the art of photography and seeks to shape its future.
experiencephotographycentre.com
Photography
Photorealistic graphite and charcoal drawings
By Scott Williams
What is Art? For Josh
Connell, creator of photorealistic drawings in graphite and charcoal, it is all about connection. In his bio he says: “When the right viewer finds the right piece, there is connection. And perhaps connection is art in its purest form.”
“Growing up I was always the kid in the class who was good at drawing. Then high school came and that was a tricky time in my life when I got a little bit lost. The only class I cared about was art, and
the rest of the time I wasn't really doing what I was supposed to be doing.” That period produced the earliest piece on Connell’s social media feed: a self portrait he drew at age 16. The early talent is plainly evident in that piece, but afterward, Connell says he “lost track” and withdrew from drawing for over 10 years.
Connell still recalls the wonder he felt when he eventually reconnected with drawing through the art of Doug Comeau at his Timberwolf Gallery, then
located in Trenton. “I'd never seen photorealistic pencil drawings before. And I was like: wow, look at that! I didn't realize that you could do that with a pencil.” The rest, as they say, is history –albeit a history that involved “thousands of hours of practice.”
Connell spends up to 130 hours on each piece. “It’s not always easy,” he says. “I'm always trying to push myself at the limit of my ability.” He describes himself as self-taught, but readily acknowledg-
Prince Edward County
es the debt he owes others. “I used to watch tutorials with people doing similar stuff. I’d watch time-lapse videos and pick up tools on YouTube or TikTok.” Now, he pays this debt forward to his own social media community, which has grown to nearly a quarter-million followers on both TikTok and Instagram.
People are “shocked and mesmerized by the fact that you can create something with your hands that looks so close to what a camera can do.” Some ask for specific guidance or advice, and while he can’t keep up with everything, he does interact as much as he can. And while the occasional comment is critical or even hostile, for the most part Connell appears to have created that rarest of things: a social media community that is positive, supportive, and encouraging.
Connell’s art and artistry continue to evolve, but his core desire to investigate and illuminate the human condition remains. “I’m trying to capture some es-
sence of humanity in my portraits,” he says. “I’m also trying to explore pieces of myself.” This intensely personal process is one he shares with his wife and their 10-year-old son, both artists in their own right. “My son likes to draw. We’ll put a record on, and I’ll draw at my table while he lays on the bed and draws his pictures.” Sharing the artistic experience of creation with others is a rare gift. “It’s a great thing that we have.”
Connell’s relationship with art began at an early age and has endured through everything: a decade-long hiatus, its very public evolution on social media, the pandemic, parenting, and all the challenges of a creative life. To the extent that the artist can control – or at least influence – the destiny of this relationship, it doesn’t seem likely to end anytime soon. “I’m doing what I’m supposed to do,” he says. “I’ll never stop drawing.”
captures and absorbs each emotional, experiential and existential moment, internalizes and disseminates them into a big ol' creative stew and serves it up hot and fresh, heavy on the passion. Robyn Scott is on a musical quest and has learned to appreciate all that music has gifted her while embracing her journey with awe, wisdom and humility.
It all began watching her dad Randy sing while bouncing between Foxboro, Stirling and Ameliasburg. She debuted at age seven at the Stirling Theatre Trent Valley Jamboree and a trip to Nashville later ensued at sixteen to record three singles. “I couldn’t have done it without the support from my entire family. My uncle Gerry and aunt Gail went with us to Nashville when I was recording my first singles and aunt Gail did all the radio tracking for the songs I released to radio over the years.”
Two of Scott's tunes, I Want To Live Like That and The Bird Song broke into the
Canadian Country Music Radio Chart top forty. Scott began to play at fairs and festivals including twice at the renown Havelock Country Jamboree as her burgeoning career gained steam. In 2003, her first child Matthew was born and she transitioned into the most
Nashville is a magical place for musicians and songwriters and for several reasons holds an extra special place in Scott's heart.
important duty and hardest job on the planet – being a mother. Scott set music aside and embraced her new role with the same vigour and passion that fuelled her music.
By 2010, she was busy rearing three children but once an artist, always an artist – especially one who's born to entertain like Scott. She began to think about her musical journey, songwriting, performing and Nashville. “I enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom for many years. But I think as an individual I was starting to feel lost in the noise. I was happy but felt like I had lost my identity. I felt like I was just mom, not Scott.”
A golden opportunity presented itself when Terri Clark asked Scott to open for her at the Belleville Fair. Scott put a band together and had an amazingly magical night chock full of epiphanies. “This got things going again, like poking the bear.”
She fished out a guitar her husband purchased fifteen years prior, signed up for lessons and began to accompany herself at jams, open stages and open mics. As her proficiency quickly increased, she started writing again and the more she played, the more songs she wrote.
Belleville
Like any savvy songwriter, she's an observer of people, phrases, and societal situations but realizes there's always more to learn. “Most songs I have written have started with a hook, which leads to a chorus which leads to the story unfolding in the song. But they all come from a moment or an experience or a conversation where something clever is said!”
The songs kept coming and pretty soon, it was time to hire a producer and record them for her latest album aptly dubbed Rearview Mirror. It's an eclectic mix of finely crafted country tunes that showcase her song-smithing skills, soaring melodies and a seemingly limitless vocal range.
Nashville is a magical place for musicians and songwriters and for several reasons holds an extra special place in Scott's heart. From her first trip as a teenager to her honeymoon as a young woman, she still frequents Music City with her family and attends songwriter rounds, rubbing elbows with a plethora of great writers and musicians. It's become her southern second home. “A city that we just love all around. I feel so blessed for the friendships I have created in the Music City. It can be a very humbling place to be. With so many talented artists in one place, it keeps you level headed.”
In 2017, Scott lost her dear friend and cherished music partner Karen Smith. She nearly gave up music entirely but lucky for all of us, she reconsidered. That first solo show without Karen was a final coming of musical age for Scott and one she holds with great reverence. It was around this time that she experienced her first
dose of cosmic synchronicity and landed a side hustle as radio host for 800 CJBQ – the very station that played her first single Ain't That Enough back in 1995.
Experience and wisdom have taught Scott to go with the flow and it's all come full circle offering up the greatest cosmic synchronicity of all – the gift of proudly sharing the stage and spotlight with her son Matt. The baby boy who compelled her to put everything on hold is now a talented
young musician himself and an all around fine human being. As far as music, songwriting and motherhood go – a bunch of great big gold stars for you Scott.
“I have chosen to be happy where I am and move forward wherever music takes me. I am here for the journey, not the destination.”
robynscottmusic.com
Third Time's A Charm – wise beyond their years
By Greg Ceci
Thenumber three is steeped in mystical symbolism and represents concepts like mind-bodyspirit, birth-life-death and in some religions, the holy trinity. It's also the cosmic number for creativity and intuition – two intangibles this band has in spades. Although an up and coming act, the members from Third Time's A Charm are both savvy and sage.
Unique bands are born from unique beginnings and strong foundations. Joe Hauser (guitar), Isaac Harvey (bass & keys) and Brock Pettifer (drums) all hail from Napanee. This musical trinity met in 2023 and formed two bands before recruiting Belleville singer-songwriter Ryland Murray for vocals and guitar via Napanee's Rock Skool - where Hauser, Harvey and Pettifer mentor other emerging younger bands. They recognized Murray's talents right away and Brock says, “I could see he had the chops to be a frontman in his own right, and he was writing some great songs.”
Their sound is neither third-rate nor third-class and melds a diverse set of influences including classic, progressive, indie, and alternative rock, as well as a bit of progressive metal mixed in for good measure. They rock and they rock hard - like face melting third-degree burns hard. Pettifer points out, “It doesn't sound like the perfect marriage on paper, but it works.”
After winning a battle-of-the-bands, they quickly gained momentum as well as attention from other bands, venues and promoters and were smart enough to capitalize on it. The emails and requests to play started rolling in and the ball kept rolling straight to releasing their first single and opening for respected Kingston band The Wilderness.
In another veteran move, they brought in third-party help in the form of Nick Lennox from The Wilderness who is also senior advisor for Rock Skool. He helped refine their first single “Fading Innocence” and studio owner Jonas Lewis-Anthony acted
as producer and engineer. Pettifer says, “Nick helped trim the fat off the song. There were unnecessary repetitions and he restructured some of the verses and choruses and the order in which they were placed. We had all the right pieces, but Nick helped us put them in the right place.”
Murray serves as the main songwriter and provides lyrics and initial chord structure and arrangements for each song. From there, Hauser, Harvey and Pettifer work their magic and fill in the rest. “Fading Innocence” is a classic coming of age song full of coming of age references like smoking in the bush and skipping school and according to the band, represents their most dense and anthemic rock production.
Although young in years, these guys are not inexperienced. They're well aware of the continued devaluation of music and that emerging bands have to do everything themselves to break through the massive over-saturation on streaming
Napanee
Mark Hauser Photography
platforms. Pettifer reflects on the trend of dwindling artist compensation, “Being asked to play for free or for exposure— there’s a time and a place for that early in a musician’s career, but then there’s this transition to setting a higher standard. All artists struggle with this. It’s tough. You have to be willing to turn gigs down”
At this point, the future is firmly in their hands but it's been a whirlwind yearso they're wisely pumping the brakes to reflect, recharge and regroup with hopes to record an EP in the not so distant future. Pettifer maturely lays it all out, “We need some more time to think about all that has happened to us over the past year – what we enjoyed but also what we might have done differently. We have some work to do.”
That kind of attitude and work ethic will get them everywhere. Keep an eye on these young men.
Mark Hauser Photography
Mark Hauser Photography Music
Celebrating Culture and Community
By Janet Jarrell
Wihse Green
Welcome allWa'tkwanonhweraton!
The Tyendinaga Traditional Pow Wow, held on the scenic shores of the Bay of Quinte, is a beautiful, annual celebration of Indigenous culture, community, and tradition. This event draws participants and spectators from across Canada eager to experience the rich heritage of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte.
The Pow Wow grounds in Tsi Tkerhetoton Park come alive with the sounds of traditional drumming and singing, as dancers in colourful regalia move gracefully to the beat. The Grand Entry, a highlight of the event, has dancers of all ages and backgrounds come together in a powerful display of unity and pride. The sight of the dancers, adorned in intricate beadwork, feathers, and fringes, is an incredible display of talent, artistry and craftsmanship that goes into the regalia.
“Tyendinaga’s attendance this year was overwhelming! With over 100 First Nation vendors from our sister communities across Turtle Island, we were able to maintain a Traditional Pow Wow by ensuring authenticity to visitors."
Tyendinaga
Culture
Spiider Von Clarke
Spiider Von Clarke
Don Carr
A big part of learning and sharing culture is in the food. Food vendors offer a taste of Indigenous cuisine with dishes like Indian tacos served on fry bread, corn soup (lyed or dried), bison burgers and wild rice salad proving popular among visitors. The traditional strawberry drink is a sweet refreshment too. For those looking to take home a piece of the Pow Wow, a marketplace features a wide array of handmade goods including art, jewelery, pottery, and textiles.
Now in its 37th year, locals and visitors alike look forward to this annual festival. “Tyendinaga’s attendance this year was overwhelming! With over 100 First Nation vendors from our sister communities across Turtle Island, we were able to maintain a Traditional Pow Wow by ensuring authenticity to visitors. We are beyond grateful for those who attended, donated and volunteered this year, our hearts are full!” says Ainsley Leween, Pow Wow coordinator.
The Pow Wow is more than just a cultural event; it is a gathering of community and a celebration of resilience. It provides a space for Indigenous people to connect with their heritage and share it with others.
The Tyendinaga Traditional Pow Wow stands as a powerful reminder of the strength and beauty of Indigenous culture. It is a celebration of history, identity, and community, and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte.
ttpowwow.com
Spiider Von Clarke
Culture
Don Carr
Fantasy fashion designer is a reality
By Kodie Trahan-Guay
Fashion
is a powerful
tool for communication and connection. Through fashion individuals can express their personalities. Fashion design is also a great social connector. Liv Mori is a fashion designer who uses her work to create an online space where she can connect with others and share her designs and create community among her followers. Mori credits a highschool art teacher as being influential in her art journey.
“I had an art class in high school where we had to do a mixed media project at the end of term, and I decided I was going to make a mermaid dress because I had already done a mermaid painting, which was really ambitious, considering I've never made anything at that point, let alone a dress.”
The dress Mori made was self-described as “horrid”. The fabric kept falling apart, she had to douse the whole thing in fray block but it was the start of her journey into design, and a great lesson in how when designing, things go wrong and you have to adapt. Her
current designs are anything but horrid. Combining unique materials with ruffles and frills, she focuses on cottage-core styling and corsetry.
“The construction of a garment underneath what everyone else sees on the outside is very important to the overall silhouette. It's really important to have the proper undergarments, especially if you're doing something historical, because it tells the time and place visually. They're so structured. They don't have to be, but they can be. And I love seeing something that keeps its shape on its own, off the body.”
She says that one day down the line she could see herself creating a ready to wear line but for now is enjoying exploring one of a kind pieces and custom work.
Mori is part of the large online community who love fantasy novels. She has designs named after characters from Sarah J. Maas books, and sketches based on The Cruel Prince. In 2025 Mori will be traveling to Spain to be the
Wardrobe Director on a film. While there’s not much she can say as the film is in pre-production she is excited to work with the team, who are big in the online fantasy community.
“Next year I will be shooting a fan film called The Better World, it’s inspired by the popular fantasy series Throne of Glass. We’re all creatives from different parts of North America and we’re all fans of this series.
As Wardrobe Director I’m extremely excited to bring my favourite characters to life. The creative team has been developing a look that unifies all the characters, and it’s been a dream to work with them so far.”
Mori is proud of creating a safe online space for people to enjoy fashion. 97% of her audience is women. Her Instagram page is about her fashion, sewing tips and just enjoying those things together.
“I think that it's a nice space for women to be themselves, and I think the hyper feminine fashion keeps men away from
Belleville
Jenna Faye
my page, and I love that because, truthfully, it's not for them, and I don't want them there and I don't have any qualms about saying that, because it's true. Non binary people, trans women, women, all women. Those are the kind of people that I want to see enjoying what I'm making.”
It took Mori time to feel comfortable dressing in her ultra feminine way. “I feel like part of growing up for me was being like, oh, it's okay, actually, for me to like this stuff. I'm allowed now. So I'm going to just be that person that I wanted to be “
Sewing is an expensive hobby and often people find there are many barriers in place to keep them from taking part. Not everyone is taught to sew but it’s a critical skill that people need in order to mend things and help consume less fast fashion.
Mori makes available free resources through her page and newsletter in order to help break some of those barriers.
“Not everyone has access to a sewing machine. If you do, it's probably one that was in your parents basement or your neighbor's basement, or, maybe you know one person who can teach you how to sew, but they're probably very busy. The free resources that are online are often infinitely more helpful than the common knowledge of the one person you might know who can sew. A lot of the free resources I'm sharing are from other people that I trust, or maybe I've used their patterns before and it helped me in some way. I just want people to try.”
It’s not just about breaking barriers to entry, the resources can truly bring people joy and peace. By sharing educational content people can pick up a critical skill that can improve their quality of life. Mori is teaching people an important skill, by teaching someone to sew they can have the satisfaction of creating something that doesn’t exist on the market.
“There's something very satisfying about spending 10 hours on a dress, and then it's like, oh, my gosh. This is a dress I could have maybe never afforded or never found quite what I was looking for.” instagram.com/livmori.atelier
Crafts
Creating a young theatre community in Tweed and Bancroft
By Jennifer Shea
WhenKoda Carriere
joined the Young Company at Tweed & Co. Theatre, he was an insecure 17-year-old with no acting experience who was new to the province. Armed with a love of musical theatre, he was scared, but ready to try performing.
“I grew up in a really small town and to be at Tweed & Co. like that, it brought me out of my shell,” says Carriere. “It made me so much more confident. I love theatre. I love the community. I love the people. I love the support that you get in an environment like that.”
Carriere first joined Young Company in 2022 as a performer in the youth chorus for Cinder-Ellie. He went on to audition for Tweed & Co.’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and performed in the adult cast. From there, he acted in more shows with the Company until recently graduating high school and being accepted into St. Clair College’s musical theatre program on a partial scholarship.
In his younger years, Carriere had some vocal lessons, but he learned most of his acting, singing and dancing skills through Tweed & Co.’s Young Company. At St. Clair College, he’s taking dance, acting and vocal classes, along with musical theory.
“We’re learning that the kids want to be on stage, but they also love the behindthe-scenes aspects of theatre."
The Young Company came into being in 2021 when Jocelyn Perry was brought in as Coordinator. Initially offering a few classes, the program expanded to offer programming year-round. Fall classes kick things off, followed by the Tweed & Co. holiday show with a children’s chorus. There’s a camp offered
during March break, then a session of spring classes. In the summer, there are more camps with young actors potentially being called upon for Tweed & Co. professional productions on-stage. The newest offering is a dance class for youth from 6 to 18 years of age, and another for adults. Programs are offered in both Tweed (at the Marble Arts Centre) and Bancroft (at The Village Playhouse).
Tweed
Joseph and the Young Compay with Cassie in in JosephandtheAmazing Technicolour Dreamcoat
Koda in Joseph
“Our program is evolving,” says Perry. “We’re learning that the kids want to be on stage, but they also love the behindthe-scenes aspects of theatre. We had some classes this spring where the kids wrote their own musical. They created the story. They created the songs. Then they all found costumes to go with it.”
Perry noted that some of their classes remain flexible so that the participants can guide the content. Other classes are programmed according to time. During March break, for example, participants learn a script, rehearse it, learn about acting, singing, and a dance number –in one week.
Young Company participants tend to have one thing in common, no matter their age: Enthusiasm. Not only are the classes often sold out, but there’s also a demand for even more offerings through Young Company. “I think we’re just really surprised and grateful with the response,” says Perry. “It’s really encouraging to know that there’s that much interest in theatre and the arts.”
For Young Company “graduates” like Carriere, the future is full of exciting possibilities. “I’m hoping to continue doing the same thing I’m doing now. I want to be on stage. I want to do musical theatre. I would also like to try screen acting. I want to produce my own music (I write music). So, I just want to be in the music and artistic scene.”
It’s hard to believe that Carriere was ever shy about performing. According to Perry, he is “a great kid, a great performer, and a lovely human. He has done basically every program that we’ve offered and been in as many shows as he can possibly get into. We’re really proud of him.”
Carriere’s advice for other young people considering joining Tweed & Co.’s Young Company? “Believe in yourself and put the work in, because it works. At the end of the day, everybody around you wants you to succeed and they want to support you. If you try and you work for it, you’ll get where you want to be.”
tweedandcompany.com
Performing
Charlie as the Wolf and Maisey as Little Red in Into the Woods
Bringing joy to the Trent Hills community for 25 years
By Jennifer Shea
WhenWestben co-
founder Brian Finley talks about what he and his wife Donna have created and sustained for 25 years, it’s with a great deal of gratitude and humility. At the quarter century mark, Finley reflects on what has surprised him most about Westben’s success: It comes down to the extended Westben family.
“I’m continually blown away by the efforts of people like Board members or others who really want this to succeed and really do amazing things to see it happen,” he says. “It’s really amazing that this dream is such a contagious kind of thing – embraced by so many others.”
Westben is a performing arts venue that’s located in the Trent Hills near Campbellford – an off-the-beaten path location. “Being where we are, there are no preconceptions about what we should be, which is a wonderful way to go,” says Finley. “Not that we don’t compete with anybody, but in this area, people are willing to explore the possibilities. It’s very exciting.”
Calling itself a “year-round centre for connection & creativity through music in nature,” Westben has evolved from a single venue – The Barn – built in 2000 in the middle of a cornfield. “We opened The Barn on Canada Day. That was kind of the launch of the Westben concept here on site,” says Finley. “It had been going through various projects in the years previous to that, but this was the real manifestation of where it was going to find a home.”
Fast forward to 2024 when Westben has a total of 5 venues, including Willow Hill Amphitheatre, The Campfire, The Mary West Nature Reserve, all on the same property, and The West Schoolhouse one field north of The Barn. During the COVID pandemic, Westben also launched digital programming including concerts, podcasts, musical moments, kids videos, and more.
Westben began as a dream of the Finley’s after they returned to Donna’s hometown of Campbellford in 1989 to start their family. Soprano Donna and pianist/composer Brian had been enjoying
international careers, living and working in Europe. Upon their return, they started performing and hosting events at local venues, as well as teaching music students and leading the music program at a local church. The successful staging of JesusChristSuperstar and The Sound of Music led the couple to establish The Westben Arts Festival Theatre as a notfor-profit organization in 1999.
“There was an interesting feeling of immediacy to those early years,” says Finley. “We weren’t really considering where this is going to go; what we’re going to build it into; who was going to be involved. None of that was really happening because the present was so exciting. It was just such an explosion of energy and artistic possibilities and people coming together.”
The people power at Westben is remarkable: An 11-member Board of Directors, paid employees numbering from six to about 20 (depending on the season), a 250-member volunteer corps, 250 membership families, more than 20 long-term sponsors, plus government grant agen-
Cambellford
A lasting reminder of the 25th anniversary milestone is the newly created Selfish Giant’s Garden on the Westben grounds
cies. This doesn’t include the artists, musicians, and, of course, audience members.
“We consider all of these people part of our family. It takes a huge group to run this place, but it’s not just to run it, it’s to be involved in the experience of what it is. It’s the opportunity to do something positive in the world, something collaborative, that focuses on beauty and bringing people together.”
When an elderly audience member tells Finley, ‘Westben brings such joy to this community’, it’s powerful evidence of Westben’s impact on the community. A formula provided by the government grant agencies allows Westben to calculate its economic impact: A remarkable $1 million is brought into the community each year by the organization.
Finley is optimistic that Westben will thrive for a long time to come, and he expects future generations to carry the torch. “It’s a way of life for this family. There’s no doubt about it. The family will be involved well into the future. That’s the hope.”
westben.ca
Performing Arts
Big Smoke Brass
Brian Finley planting with the choir
Comedy Country celebrates ten years of side-splitting fun
By Paul Snepsts
Asthe summer sun
sets over Prince Edward County, laughter echoes through the rolling hills and serene waterways, marking a significant milestone for Comedy Country. Celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2024, this beloved festival has become the quintessential destination for comedy enthusiasts in The County and Bay of Quinte region. Over the past decade, Comedy Country has showcased a stellar lineup of comedic talent, from the irreverent humor of Tom Green to the sharp wit of Cathy Jones (22 Minutes) and the iconic sketches of Bruce McCulloch (The Kids in the Hall).
The magic of Comedy Country extends far beyond its impressive roster of stars. The festival is renowned for its innovative approach to live comedy, presenting emerging Canadian comedians in settings as unique as the region itself. Imagine an improv troupe performing amid the rustic charm of a local craft cidery or a stand-up comedian delivering punchlines from a dock to an audience afloat in canoes. This inventive spirit earned Comedy Country three Ontario Tourism Resiliency Awards in 2021, celebrating their ability to adapt and thrive even during the pandemic.
Comedy Country’s origins trace back to 2015, a few years after Toronto transplants Paul and Julianne Snepsts made Prince Edward County their home. A decade earlier, the Snepstses co-founded The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival, a cornerstone in Canadian comedy. Their vision for Comedy Country was simple yet ambitious: to bring the vibrant, urban comedy scene they loved to their picturesque rural setting. “Our goal was to feature the kind of talent you’d usually find in a big city, set against the stunning backdrop of our rural landscapes,” explains Executive Director Paul Snepsts.
While the festival initially focused on Prince Edward County, it has since expanded its reach, incorporating venues on the mainland like Tweed & Company Theatre and Stirling Festival Theatre, as well as adding stops in Belleville. This growth reflects Comedy Country’s commitment to spreading laughter across the broader region.
Comedy Country isn’t just about the big names; it’s also about nurturing local talent. Their hands-on comedy workshops
Prince Edward County
Bruce McCulloch, Logan Somers
Sara Hennessey, Michael Lindon
are essential to the festival’s mission to inspire and cultivate new comedic voices. From stand-up workshops led by Dawn Whitwell and Franco Nguyen (Tall Boys) to musical comedy sessions with Alberta’s Success 5000 and UK duo Flo & Joan, these programs have fostered an emerging comedy scene in Quinte. Local acts such as The County’s Artisanal Comedy Troupe: Taste That!, The County Roundup, plus improv duos Short Attention Spa and Silver + Gold have emerged from these workshops. And Comedy Country stages have created opportunities for local comedians like The Improvmonauts and Kyle Woolven (Welcome to Belleville, Kyle for Mayor) to perform with headliner talent.
In 2023, Comedy Country introduced The County Comedy Project, an eightweek comedy boot camp designed to transform raw talent into polished performers. The program offers participants a comprehensive dive into various comedy forms—improv, stand-up, and sketch. Following its inaugural run, the initiative has already produced new stand-up comedians who are making
waves at regional shows and in Kingston. “The County Comedy Project was incredibly valuable,” says comedian Sean Macfayden. “It facilitated creative collaboration and connections in a rural setting, which can be challenging. Every small town in Canada needs a County Comedy Project.”
The festival’s tenth season continues to thrive with the second edition of The County Comedy Project, supported by The Huff Family Fund. This round attracted participants from as far as Cobourg and culminated in a sold-out debut show at Hatch Gallery, showcasing six new comedic talents. Aspiring comedians are encouraged to keep an eye out for the next intake in March 2025.
Comedy Country’s anniversary season will conclude in October with two high-profile performances, by Steve Patterson (The Debaters) in his new show “Steve Patterson is… PatterDAD” at both the Stirling Festival Theatre and The Regent Theatre. For the series finale at The Regent, Patterson is joined by The County Roundup, a satirical news desk creat-
ed by local comedy talent that promises “big-time laughs at small town news.”
As Comedy Country marks its tenth year, it stands as a testament to the power of laughter in creating community, proving that great comedy can flourish in the most unexpected places.
Julianne Snepsts and Paul Snepsts, Logan Somers
A new star in the community spotlight
By Scott Williams
For Quinte Little The-
atre, big things have happened quickly. In March, chair Amber Lucas and cochair Alyssa Ross met with a group of theatre colleagues to discuss the idea. In just six months, that group evolved into the theatre’s board. Proposals were written, presentations made, and an open house held to an enthusiastic response. The mayor of Quinte West cut the ribbon at the official opening, and their first production, “Rock Bottom: Happily Never After,” written by board member and co-chair Amy-Lyn Van Londersele, was launched. In record time, QLT was officially brought to life.
“Community theatre is changing, and the people coming to the shows are changing,” says Lucas. She explains that between older groups putting on older plays and newer groups producing edgy, thought-provoking material,
there is room to do something different. “We just wanted to make theatre fun again.”
Fun is everywhere with this group. The open house was raucous, their initial production equally so, and the follow-up variety show promises more of the same. Not to mention their next major production in 2025: “Twisted, the Untold Story of a Royal Vizier,” described by one reviewer as “smart, lively, and just outright hilarious.” The company will be leaning into that fun identity with their major fall project: a comprehensive youth theatre workshop running over eight evenings through November and December. The next generation of theatre professionals is very much on Lucas’ mind, with ideas like March-break camps and summer camps for kids, among other all-age possibilities. When asked what a full season for the company might look like, Lucas demurred but was confident that “It’s definitely going to have a little bit of everything.”
Quinte West
The team behind QLT has decades of combined experience in all aspects of theatre. While some creative groups struggle to establish a sound business foundation, that isn’t likely the case here. Lucas herself says she likes nothing more than to “nerd out over a spreadsheet.”
Linda Lisle, Economic Development Manager at the City of Quinte West, heard QLT’s initial pitch to the city. She was impressed not only by the group’s creative vision but also by the fact that they came to the municipality with “a really solid plan,” even though it was only in the group’s first month of existence.
There’s a sense in which any Little Theatre is a joint venture between the theatre and the community, and the QLT team has been encouraged by the support they’ve received. From the positive reaction of city staff to QLT’s initial proposal, to the vocal and consistent
support of the mayor, to the excitement evident at the July open house (10 new members signed up that night alone), to the speed with which the first production sold out, it’s clear that the community is solidly behind the venture and, so far at least, is pleased with what it sees.
The opening night performance of “Rock Bottom” was occasionally raunchy, occasionally chaotic, always fun, and always engaging – while also showing genuine empathy for the female protagonists: a gaggle of Disney princesses who realize – on a night out with substantial alcohol and dubious karaoke – that their best days are behind them. After the show, patrons crowded into a small reception room for an informal gala, listening to Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” while they awaited the cast’s arrival. When the door leading to the performance space opened and the actors finally filed in, a
woman’s one-word exclamation – “Sensational!” – was heard above the general din. That might not have been an official review, but it seems reflective of an awfully promising start.
quintelittletheatre.ca
The first annual Theatre in the Wings Canadian National 10-minute play festival
By Peter Paylor Belleville
No one knows for sure how
10-minute plays became so popular. Some trace it back to the late 1980s when American playwrights David Mamet and John Patrick Shanley experimented with the format in order to broaden the reach of theatre beyond the traditional stage. Some believe it is an offshoot of events like the Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Short Play Festival which has showcased plays of 15 minutes or less since its inception in 1975. In any case, the format caught on quickly, embraced by playwrights, actors, and directors eager to find an audience, as well as theatre companies looking to give their audiences a more diverse range of plays to consider. By the late 1990s, 10-minute play festivals began springing up all over the US, Europe, and Australia. In Canada, the Newmarket
National 10-Minute Play Festival began in 2017 and ran annually until it was interrupted by COVID. While national and international 10-minute play festivals continue to flourish internationally, festivals in Canada have tended to focus on local plays by local playwrights. It’s been a great boon to new play development in this country.
Ottawa playwright, Guy Newsham, is at the forefront of the movement in Canada. He has had dozens of 10-minute plays produced at festivals throughout North America and Europe, winning numerous prestigious awards. After his plays “Skip” and “Alexa, The Liar” delighted Belleville audiences as part of the First Annual Summer Short Play Festival in 2023, he was invited back to facilitate a workshop on 10-minute plays for local playwrights at Theatre in The Wings this past February. While visiting Belleville, Newsham spoke of the need for a new national festival in Canada. He believed that the intimacy of the Belleville venue would make Theatre in The Wings an ideal host. It wasn’t long before the First Annual Theatre in The Wings Canadian National 10-Minute Play Festival became a reality.
With the support of the Playwrights’ Guild of Canada, a call for submissions went out. By the June 1 deadline, 168 submissions were received from across the country, many from some of Canada’s best-known and most successful playwrights. After anonymous judging by a panel of neutral judges, seven plays were chosen, cast, rehearsed, and eventually presented to warm and enthusiastic audiences for eight sold-out shows in August with the support
of The City of Belleville and The Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board.
Happily, Guy Newsham’s play “Chute” was one of those plays, as was the world premiere of “Nothing to Get Hung About” by Belleville playwright Marc Coyle. Two plays by Toronto playwright Jessica Moss were chosen, “Celebrities in Space” and “Caleb and Rita”. Peterborough playwright Dave Carley provided the delightful play “On Beauty”. Toronto’s Susan Rogers provided “Worth Less”, and Calgary’s Leslea Kroll rounded out the program with the beautifully written “Riverside” - another world stage premiere.
The cast for the festival included local stage veterans as well as a few newcomers. Lee Waterhouse and Newton McColman made their stage debuts, along with Gary Magwood who made his stage debut at the age of 83. Jeremy Alarie, Nancy Garrod, Christine Leggat, Fernado Silva, Bill Petch, Heather Muir, Lisa Spence and MJ Mari rounded out the cast, with MJ taking on a large share of the work, playing three different roles in three different plays.
The festival received glowing reviews. It was considered a complete success by organizers and audiences alike. In fact, the Second Annual Theatre in The Wings Canadian National 10-Minute Play Festival has already been announced for September 2025. Submissions will open on January 31.
"What a fantastic afternoon. Loved the plays, each so different. Well acted, very entertaining. Play writing is definitely alive and well in Canada! Bravo!"
- Judie Preece
"Wonderful afternoon of ten minute plays today. I live in Rideau Ferry so it’s a good two hour plus drive but it was so worth it."
- Jane Stott
"We enjoyed every minute of every play!"
- Rosella Donaldson
"A delightful debut for the Canadian National 10-Minute Play Festival. Good selection - from poignant to punnywell cast and well played. Bravo!"
- Gerry Fraiberg
"Great evening of hilarious and touching plays."
- Jane Gardner
"What a FABULOUS night!! We loved the show, every minute! Congratulations to the cast and crew!! We're so glad that this is the FIRST Annual Canadian National 10-Minute Play Festival. We look forward to many more!"
- Susan McCourt
"Excellent evening of diverse stories, superbly presented."
- Barb Grenier
"We loved all of the performances! Had a good chuckle and a delightful afternoon!"
- Terry Hart
theatreinthewings.ca
The End of an Era
By Via Abbott
After38 years, Loyalist College’s photojournalism program, the only one in Canada offering a diploma in the field, is closing its doors. A program that once drew in roughly 100 students had only five second-year students enrolling in September 2024. Loyalist College announced in 2023 that it would no longer be taking new applicants for the program in the coming year. This decision means that the first-year students of 2023-2024 will be the last cohort to graduate from the program.
Dr. John Peterson established the program in 1986 with the intention of adding a visual component to the college’s journalism curriculum. Over time, the program gained recognition for the outstanding talent of its graduates, particularly from 2005 to 2015—a period that longtime faculty member Frank O’Connor considered its peak in enrollment.
Both O’Connor and Scott Whalen, the last photojournalism coordinator, state that a number of factors led to the program’s closure. According to O’Connor, one contributing factor was the COVID-19 pandemic, which made individuals less likely to socialize, posing a serious obstacle for an industry that relies on face-to-face interaction. Whalen noted that photojournalism may now be seen as less relevant, with potential students viewing it as limited to print media.
This closure is especially disappointing given the program’s legacy of producing successful photojournalists such as Darren Calabrese, Giovanni Capriotti, Chris Donovan, Lana Šlezić, and Farzana Wahidy. The program also boasts an extensive list of accomplished graduates who have won prestigious awards, including the World Press Photo Awards.
“For decades, the Loyalist Photojournalism program has helped produce some of the strongest visual storytellers anywhere,” Whalen said. “These wonderful students focused their commitment, boundless energy, and world-class
skills into their photographs, multimedia stories, and written articles.”
One of the final five students, Pheonix Giroux, noted that the closure of the photojournalism program is a part of a broader trend. “Many art programs are being shut down everywhere, and it breaks my heart that no one else will experience how the program has changed my outlook on life and the possibilities that are out there for me.”
O’Connor described his time with the program as a “distinct honour and privilege.” He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with such a broad
Belleville
Rick Mercer, Canadian comedian and TV personality, speaks at Loyalist College’s Speaker Series, speaking with Canadians on Tuesday, March 26, 2024
and talented group of people, including advisory board members from the industry, who all contributed to a program that had an incredible impact.
The Program’s Advisory Committee expressed heartache over the closure; however, they were pleased that the program was committed to providing the final class with a quality education. Some partially retired faculty returned to ensure the last year was "done properly," according to O’Connor.
Via Abbott, one of the final graduating students in the Photojournalism Program, said, “I am saddened by its closure, but proud to graduate alongside four exceptional photojournalists. The need for photojournalism continues, as skilled storytellers are still essential for capturing powerful narratives through images.”
Although the Loyalist College Photojournalism program has closed its doors, its legacy lives on through the countless successful visual storytellers it has nurtured over the years. The impact of their powerful narratives and compelling images will continue to resonate, ensuring that the spirit of this award winning program endures.
John Kuepfer, a seasoned sheep shearer from Durham, skillfully shears sheep during Joyfield Farm’s once a year shearing in Coldwater, ON, on Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Vibrant crowds celebrating love and diversity during Toronto Pride, Sunday, June 30, 2024
Loyalist College students, staff, and community members gather outside the campus to witness the total solar eclipse, with the college located in the path of totality, on Monday, April 8, 2024
Via Abbott
The Tweed News: 137 years of local print journalism
By Ardith Racey
Newspapers
knit small
communities by keeping us in touch. Rodger Hanna’s family bought The Tweed News in 1964 - 60 years ago! At the time, it had been in publication since 1887, when it was founded and relocated from Tamworth by Jas. A. Orr and W.W. Little. Since then, Tweed’s local newspaper has seen tremendous changes with both the industry and technology, but what has kept this small- town paper going is its ability to innovate and adapt - due largely to the co-operative spirit of its current owner and staff.
Rodger Hanna, the paper’s owner and publisher, claims that he’s “just always been [t]here. It was a summer job when I was twelve, and after my father died in 1991, my mother, Ivy, and I took it over. She did the books and proofreading, and I just sort of fell into it.”
The paper has three full time employees; Shannon Binder and Lacy Meeks have been there for 16 and 17 years
respectively, and Binder credits Hanna as being a “great boss” who is very supportive of family. Hanna and his employees function as a team who do everything collaboratively, but in many ways, they seem like a family. Roseann Trudeau has worked at The Tweed News for an impressive 41 years – beginning “when Rodger’s dad owned the place” - and she says “it’s been fun because I’ve been able to progress with it. I love the challenges and the stress of doing advertising, journalism, and circulation, but the greatest thing has been keeping up with the technology.”
The Tweed News is one of the last independent newspapers in Canada with roughly 3,000 paid subscriptions. Hanna says that “when [he] was a kid, we had printing presses on the premises and printed on site until the late 1980’s. We still have some of the old typeset. Then, for about twenty years, we moved the printing down the street to where Gaylord Hardwood Flooring is now. However,
over the past ten years we have gone through four different printing houses, and we now print in Toronto. The goal now is simply trying to survive.”
And survival has meant change. In the beginning, type was set by hand and a few hundred copies were run off on a small Washington hand-press. The paper became known as TheTweedWeeklyNewsand HastingsCountyAdvertiser in 1900 when the name was changed by then publisher W. J. Taylor. In 1928, the paper absorbed Tweed’s other village newspaper, The Tweed Advocate. Today, the paper is one of the last holdouts from Postmedia’s conglomerate of provincial and national newspapers.
Hanna sees the role of the newspaper as something that “brings local information to the community, that it documents history, and creates some accountability.” Copies of the paper dating back to 1932 are stored on the premises, and older copies dating back to 1887 can be found at the Tweed & Area Heritage Centre. The
Tweed
paper focuses on local events, service organizations, Council reports, “Bygone Days”, Classifieds, and sports – in particular, the Tweed Oil Kings, Tweed’s OESHL hockey team - as well as editorials and columns by local contributors. The paper’s regular contributors currently include the Tweed & Area Heritage Centre, “Naturally” by George Thomson and Elizabeth Churcher, and an art column by Paul Kite from Quinn’s of Tweed. The publication aims to “be positive and non-controversial because we all live in the area,” says Hanna. And anyone can submit a “Letter to the Editor.”
However, Hanna says that the paper would not have survived without side-line printing, which “helps to pay the bills,” together with a gift shop. Tweed News Publishing Company prints flyers, posters, wedding invitations and booklets which is an important service in a small town. As well, its storefront gift shop is currently the only one in the village and it hosts a wide range of office supplies,
creative giftware, books, art supplies, clothing, furniture, and décor items.
Hanna says that, “we’ll be 140 in three years, and I’d like to think that we’ll get there.” The future of locally owned independent newspapers is a precarious
one given current trends and financial pressures, but the owner and staff of The Tweed News are committed, entrepreneurial, and resilient. Supporting local journalism is a key to maintaining a healthy community voice and a local cultural mainstay.
The Schneider School of Fine Art
By Janet Jarrell
The founders of the Schneider School of Fine Arts, which later became the Bridgewater Retreat, moved the administration building, a log cabin from the 1800s, to their property near Tweed, Ont. PC Bridgewater Retreat/Century 21 Granite Realty Group
Take a winding drive
north of Belleville on Hwy 37 and you will eventually come across a hamlet known as Actinolite, a rural community in the municipality of Tweed. Nestled alongside the Skootamatta river, it was first settled in 1859 during the Ontario gold rush. The community was named after a form of asbestos that was also mined there.
The Schneider School of Fine Art, established in 1963 by Mary and Roman Schneider, is a notable institution and put Actinolite on the map. This school became a hub for artists from various parts of Canada, particularly from urban centres like Toronto and
Montreal, who sought to retreat with fellow artists, refine their skills and immerse themselves in nature at its best.
Mary Schneider was born in Vilnius, Lithuania. She was an accomplished artist who studied in Warsaw, Berlin, and Paris. She continued her artistic pursuits even during her internment in Siberian work camps during World War II. After emigrating to Canada in 1950, she became a significant figure in the Canadian art scene. To this day, her easel and art supplies remain at the retreat.
Roman Schneider was a professor of applied art in Warsaw. He co-founded
the school with his wife, contributing to its development and success. Several prominent artists attended or taught at the Schneider School of Fine Art, including:
A.Y. Jackson: One of the founding members of the Group of Seven, who is believed to have taught at the school during the 1960s and 70s
Don Fraser: well known Canadian painter; best known as a Scenic Artist by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation; taught landscape painting at the school
Carl Schaefer: A well-known Canadian landscape artist who taught at the school
Tweed
Bruce Steinhoff: A landscape artist who studied under Carl Schaefer at the Schneider School and became known for his vivid depictions of northern Ontario landscapes
Jack Henry Pollock: author, painter, art educator and art dealer who was a fixture on the Toronto art scene and founder/owner of The Pollock Gallery in Toronto
The property changed hands a few times over the years and was renamed the Bridgewater Retreat in the 1990s offering wellness, yoga and writing retreats. In keeping with the history of the place, well known artist Lucy Man-
ley helped convince the new owners to open it up to art groups and art instruction. “I was involved with the ECOAA - East Central Ontario Art Association and our group was always looking for places for our members to plein air paint and stay overnight. Bridgewater Retreat then started to offer this and that is when I attended and also taught classes there through the club.” This led to the return of many talented artists from across the province including Manley, Fraser, Poul Thrane, Audrey Ross, Ron Leonard, and Charles Spratt to name a few.
The Schneider School of Fine Art played a crucial role in nurturing Ca -
nadian artists and contributing to the country’s rich artistic heritage. What a treat to have this legacy right here in our very own rural backyard.
Bridgewater Retreat closed due to the devastating damage to the property from the July 24, 2022 Tornado that ripped through the area. It is still closed today and will remain closed for the foreseeable future.
Painting by Jesus Estevez in memory of Poul Thrane (June 1925 - March 2024)
