Who We Are

Board Director

Sarah Clarke began fundraising as a student caller nearly 30 years ago. Upon graduation from McMaster University, she joined Mac’s team as an Annual Giving Officer and later moved on to Trinity College at the University of Toronto to run their Annual Giving program.

In 2002, Sarah came to Carleton University to revive their Annual Giving efforts post Campaign. Growing the team and revenue over a million dollars required starting from the ground up in gifts administration, data integrity and records, database reporting and advancement operations and there was great celebration the first year Annual Giving passed the $2 million revenue mark. Today the team also includes donor impact and prospect research and management and is closing in on reaching the next yearly target of $5 million raised.

Sarah grew up in Muskoka and has many family ties in the area. As a student, Sarah worked for Muskoka Arts and Crafts & Woodchester Villa and now returns as a Board Director passionate about lending her talent and skill sets to the organization. 

Board Director

Morris is a lawyer practicing civil and commercial litigation since 1976. In addition to his professional career, Morris has has acted as a Director for a number of nonprofits and charities over the years, and locally as a current Director of The Ryde Community Co-op.

Morris himself amalgamated his love of machines to move dirt and dig with his own version of “Land Art”, finding and developing unique landscapes on the granite and gravel that make up Muskoka. His daughter is a professional sculptor and part-time faculty member at Sheridan College, and his wife is a watercolour artist and registered Art Therapist. When not working he remains an avid outdoor enthusiast. 

Board Director

Like most children I loved creating crafts of all sorts. I took art all through high school and was able to enjoy a year program at the Dundas Valley School of Art in affiliation with McMaster University, after which I began my career as a mural artist in Hamilton, Ontario where I brought to life the visions of many home owners and businesses. Now as an artist living in Muskoka and continuing to grow my art business, I am grateful that I get to create pieces that speak to my soul and feel full circle to the little girl that still lives within.

Whether I’m painting people or the natural spaces where we go to heal, I find inspiration in the beauty of the Canadian landscape. I share my home with my husband and two boys, along with our cat Beans and dog Copper. We get to experience the glory of all 4 seasons in Muskoka Ontario, and whatever the weather we spend a lot of time outdoors. 

Past Board President

Virginia Hastings, MAC Board President, brings many years of board and business experience to Muskoka Arts and Crafts, having previously been a part of YWCA Muskoka, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muskoka, Muskoka Futures, The Town of Huntsville Strategic Directions Committee, The G8 Artists Selection Committee and as a Thought Leader for the development of The Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre. 

Born and raised in Muskoka, Virginia has fond memories of visiting many studios of Muskoka Artists. While she grew up with a love of arts, crafts and later oil painting in her teens and 20’s – Virginia’s creativity led her to video and media production creating documentaries and marketing videos for business.

Virginia is excited to be a part of Muskoka Arts and Crafts and is grateful to be leading such a dynamic board of directors.

Check out Virginia’s website for business consulting: virginiahastings.ca

Board Director

Moving to Muskoka 14 years ago Keith Has made the transition from the golf industry from 20 years to Artist life. Opening the Hub Art Gallery in Port Carling in 2010 to 2012 then transitioning into Gallery 84. Keith Has since moved to Bracebridge in 2015 were he Opened Bracebridge Hall a collective Music venue and art space. Keith is excited to bring his artistic eye and business knowledge to the MAC Board.

Check out Bracebridge Hall

Check out Keiths Work

Board Director

Sarah is an avid traveler, concert-goer, and lover of the arts. Her father is an accomplished painter and although he didn’t pass along his artistic gifts, she continues to involve herself in artist communities and enjoys exploring new artist exhibitions and more. When she’s not indulging in her passions, she is a National Customer Success Leader with Corporate Traveller. Sarah is extremely tech savvy and will help steer MAC in the right direction. Sarah is a proud member of the Muskoka Arts & Crafts board, and she hopes that her commitment and love for the arts will soon rub off on her 5-year-old daughter Namiri.

John Yates is a CPA, CA, and spent the majority of his career in the publishing industry. Prior to retiring in 2021, John served as President, Publisher & CEO, and Director, of University of Toronto Press for many years. During his time at University of Toronto Press he volunteered as President of The Association of Canadian University Presses and as Secretary-Treasurer, Director of Livre Canada Books. After retiring, John pursued his passion as a landscape and wildlife photographer with a particular concentration in the Muskoka, Haliburton and Algonquin Park regions. He believes that this region is one of the most beautiful parts of Canada – if not the world. John gets inspired by the opportunity to share this spectacular scenery with others through his photography and hopes his work serves as a great reminder of what Canadians love about this part of Canada.

Check out Johns Work

Board Director

Hanna is designer and social media manager based in Gravenhurst On, with a background in marketing and advertising. Currently working as a community manager for a large stationery and greeting card wholesaler in Toronto, Hanna oversees online campaigns and manages the visual aspects of the brand. When not working she takes on small graphic design jobs and illustrates greeting cards that can be found in Indigo! Fun fact, Hanna designed the most recent banners for the Bracebridge BIA!

Check out Hanna’s Work

MAC Executive Director

In the summer of 2020 Nichole was embraced by the generous and kind community of Bracebridge. Having spent her childhood summers in this beautiful region, Muskoka has always felt like home.

Nichole spent her formative years growing up in the small northern community of Elliot Lake. She was immersed in art, music, and culture, all thanks to her mother who was very connected to the arts community. Nichole is an Interior Designer by trade and resided in Toronto and worked as a commercial construction Project Manager for over a decade. Through hard work Nichole was given the opportunity to travel the globe managing numerous clients, consultants, and trades.

Nichole welcomes this new opportunity to head up Muskoka Arts & Crafts as Executive Director. She hopes to create a welcoming, safe, inclusive environment. Visitors will be welcomed from all over the world and from all walks of life. She wants them to remember MAC and all the amazing art they were able to experience during their visit! Stay tuned.

Follow along on insta & facebook
@muskokaartsandcrafts.com.

Terran McNeely is a Canadian painter based in Bracebridge Ontario. With a background in visual design, his work is influenced by the people and spaces around him through a bold and graphic lens. In addition to his private practice, Terran also manages global visual merchandising for the Canadian luxury outerwear brand Canada Goose, along with their acclaimed Canadian Artwork Collection that sits within their 50+ retail locations.

Check out Terran’s Work

MAC Gallery Executive Assistant

Steph’s dream has always been to work within the arts community and she is very excited to be onboard with MAC.

Steph’s passion for art derives from childhood. Play-doh sculptures, lit-bright patterns and paint on newsprint are some of her earliest memories. She never stopped creating and continued with advanced high school art programs and eventually college.

Steph studied visual & creative arts at Sheridan College for two years before moving to Muskoka in 2012. Muskoka is where Steph discovered stone sculpture, showing her work at Arts at the Albion Co-op Gallery for a couple of years.

Steph took a break from creating, but once the world stopped and locked down she picked up a paint brush. Steph has spent the last two years painting her everyday life here in Muskoka. She had her debut solo show in July 2022 at The Auburn Gallery of Fine Art. Steph currently has a full time display that you can visit at the Arts of the Albion Co-Op in Gravenhurst. Follow Steph at @stephschofieldart.