BHM2026 Archives - MacLaren Art Centre

Family Sunday: Uniting Forms

Robyn Clarke — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 17:07:18 +0000

Photo coutesy of Sheresha Mcintyre

Working predominantly with Analog Collage, artist, photographer, poet and curator Sheresha Mcintyre has been able to express her take on many themes in each of her art disciplines. Themes such as fantasy presented in colourful conceptual abstract forms. Mcintyre takes influences from plants, nature, culture and her own imagination to show how they mimic our “reality”.

In 2020, Mcintyre was Awarded the #RisingYouth Community Service Grant presented to her by TakingITGlobal in Toronto. She was able to curate her own art exhibit called Loose Ends which was held at The Art Gallery of Ontario (The AGO) located in Toronto. Her exhibit featured both her artwork and the artwork of other local Toronto visual artists.

Mcintyre aims to create an experience of oneness between her art and those that observe her work. This is in the hope that her art will inspire her observers to tap into the brightest, most exciting parts of themselves.

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Performing Music for Music Lovers with The STATION Duo: Michelle C. Guy & Brad Hilliker

Robyn Clarke — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:30:55 +0000

Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026
Time: 3:30 to 4:30 pm
Location: The Carnegie Room, MacLaren Art Centre
Cost: Free, Registration encouraged but not required

In celebration of Black History Month, join us for a musical afternoon with regional vocalist Michelle Guy accompanied by musician Brad Hilliker! They will entertain with a mix of songs and styles in our beautiful Carnegie Room. All are welcome!

The STATION duo is a mix of Michelle Guy’s rich and smooth vocals and Brad Hilliker’s effortless rhythmic guitar style. Their sound draws on a broad array of influences, including Blues and an Adult Contemporary style.

Michelle launched her singing career in 1999. She played in dinner and lounge venues in the Toronto area. Brad moved to Toronto in 1989, where he immersed himself in the music scene for over 10 years. He created and performed original pieces for his band and theater productions. In 2005, Michelle and Brad met and formed The STATION duo. They were nominated the pair for Best Blues Song at Barrie New Music Fest in 2008. In 2022, CBC Radio aired Freedom Road as part of their Emancipation Day celebrations. In 2023, Michelle received the SEMBA award for Art and Literature.

They continue to produce unique arrangements of cover songs and originals. Their singer-songwriter performances include original music and material by various Black artists.

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Lunch and Learn: The Hidden Cost of Care: Racism and Inclusion in Healthcare Workplaces

Robyn Clarke — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 21:16:50 +0000

Courtesy of Debbie Opoku-Mulder

Debbie Opoku-Mulder is passionate about equipping individuals and groups with the tools and resources needed to educate and motivate themselves to be innovative and creative. Her work is guided by an anti-oppressive, healing-focused, trauma-informed and anti-Black racism lens.

Debbie holds a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. She is a registered psychotherapist, speaker, and mental health advocate, recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch 2022 by CIBWE. Currently, Debbie is the manager of the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Centre at Georgian College. As a therapist for thirteen years, Debbie works to erase the stigma associated with mental health and give people the tools they need to share their story and recognize that they are not alone on this journey. She brings her diverse and unique perspective to every audience.

Courtesy of Dr. Claudine Cousins

Dr. Claudine Cousins is the Chief Executive Officer of Empower Simcoe, a human services organization in the broader health sector, and part-time professor in the School of Business at Georgian College. Dr. Cousins have over twenty-five years of leadership experience with various Ministries within the Ontario Public Service and the not-for-profit and profit sectors, including banking and investment. She has expertise in operations, governance, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (EDI), and human resources leadership lens within unionized and non-unionized organizations.

Courtesy of Dr. Michelle Quaye

Dr. Michelle Quaye is a medical doctor and trainee in public health and preventive medicine. She is a public health physician with Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. She is a practicing family physician who provides primary and sexual health care services. Her public health and preventive medicine training at Queen’s University included work with the World Health Organization and the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Dr. Quaye is a passionate advocate for community engagement and for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She received her medical degree from Western University and holds a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University and a Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

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Family Sunday: Cultural Tile Mosaic Project

Robyn Clarke — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 21:12:00 +0000

Making Change’s mission is to educate communities by facilitating self-awareness through impactful programs. Their purpose is to spark conversations about equity, diversity, inclusion and equality to invoke change. The goal of Making Change is to create a world where we celebrate our diversity while embracing the essence of what makes us human.

Sheresha Mcintyre

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