Justine McCloskey is a writer, filmmaker, photographer, programmer, and artist living in Innisfil. She graduated with honours from Toronto Metropolitan University's BFA Film Studies program in 2013, specializing in directing and production design. In 2012, she won the prestigious Norman Jewison Award for Innovation in Filmmaking in the Production Design category.

Justine went on to attend the University of Toronto where she received her MA in Art History while working as a TA in media and photography courses with both UofT and OCADu. She is attending U of Guelph for yet another MA, but this time in medieval women's medicine.

While she spent some time working as a Photographer, Video Producer, and Creative at THP Agency and HumanContact Inc. making fun commercials and campaigns, she decided to take some time to follow her passions. In late 2024 she founded the Hard Drive Project screening series for local independent filmmakers, inspired by her time at The8Fest Small Gauge Film Festival and the Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto.

A recipient of OAC and CCA grants among others, her writing, films, and photography have been published and screened internationally. She can often be found amidst piles of cookbooks, camera in hand. Justine is looking forward to working with the wonderful artists and creatives at the South Simcoe Arts Council. Come say hello!

Vanessa Valenzuela is a self-taught artist based in Alliston, Ontario, working across a variety of mediums, including collage, watercolor, acrylic, digital art, printmaking, photography, pastels, and graphite. For over 15 years, her work has explored the intricate connection between humans and the natural world, with themes centered around life, death, and transformation.

Her art has been exhibited in Ontario, New York, and South Florida, and has been featured in a Lisbon-based art magazine. Vanessa's work was also included in an online exhibition with the Art Gallery of Ontario. In addition to her studio practice, she has taught art to children in Florida and participated in live painting events in both the U.S. and Canada.

With a passion for supporting meaningful causes, Vanessa has a soft spot for nonprofit organizations, where she can combine her administrative expertise with her love of community-driven initiatives. As an artist, she expresses herself through vibrant digital and analog collages, selling prints at outdoor markets and online.

Calling Alliston home, Vanessa adores the close-knit community of South Simcoe and all of the wonderful artist- big and small- that live in our neighbourhood.

Kathy is a talented visual artist whose journey with art began as soon as she could hold a pencil. From those early days of childhood, her fascination with drawing and painting has been a central part of her life. Over the years, Kathy has honed her skills and developed a distinctive style, transforming her initial love for art into a lifelong passion, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts.
Kathy firmly believes that collaboration is essential for the success of the arts, and she is convinced that volunteers play a crucial role in making this happen. She views the collective efforts of dedicated individuals as the driving force behind thriving artistic communities and successful projects. For Kathy, fostering a spirit of teamwork and harnessing the energy and enthusiasm of volunteers are fundamental to achieving meaningful and impactful outcomes in the arts.
Kathy has been an active member of the South Simcoe Arts Council almost since its inception, and she is enthusiastic about taking on an even greater role within this vital organization. Her long-standing involvement reflects her deep commitment to the arts and her belief in the council's mission. Kathy looks forward to contributing more significantly to the council's ongoing efforts, leveraging her experience and passion to support and enrich the vibrant arts community in South Simcoe.

Patricia Vega is an award-winning, visual artist with a strong background in fine art and design. Her work spans a wide array of media, including cyanotype, printmaking, and mixed media. Patricia's creative practice is deeply rooted in her exploration of various media and techniques, which she uses to explore visual art as a universal language.

Born in Mendoza, Argentina, Patricia's artistic path began at the National University of Cuyo, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in Printmaking. Her journey continued in Canada, studying Graphic Design at Humber College in Ontario. Over the years, Patricia has built a career as a graphic design while remaining deeply engaged with her passion for fine art.

Since 1990, Patricia has exhibited her work in Canada, Argentina, England, the United States, Spain, France, Bulgaria, etc. In 2007, she was awarded first prize at the Press Gang 25 Printmaking Exhibition at the Mississauga Gallery in Canada.

Working from her studio in Mansfield, Ontario, Patricia continues to push the boundaries of her practice. Through her work, she aims to inspire others to embrace creativity as a means of self-expression.

Patricia is honoured to be part of the South Simcoe Arts Council (SSAC) and is eager to contribute with her expertise to support its growth and development. She views SSAC as a vital hub to provide opportunities for local artists, crafters, and art enthusiasts to come together, helping to cultivate a vibrant local community where people can connect, learn, grow, and draw inspiration from one another.