Making Art Making Change is a non-profit charity committed to giving voice to communities through the use of visual arts, and story telling.
To enrich individual lives, break
isolation, and strengthen connections within diverse communities through the creation of
distinctive, group art-making projects.
MAMC envisions a stronger and kinder society by harnessing the power of art to open minds, break down barriers and shift cultural perceptions.
Intentionally build relationships with different community organizations to reach participants in their known environment.
Design and implement art-based projects that highlight participants’ stories.
Provide a forum for participants' self expression.
Facilitate the creative process for participants to delve into and explore the emergent conversations in safe and stimulating settings.
Seek partnerships with cultural and civic organizations to exhibit the resulting work where the wider public becomes part of the dialogue.
Honour the fabric of memory, the thread of imagination and the texture of speculation as participants weave their voices together.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Elena Soní was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela. Elena came to Canada in 1980 to pursue a university education and as her country descended into chaos built a new life in Toronto. As a board member of Children's Own Museum (COM) she co-designed its programming.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Vanessa Barnett is an artist educator providing dynamic leadership and teaching in the Arts in teacher education, artist residencies in schools and cultural organizations. Vanessa immigrated from South Africa at the height of the Apartheid years and began teaching at the ROM and in Toronto schools.
BOARD CHAIR
Marjory McDonald’s background in family business governance, as well as her work in philanthropy has guided her while serving as MAMC's board chair. Marjory was the chair of the family council for Black & McDonald Limited for six years, and has completed the Families in Business Executive Education Program at Harvard Business School. She has held various leadership positions in philanthropic and volunteer contexts.
BOARD MEMBER
Founder and Creative Director of Blok Design. Known for her passion for taking on initiatives that blend cultural awareness, humanity, and a love of art to advance society and business alike, Vanessa’s experiences living and working in Buenos Aires, LA, New York, Mexico City, and Toronto have given Blok a unique international perspective that has been recognized and awarded around the world.
BOARD MEMBER
Gillian Evans is a Toronto-based philanthropist and a founding supporter of Jack.org. Gillian is highly experienced in philanthropy, non-profit and charitable organizations helping them develop professional strategy, governance, human capital and operational capacities with a bias to building and executing fundraising opportunities.
BOARD MEMBER
Gillian Graham is a retired arts writer and editor who has worked for The Globe and Mail, Maclean’s, Canadian Art and other Canadian publications. She has a Masters in Journalism from Columbia University and a Masters in Art History from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).
BOARD MEMBER
With 25 years of experience in the contemporary art world, Pamela Meredith is known for collection-building, curating, and education. A personalized approach and extensive knowledge of the international art world allows Pamela to assist clients in building a collection or finding the perfect artwork to live with.
BOARD MEMBER
Jerry is a leader in systems innovation and systemic design, with over 20 years of cross-sector experience spanning Canada, the US, and Asia. He excels in building strategic partnerships and fostering sustainable community growth.
BOARD MEMBER
Dr. Ivan Silver enjoyed a career as a geriatric psychiatrist at CAMH and Sunnybrook, a leader at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine and is continuing his interests in professional development, coaching and the Arts. He has a background in music and in Hebrew liturgical composition. Ivan is passionate about the importance of Arts experiences in everyone’s lives and of making these available to everyone. “The Arts are a beacon of hope, growth and light”.
Robin has been an arts educator, spearheading the intensive Erin Gilmour arts program at the Bishop Stachan School.
Prior to BSS, Robin was a marketing leader and executive in the film industry for over 15 years, at: the Canadian Film Centre, Cineplex Corp, Paramount Pictures and Disney Corp. for Canada.
In the 2000’s Robin raised over $16 million for the University of Toronto’s Dr Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study for both a capital campaign as well as for child development research and teaching program funds.
Robin is currently a successful Realtor with Harvey Kalles Real Estate, and a part-time photographer and painter.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Gillian Hards is the fractional Executive Director of Making Art Making Change (MAMC), where she leads efforts to build sustainability, strengthen partnerships, and expand the organization's impact. With a career rooted in arts, culture, and health promotion, Gillian specializes in nonprofit management and fundraising. She is also the co-founder of Purposeful, an agency dedicated to supporting nonprofits with project-based and fractional services, helping organizations transform strategy into action. Gillian brings a deep commitment to fostering social connection and driving meaningful community change through her work at MAMC.
PHILANTHROPY & FUNDRAISING
Natalie Russell supports Making Art Making Change (MAMC) in its fundraising and philanthropy efforts, bringing more than a decade of expertise in peer-to-peer events, direct response campaigns, partnerships, and philanthropy. As the co-founder of Purposeful, she focuses on helping nonprofits achieve impact through tailored, data-driven fundraising strategies.
MAMC ARTIST
Denise was educated in Canada and Italy with specialist certifications in Art, English,
and ESL. Denise has extensive experience teaching newcomers and Canadians of all
ages. Denise has worked with faculties at Queen’s, York and at OISE; she has written curricula for the Ontario Ministry of Education and for the TDSB.
As an artist, Denise enjoys working in multi-media formats including collage, drawing,
needle work, painting, printmaking, and the written word.
New Encounters - Rare Space
Rare Dementia Society, 2024
Inspriring Transformation
West Neighbourhood House, 2024
The Faces and Places of Davenport Perth
Davenport Perth, 2024
From Garden To Table
The Stop Community Food Centre, 2024
This is Who We Are
An Art Project with The Mabin School, 2023
Together: Dreaming of Pasts and Futures
An Art Project with Koffler Centre for the Arts, 2023
Nadie Me Quita Lo Bailado
An Art Project with MOCA, 2023
Getting To Know Our Neighbours
An Art Project with DPNCHC and mason studio, 2023
A Seat At The Table
An Art project with ALPHA Education 2023
Art, Culture & Cuisine
An Art Project with TNO, 2023
Making Faces
An Art Project with Progress Place Mt.Denis, 2023
Encounters With New Mothers
An Art Project with PQWCHC Roncesvalles Satelite, 2023
Encounters With Seniors Identifying as Women
An Art Project with PQWCHC Central, 2023
Encounters in Our Virtual Studios
An Art Project with Progress Place and Dixon Hall, 2023
A Conversation Amongst Caregivers
An Art Project with Baycrest @Home, 2023
Encuentros I
An Art Project with CSSP Jane Site, 2023
Encuentros II
An Art Project with CSSP Carlton Site, 2023
Shadows Of Racism. Voices Unheard
An Art Project with ALPHA Education, 2022
Site of Encounters
An Art Project with SREMI, 2022
Contemporary Connections I
An Art Project with TPP Progress Pace & Dixon Hall, 2021
Contemporary Connections II
An Art Project with TPP and TNO, 2021
Contemporary Connections III
An Art Project with TPP and CSSP 2021
Shared Expressions
An Art Project with Baycrest@Home, 2021
Women In Dialogue
An Art Project in MAMC’s Virtual Studio, 2020
Artists In Their Kitchen
An Art Project in MAMC’s Virtual Studio, 2020
Women's Creative Narratives
with support from the TAC & OAC, 2019
Making Art Making Change is a non-profit charity committed to giving voice to individuals in a group setting within communities through the use of visual arts.
Our experienced artist educators are committed to creating a safe space and engaging projects where participants can explore artistic expression while developing self-awareness, collaboration skills and original creative thinking. Our focus is to facilitate dialogue and collaboration, thereby strengthening community bonds and reducing isolation.
Charitable Number 770955870 RR0001
Instagram @mamccanada
Twitter @MAMCCanada
Facebook @MAMCCanada
Email Us
[email protected]
Mailing Address
505 - 150 Balmoral Avenue
Toronto, ON
M4V 1J4
© Making Art Making Change 2020