Cultural Leadership Council

Oshawa Museum  - Lisa Terech, Community Engagement

Lisa Terech started with the Oshawa Museum in 2007 as a volunteer and joined the staff in October 2010.  In the role of Community Engagement, Lisa participates with the Museum team in developing and delivering creative, engaging and consistent public programs. As part of her duties, Lisa manages the youth volunteers and co-ordinates the Oshawa Historical Society membership.  Lisa has a Bachelor of Arts degree in History (Honours) and Canadian Studies (General) from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Museum Management and Curatorship Certificate from Sir Sandford Fleming College.

Oshawa Public Libraries - Jennifer Gardner, Manager of Programming, Community Engagement and Outreach

Born in Oshawa and actively involved in theatre and dance throughout her life, Jennifer has a keen interest in Arts and Culture in our community. Jennifer's academic background includes a Bachelor's in Education and College diploma in Recreation Leadership coupled with strong leadership experience in healthcare and nonprofit organizations in Durham Region.  Jennifer has a key role in developing arts, cultural and heritage programs at Oshawa Library and working with the community and enjoys attending music festivals and cultural events. 

Oshawa Senior Citizens Centres 55+ -Sandy Black, Executive Director

Sandy has a long history with the City of Oshawa living here over 44 years and been an employee with the City since 1984.  Sandy has managed City recreation facilities, overseen both indoor and outdoor pools and co -chaired the 2013 Women’s Lacrosse World Cup Championships at the Civic. The OSCC 55+ serves seniors in our community through the provision of programs and services (van transportation, congregate dining, adult day programs and physio and falls prevention). OSCC 55+ recently celebrated 50 years with a year- long schedule of events topped off with a gala dinner and dance. They represent the needs of seniors and provide a voice to champion them.

Sandy's interests outside of the seniors she serves are her 7 grandchildren, and when she is not spending time with them, she is playing piano.  

Parkwood Estate NHS -Brennyn Bauer, Special Events Coordinator

Brennyn Bauer has been studying and working in arts, culture, and heritage for over a decade. After graduating from OCAD University with a BFA in Sculpture and Installation, she went on to receive her Ontario Post Graduate Certificate in Arts and Cultural Management from Humber College. Brennyn has a strong passion for arts and culture, and the limitless positive impacts they have within cities and communities. Having been part of collective impact initiatives surrounding gentrification of arts and lower income communities within the GTA, she hopes to continue supporting these important groups in any and all ways she can.

Since working with Parkwood National Historic Site, Brennyn has seen the depth and influence of the arts, culture, and heritage sector within Durham. She looks forward to being a part of keeping it vibrant and thriving though her work with Parkwood, as well as with the Cultural Leadership Council. 

The Robert McLaughlin Gallery - Lauren Gould, CEO

 Lauren Gould has worked in a variety of roles within the arts and higher education sectors with a focus on promoting public engagement, implementing organizational improvements, and working in collaboration with a range of partners. She completed her BA at Concordia University in Creative Writing, Art History, and Studio Art and her MA in Cultural Leadership at Liverpool John Moores University.

Lauren managed the education department at the Lady Lever Art Gallery, part of National Museums Liverpool in the UK, for four years successfully increasing participation by 44% and leading on the development its learning centre. From 2010-2013, Lauren was General Manager for The School of Toronto Dance Theatre before joining the Gardiner Museum in 2013 as their Audience Development Manager.  Serving as Senior Manager of Development and Programs from 2014, Lauren coordinated the Gardiner’s first Community Arts Space, which used the Museum's exhibition hall for community-engaged arts programming. From 2017 to 2020 Lauren was Chief Operating Officer at the Gardiner as well as serving as Treasurer. On March 16, 2020, Lauren was thrilled to join the Oshawa and Durham Region community at The Robert McLaughlin Gallery as CEO.

Durham College - Greg Murphy, Dean of the School of Media, Art and Design

Greg Murphy is an artist/educator with over 30 years' experience in colleges and universities in Canada and the US. He is currently serving as the Executive Dean of the School of Media, Art and Design at Durham College. His paintings can be found in many public and private collections including the Robert McLaughlin Gallery in Oshawa.

Murphy is Past President and (current) Treasurer of the Heads of Media, Arts and Design (HOMAD) for Colleges Ontario and serves on the boards of the Durham Region International Film Festival (DRIFF) and the Oshawa Cultural Leadership Council.

Trent University - Hailey Wright, Manager, Community Relations and Articulation

Hailey Wright brings experience in community building, facilitating connections and assisting in collisions between the academy and the local community. Hailey has a 15 year history with the University, lives and works in Oshawa and is dedicated to supporting the continued growth of the city’s culture scene. 

Ontario Tech University - Amanda Robison, Academic Associate, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities

Amanda Robinson is an Academic Associate in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at Ontario Tech University in Oshawa, Ontario and a Doctoral candidate (ABD) in the History Department at York University in Toronto, Ontario. Her research explores the role of visual culture in mediating technological change in Oshawa, Ontario during the Industrial Revolution. Amanda has been involved with public heritage in Oshawa for over a decade, having worked for several of the city's heritage institutions, and was involved in Heritage Oshawa and Doors Open Ontario. She has helped to plan several successful public walking tours and lectures. She is an engaged and passionate educator who is currently pursuing an eLearning Development credential at Durham College. 

Karen Coyle

Representing the Oshawa Art Association.

Born and raised in the Durham Region, Karen has always been interested in the arts. However, she was only as spectator until recently. In 2017, Karen became an active member of the Oshawa Art Association; specifically Gallery 67. She was involved in many exhibitions and events, both as an artist and volunteer.

In 2018, she was nominated to become the Events Coordinator for the OAA and this led to her joining other committees such as the Public Arts Task Force, CLC and various sub committees.
Being in these roles has allowed Karen to be a part of many wonderful events both private and public, including Culture Summit 2019, Culture Days 2019, Butter tart Festival, Paint Battles and art markets. This has also exposed Karen to different art forms, which in turn has expanded her own portfolio.
As an artist, Karen started with watercolour, then acrylic pouring, and found a love for alcohol ink. She has recently dabbled with resin in various forms including paintings, jewellery and other small items.
Karen also has a fundraiser called "Crochet Against Cancer." 

Working full time as an electrician, Karen also manages to find time for her other interests, which include live music, gardening and spending time with her cat, gecko, bearded dragon and two guinea pigs.

Will McGuirk

William McGuirk is the creator and content administrator of Slow City: a platform for Oshawa/Durham's creative community to connect. 

A longtime Oshawa resident, he is a cultural critic, arts administrator, and music curator.  He was a member of the Oshawa Cultural Plan Committee and is a recipient of the QEII Diamond Jubilee medal.  

Jeremy Neal Blowers

Jeremy Neal Blowers is the Executive Director of the Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum, and the Oshawa Aeronautical, Military and Industrial Museum. 

Joining the Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum in 2011 as a social and digital media specialist, he began his career in the organization. Later providing these same services to many local heritage organizations including the City of Oshawa Remembers WWI committee, the 420 WING RCAFA, and the Ontario Regiment 150th Anniversary committee. Also serving as an e-commerce specialist and marketing adviser to the Fidelis Et Paratus - A History of the Ontario Regiment RCAC editorial and book launch committee.

Shannon Barill

Shannon loves music, art, books, science, tech and humans. She's an Academic Library Services professional, currently working at Ontario Tech/Durham College's campus libraries. She’s also working on a degree in Adult Education and Digital Technologies with a focus in Anarchist Pedagogy. Shannon joined the Council to help facilitate connections between the City's art & culture initiatives and the already well-established art & culture scene in Oshawa.

Victoria Byers

Victoria is an Emerging Museum Professional with a Masters in Museum Studies from the University of Toronto. As a lover of Canadian history, she currently works as an Education Instructor and Heritage Program Assistant at the Pickering Museum Village. This long time Oshawa resident looks forward to working within the Cultural Leadership Council to bring awareness and encourage participation in all that Oshawa has to offer.

Alyssia Nelson 

Alyssia Nelson is an amateur art collector, proud Oshawa resident, and local culture supporter.

During business hours you can find her coordinating art logistical projects for GalleryExpress Fine Art Services. She loves working behind the scenes, getting a glimpse at rarely seen pieces and helping to solve challenging art logistical problems.

After completing a Masters degree in Art History at the University of Toronto, she started volunteering at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery where she saw first hand the importance of culture events within her community. She is thrilled to now be a part of the Cultural Leadership Council where she can continue to help foster a love of culture within her community and work towards further enriching the arts within Oshawa. Alyssia is also the chair of the Public Art Task Force. 

Rebekah Noseworthy (Chair)

Rebekah is a lover of music, black coffee and all things local who does events, in that order.

After a stint in the digital marketing and advertising world, Rebekah followed her passion for connecting and interacting with people through her roles at the Tribute Communities Centre, Canadian Music Week and NXNE. Currently working with the Town of Whitby as Event and Marketing Assistant for Corporate Communications, Rebekah joined the Town in 2016 in the Sustainability, Heritage, Downtowns and Community Development Division. With the goal to widen her professional experience into the world of Cultural Planning, Place-Making, Economic Development and Tourism, Rebekah is currently enrolled in UBC's Cultural Planning and aspires to connect the dots between the cultural sector and the community.

Stephanie Pollard

Stephanie Pollard brings experience from professional communications, built in media, non-profit, government, and lots of volunteering.  Stephanie's love for the arts grew and came with her from Jamaica to Oshawa in 2002. A closet-writer, food enthusiast, and responsible shopaholic, she plans to work with a team who love showing how amazing Oshawa is - in the arts, and Durham Region. 

Margaret Wilkinson

Born and raised in Oshawa, Marg was an elementary educator in many Oshawa schools over her 33 years with the Durham District School Board. She grew to know many neighbourhoods in the city. Marg was always interested in the unique houses in the city. She became a heritage advocate during the building of Highway 407 and the demolition of so many properties in that path. She served for 6 years on the City of Oshawa's Heritage Advisory Committee and still volunteers with the Inventory Working Group. She also serves on the Board of the Oshawa Historical Society and is honoured to be a part of the Cultural Leadership Council. She is interested in gathering Oshawa citizens together in the Telling of Oshawa’s Story.