Artist Voices
12
“MASC is an artistic,
supportive family and so much
more. Not only do they fill the
need for the bureaucracy that
many artists, like moi, are
lacking but they also pay attention to our
needs and help us grow professionally
and as human beings. They often see in
us possibilities that have escaped us. They
offer support to allow us to deliver the
programs in the best way possible for the
artist and the audience and for that I
thank them.”
Daniel Richer, Storyteller
“MASC to me is an organization
that simultaneously and
successfully nurtures both the
community and the artists
within it. I sometimes think
the entire staff that works there are
angels sent from heaven. I am always in
awe of their dedication to facilitate
opportunities for artists, while
providing schools and students with
the live artistic experiences. Working
for MASC brings me great joy and a
sense of pride that my company and I are
part of such an amazing organization.”
Yvon Soglo, Bboyizm Dance Company
“MASC gives me the opportunity to
connect and work with some
wonderful communities. I thrive on
the energy that comes from my
students and I miss it a lot these days!
Here’s a quick peek into a recent
Kindergarten workshop: After explaining
what we were about to do, and a few
Q&A’s we started creating our stories
and the movies were amazing. We
screened the finished movies to lots of
happy shouts of: “That's mine!” “I made
that!” “Look, that's me!” It is so wonderful
how fun and spontaneous these
workshops are. And although they are not
about me, I do always feel like a superstar.
Especially when encountering students
after some time has passed and they still
remember my name and what we created
together.”
Tina Le Moine,
Stop Motion Animation and
Pixilation Video
While many of us have
experienced the difficulties of
being out on our own in the
challenging world of the gig
economy, we have learned that
sometimes there is safety in numbers.
MASC connects us with other artists in
the community encouraging us to learn
from their challenges and successes and
find inspiration in their stories and
suggestions. These uplifting connections
motivate us to continually perfect our art
in the ever-evolving artistic arena. Lastly,
MASC is a wonderful family, a fun place to
socialize and reminisce with welcoming
like-minded creative people. Most
importantly, it's a place to go where
everyone knows your name.
Jon Olsen Junkyard Symphony
“I constantly thank MASC,
and in particular, Jennifer
Cayley, for the fact that I even have a
career performing my one woman plays
in schools. It was her faith in me that gave
me my start. I have now been with MASC
for 25 years and working as a MASC artist
presents the opportunity to teach in a
unique way, through my art. It is really
rewarding to see the impact that my work
performing about the history of Black
people in Canada makes on the students,
especially those who stay to talk to me
after the assembly is dismissed. I
particularly relish that more intimate
opportunity to share some of my
personal experiences and ideas, while
students open up about their own culture
identity and/or experiences. It is truly an
honour and a privilege .
Leslie McCurdy, Theatre