STAFF
Cora-Rae Silk, Artistic Director (she/her)
Cora-Rae Silk was born and raised in Thunder Bay and is of Anishinaabe and mixed European ancestry. She studied Graphic Design at Algonquin College in Ottawa before moving to Vancouver where she worked in commercial artist representation for several years. In 2011, Cora-Rae re-located to Toronto and began a career in community arts at ArtBridges, a nation-wide network for community-engaged arts and arts for social change initiatives. Cora-Rae currently resides in Sudbury and is the Artistic Director at Myths and Mirrors Community Arts and co-founder of the Northern Indigenous Artist Alliance (NIAA), an emerging arts service organization for Indigenous artists living and working in northern Ontario.
Blaine Thornton, Program Coordinator (they/them)
Blaine Thornton is a non-binary community-based writer from Sudbury, Ontario. Their book, Here’s to Letting Go, was awarded the 2023 OCAD U Medal for Creative Writing. They are interested in how writing can be used as a tool for self-healing and creating vibrant artistic spaces for people to experiment in. During their degree, Blaine was the Managing Editor for the first edition of Pulse Literary Journal, and co-host of Friday Night on the Mic. They facilitate workshops surrounding how writing can be used to heal.
Selina Stos, Community Outreach Coordinator (she/they/elle/iel)
Selina Stos describes themself as a Northern Ontario-based self-titled project. Since relocating to N'Swakamok in 2018 from a small town in a few hours west, she's developed community relationships through local anti-racist organizing, studies of Art and Visual Design at Cambrian College, and harm reduction work as the Peer Engagement Coordinator at Réseau ACCESS Network. Selina's work is led by the intention that simply creating art is radical in itself and fundamental to the human experience. Their existence is guided by community connection and perpetual curiousity.
Nicole Poulin, Bookkeeper (she/her)
Nicole Poulin is a Franco-Ontarian and has resided in Sudbury all her life. She developed long term relationships with francophone artistic and cultural organizations. Since 1977, Nicole has worked as an Administrative Assistant within the charitable and the non-profit sector and is still involved with Myths and Mirrors Community Arts and La Galerie du Nouvel-Ontario. In 2019, Nicole connected with ART Matters, an ad hoc group, who creates with local artists by making art accessible and building a stronger community.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Deniz Frik, President (she/her)
Deniz Frik, originating from Istanbul, Turkey, is a community and holistic health advocate who combines a background in public health and health sciences research with her desire to create a space for all. An accredited yoga teacher, Deniz can be found teaching donation-based classes for the community. Working with local arts organizations and festivals, Deniz’ volunteerism explores the ways she can foster and support the creation of a vibrant community in Sudbury. Deniz is a lover of the outdoors, animals, and is always prepared to enjoy a good meal!
Krishna Patel, Director (she/her)
Krishna Patel believes that community arts enhances the lives of all in our community. Gaining experience through volunteering with local non-profit and arts organizations such as River & Sky Arts in the Woods and Northern Lights Festival Boréal, Krishna has a strong understanding of organizational and event budgets. With an educational background from the Ivey School of Business, Krishna understands the impact of grant, sponsorship, and donation revenues for a not-for-profit organization’s financial sustainability and brings this knowledge to the Myths and Mirrors team.
Eberechukwu “eberechukuu” Valerie Odoemenam, Director (she/her)
eberechukuu is an artist, educator, and entrepreneur from Lagos, Nigeria, and the founder of Chukuu Studio (est. 2020). Driven by a passion for education, she has created learning opportunities for diverse age groups, focusing on creative self-expression and accessible art practices. eberechukuu contributes her expertise in strategic planning, leadership, and community engagement to the Myths and Mirrors team.
Jillian MacMillan, Director (she/they)
Jillian is currently working on earning a Juris Doctor, Common Law, at the University of Ottawa. Jillian obtained her undergraduate degree at Laurentian University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Law & Justice and Indigenous Studies. Jillian also holds a diploma in Community & Justice Services from Cambrian College. She is passionate about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Her interest in social justice drove her to pursue law school to gain further capacity to advocate for the rights of marginalized individuals and communities. Prior to law school, Jillian held various positions that largely reflect their interest in supporting the needs of vulnerable and marginalized populations. Outside of their legal pursuit, Jillian has a strong appreciation for the arts. She believes art is often a powerful tool in promoting social change and can foster community cohesion and a sense of belonging. As an active volunteer for several different organizations, Jillian aims to contribute to building vibrant, inclusive and supportive community spaces.
Oonagh Moonbeam, Director (they/them)
Oonagh Moonbeam (they/them) is a butch nonbinary, multidisciplinary artist based in Sudbury, Ontario. Their artistic career in tattooing was borne from a desire to create space for community and gender affirming care, as well as to shed light on tattooing as a practice in harm reduction. An educational background in Social Work and a practical background in activism, Oonagh’s work aims to celebrate their own identity and experiences, while also encouraging people to come together in solidarity and boundless joy.
Raphy Falardeau, Director (she/her/elle)
Raised in a French Canadian and Swiss household, Raphy Falardeau has lived in Gatineau, Temiskaming Shores, Sudbury (twice), and even France. Having completed her Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design from Cambrian College, she deeply understands the importance of social media content and engagement strategies. She excels in organisational skills and web design and speaks French fluently. Raphy has worked in non-profit marketing and project management in Northern Ontario for the past six years
Kaela Pelland, Director (she/her/they/them)
Kaela Pelland works as the Director of Peer Engagement for Réseau ACCESS Network, working on the frontlines of harm reduction and community outreach. Kaela has found great comfort, healing, and a sense of community in the arts as she navigates the extreme loss of life due to the drug toxicity crisis. As a social justice activist, Kaela’s approach to themes such as wellness, grief, and loss inform their beliefs in community arts and the way it brings folx together. Passionate about travel and absorbing as many wonders as possible, Kaela is also deeply connected to her community and continues to grow alongside it. They are known as an avid music and arts supporter around the Sudbury community.
