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Arts Immersion: The Stories

Finding Passion, Confidence and Community 

When Jackie joined Arts Immersion, she had never touched stained glass but she felt drawn to it and saw only barriers.

It was costly, specialized, and completely inaccessible to beginners. So we reached out to Jess of Flux Glass Co., a skilled stained glass artist who eagerly joined the program as a mentor.

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Together, Jackie and Jess dove into the craft, cutting, grinding, soldering, designing. Jackie’s confidence grew quickly, and soon she was tackling advanced projects, including a 3D stained-glass jewelry box and a sculpted flower, techniques neither had tried before. 

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Jackie’s passion grew so deeply that she secured Ontario Disability Support Program funding to buy her own tools and continue the work at home.

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Wanting to give back, Jackie partnered with Jess to create stained glass heart suncatchers for the women at Green Haven Shelter for Valentine’s Day—then made extra to donate to The Lighthouse.

They learned side by side, pushing each other creatively and personally.

But the most powerful part of her journey came next.

Read an Orillia Matters article, sharing more about Jackie's Journey 

Thank you, Jackie, for your bravery in sharing your story and uplifting those around you. Your contributions make a meaningful difference in our community.
Thank you, Sukhi, Arts Immersion Coordinator, for taking the time to sit down with Jackie and capturing her story. 

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23 Mississaga St W, Orillia, ON, Canada,
L3V 3A5

705-481-0176 ext 3

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We respectfully acknowledge that the North Simcoe Arts is located on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabeg peoples, including the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations of the Three Fires Confederacy, and the ancestral homelands of the Wendat peoples.We recognize the enduring stewardship and presence of the Chippewa Tri-Council First Nations: Beausoleil First Nation, Chippewas of Rama First Nation, and Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, whose relationships with these lands and waters continue today. We also acknowledge the Métis peoples of this region, and the Haudenosaunee and other Indigenous Nations who have travelled, gathered, and cared for these territories over time.This region lies within the territories covered by the Williams Treaties of 1923, as well as earlier agreements including Treaty 5 and the Lake Simcoe–Nottawasaga Treaty. As an arts council, we are committed to ongoing learning, relationship-building, and supporting Indigenous voices, stories, and creative expression in the spirit of respect, reciprocity, and reconciliation.

We believe the arts are strengthened by the voices, experiences, and creative expressions of people from all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. We strive to create welcoming, accessible, and respectful spaces where artists, audiences, staff, volunteers, and community members feel valued and empowered to participate fully. 

Registered Charity Number : #835354341RR0001

© 2026 by North Simcoe Arts. 

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