Chair

Mike Bailey

Mike is a fine art photographer with a deep appreciation for storytelling, emotion, and the natural world. A self-taught artist with over two decades of experience, Mike has built a reputation for capturing the extraordinary in the everyday—transforming fleeting moments into striking visual narratives.

Based in North Simcoe, Mike’s creative lens brings a unique perspective to the region’s arts community. His award-winning work has been showcased in galleries and on studio tours across Central Ontario, offering audiences an intimate look into the raw beauty of human experience and the landscape that surrounds us.

In addition to his photography, Mike is a passionate mentor and educator. He’s committed to supporting emerging artists and inspiring others to explore the world through a creative lens. His dedication to sharing knowledge and fostering artistic growth is a reflection of his belief in the power of art to connect and uplift.

As a Director at North Simcoe Arts, Mike brings his artistic insight and community spirit to the forefront—advocating for inclusive access to the arts and helping shape a vibrant, creative future for the region.

Secretary

Steph Whalen

Steph Whalen is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans watercolour, oil, and acrylic painting. Over the past decade, she has cultivated a distinctive illustrative style that blends classical painting techniques with contemporary storytelling and playful creativity.

Alongside her studio practice, Steph is deeply passionate about arts education and community engagement. She is dedicated to creating welcoming and inclusive spaces where people of all ages and experience levels can explore their creativity with confidence. Through hands-on classes and workshops, Steph encourages artistic expression, connection, and personal growth through the arts.

Known for both her artwork and her entrepreneurial spirit, Steph also handcrafts her own watercolour paints, which have become a local best seller among artists and creatives alike.

Steph has collaborated with a number of community organizations to expand access to arts programming, including the Orillia Public Library, Orillia Museum of Art & History, City of Orillia, and Lakehead University. Through these partnerships, she has helped foster meaningful opportunities for community members to connect, learn, and create together.

As a Director at North Simcoe Arts, Steph brings creativity, collaboration, and a strong commitment to accessible arts experiences, helping nurture a vibrant and connected arts community throughout the region.

Director of Research and Grant Development

Maureen Smithers

Maureen’s lifelong connection to the arts began in elementary school when a teacher introduced her to the work of the Group of Seven and encouraged her to submit a poem for publication. Seeing her words in print for the first time sparked a passion for creative expression that has remained a constant throughout her life.

A writer at heart, Maureen has explored many forms of the written word, from poetry and editorial work to business communications and grant development. Her professional experience includes serving as a poetry editor for both online and print publications, as well as working as an in-house grant writer for a music studio, where she helped secure resources to support arts programming and creative initiatives.

Guided by the belief that access to the arts strengthens communities and deepens our understanding of the human experience, Maureen has dedicated much of her time to supporting arts and culture organizations. She has served as a founding member and board director for numerous arts organizations and is a strong advocate for the value of volunteerism, community engagement, and cultural development.

As Director of Research and Grant Development at North Simcoe Arts, Maureen combines her passion for the arts, strong research skills, and extensive writing experience to help secure opportunities that support artists, programs, and community initiatives. Through strategic funding development and thoughtful advocacy, she plays a key role in advancing the organization's mission and strengthening the region's creative future.

Director of Communications and Marketing

Kelsey Nicholls

Kelsey known for her vibrant energy and heartfelt approach to art, she brings a deep passion for community, connection, and creativity to her role as Director at North Simcoe Arts.

Inspired by nature and emotion, Kelsey’s work is rooted in the belief that art can move people, shift perspectives, and build bridges between individuals and communities. Her creative journey spans murals, 3D structural paintings, illustration, print design, and more—each piece offering a thoughtful glimpse into the transformative power of art.

As an artist affectionately known as “spirited,” Kelsey is committed to making art accessible, meaningful, and inclusive. She has collaborated on a wide range of public and private projects throughout Simcoe County, leaving her mark in the form of murals, installations, and community-driven pieces that aim to uplift and inspire.

In her leadership role, Kelsey brings the same creative energy and vision to North Simcoe Arts—fostering opportunities for artists, amplifying diverse voices, and championing the role of the arts in building vibrant, connected communities.

Director of Community Outreach and Artist Engagement 

Tazra Miller

Tazra Miller is an artist, designer, and community builder with a passion for creativity, connection, and lifelong learning. A graduate of OCAD University, she has built a career at the intersection of art, education, business, and community engagement, bringing people together through storytelling, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.

Throughout her professional journey, Tazra has led teams, developed brands, coordinated community-focused initiatives, and supported organizations in building meaningful relationships with the people they serve. Her experience across the arts, education, and nonprofit sectors has given her a deep understanding of the role creativity plays in fostering personal growth, strengthening communities, and inspiring positive change.

Tazra believes that the arts have the power to create belonging, spark conversation, and enrich the lives of individuals and communities alike. She is particularly passionate about making the arts accessible, welcoming, and relevant to people of all backgrounds, ages, and experiences. Her work is guided by the belief that everyone deserves opportunities to connect, create, and participate in a thriving cultural community.

As Director of Community Outreach and Artist Engagement at North Simcoe Arts, Tazra is dedicated to supporting local artists, building meaningful partnerships, and creating opportunities for connection across the region. Through her leadership, she helps strengthen a vibrant and inclusive arts network that celebrates creativity and community at every level.

Program Coordinator

Sukhi Kaur

Sukhi is a passionate arts advocate with a deep love for art history and a talent for creating inclusive, community-focused programs. As Program Coordinator at North Simcoe Arts, she brings creativity, care, and strategic thinking to every initiative, developing events and workshops that connect people through culture and artistic expression.

With a strong background in arts education, Sukhi has been nominated twice for her exceptional contributions to teaching, recognized for classes that go beyond expectations and inspire learners of all ages. Her commitment to accessibility, engagement, and lifelong learning is at the heart of her work.

Whether coordinating exhibitions, facilitating partnerships, or designing programs that reflect the diversity of the region, Sukhi is dedicated to making the arts welcoming and enriching for everyone. Her work continues to strengthen North Simcoe’s creative landscape, one meaningful experience at a time!