Volunteers' Stories

Mahnoosh Eslahi

Mahnoosh Eslahi, a volunteer for Toronto Arts Foundation throughout the fall of 2011, is extremely passionate in fundraising and volunteering for organizations that seek to support arts, culture, education, advocacy and human rights on a national and international scale. She completed Post Graduate Program in Fundraising and Volunteer Management from Humber College, holds a B.A. in Decorative Arts and Handicrafts, and received a Diploma in Computer Graphics. Her artwork has been displayed in several exhibitions in Toronto and Tehran.

Mahnoosh claims that the satisfaction of knowing you are helping people makes the volunteering even more enjoyable which requires commitment and responsibility. “You should have a capacity to be passionate about what you’re doing and be able to really jump in and get your hands dirty,” says Mahnoosh. In the last few years, her passion for human rights and freedom led her to volunteer in different human rights activities. Mahnoosh has a passion for advocacy and working with people and her enthusiasm for the revival of Iranian culture and democracy led her to become a board member of “Green Seculars-Toronto” a non-profit organization which promotes democracy and freedom in Iran.

You can contact her by email mahnoosheslahi@gamil.com or at 416-802-7227.

Aisha Simpson

Throughout my life, I have seen art as a channel for communication. In studying within different art practices, I have developed an appreciation for the potential that art has to connect people, stimulate discussion and create positive change. In my own practice, as an educator, interdisciplinary artist, and criticism and curatorial practice major at OCAD University, I strive to harness that power of dialogue that strengthens communities. Prior to coming on joining the Toronto Arts Foundation as an intern, I had just completed my second year of studies at OCAD University. While curating, and participating in-group exhibitions, I was the resident artist and curator with The Alliance Against Modern Slavery, an organization based out of York University’s Harriet Tubman center, which works primarily through partnership with other organizations to end modern slavery. I also taught a visual art classes with grades 1

through 12 at a private Toronto secondary school, while working within both of OCAD University’s Student galleries –XPACE and OCADU Student Gallery. Currently I am preparing to study overseas in Florence Italy for a year.

As an art educator and practitioner, I welcomed the opportunity of becoming a contributing member of the Toronto Arts Foundation. It is essential for me to learn more about the ways in which artist and community art organizations enrich our city. Needless to say this experience was incredibly inspiring. While working alongside the Community Investment Manager and Associate Director, I learned firsthand about the countless workshops, seminars, and opportunities that the Foundation and Council put forth into our city to enrich its tapestry. My time with the Foundation and Council served to enhance my awareness on the countless opportunities that exist within the city of Toronto!

Amanda Kaffka

Amanda Kaffka is both a graphic designer and a fashion designer. She is the co-owner and the designer for Snugglings, an original baby clothing line and on-line store based in Vancouver, BC and the writer of an amusing blog the knittyknittygritty.com devoted to knitting. Herself an avid knitter, Amanda designs original patters which are available for sale on her blog site.

A graduate from Ryerson University, Faculty of Communications and Design, Amanda's extraordinary skill with shape, colour and texture and her dexterity in various arenas was informed by her very early development as a visual artist. Amanda moved into the field of graphic design after a degree in Fashion, working as an employee for a large company in Vancouver before setting off in her own direction with the launch of her own line and the establishment of Snugglings in 2009.

Amanda volunteered her professional graphic design skills for various Toronto Arts Council and Foundation communication tools including the 2011 Winter Newsletter. "Having grown up in a family of visual artists and musicians who toured for a living, I was exposed to hundreds of volunteers working at the festivals and community shows we attended across the country. I am well aware of just how important the contribution of volunteers are in the arts. It is a pleasure to be able to volunteer my skills to Toronto Arts Council who support the amazing arts scene in the city that was home to me in my student years."

Amanda Kaffka's Graphic Design for TAC

To contact Amanda for more information on her services in graphic design and fashion design email amandakaffka@gmail.com. amandadesign knitting patterns are available for sale here.

Liza Badaloo

Liza is passionate about art, the environment and community. Over the last 12 years she has worked in all these fields, and now inhabits the space where they intersect. She feels strongly that arts practice has the power to strengthen communities and present environmental issues in thought provoking ways, particularly in the urban context.

Liza volunteered with the Toronto Arts Foundation's Neighbourhood Arts Network (NAN), soon after its January 2010 launch, maintaining the website updated with news and events of interest to the growing network of community artists in Toronto, and doing outreach activities. “Volunteering with the Toronto Arts Council has been a wonderful experience. I’ve met some great people and learned some new skills. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that I’m contributing to Toronto’s vibrant and diverse community arts sector.”

A true multi-disciplinarian, Liza is a writer, musician, mixed media/children’s artist and short documentary film producer. She has written for blogs such as Reading Toronto, provided flute and piano accompaniment for a variety of performances, facilitated children’s arts and crafts workshops with organizations such as the Christie-Ossington Neighbourhood Centre and Art Starts, and produced a short documentary for LEAF, Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests. She has also facilitated a variety of participatory arts projects for community based organizations.

Currently she maintains the website and writes the blog for Art Starts, a community-based arts organization that works with many of Toronto’s under served communities using art as a vehicle for social change and empowerment.

Rachel Tiano

Rachel Tiano recently graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours Degree in Fine Art History. She cast her net wide as a volunteer, becoming involved with many arts organizations. At Artscape Gibraltar Point, on the Toronto Islands, she “met a number of talented artists and was inspired by their visions. I became eagerly involved in the groundbreaking ideas they came up with.”

Rachel also volunteered at the Deleon White Gallery, a commercial art gallery on College Street. There, she worked on a large collections management project “that brought new treasures to light every day.” She was also involved in all aspects of running the gallery.

“Every volunteer position has given me more insight and is helping me in my search for my dream career,” says Rachel. “The Volunteer Network is an amazing resource.”

Isabel Mazzotta

Isabel Mazzotta has worked as a graphic designer in Toronto for 25 years. She also teaches drawing and painting courses at schools and community centres across the city. Isabel is an active arts volunteer. “I have volunteered at Harbourfront Centre for 10 years, at festivals and in the education department."

"I also work as an usher at The Canadian Stage Company, which means I get to see many incredible plays for free. For me,” says Isabel, “volunteer work in the arts is fulfilling, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. I especially love working with children and youth.”

Daylen Gonzalez

Daylen Gonzalez is a graphic designer who was born in La Havana, Cuba. She moved to Toronto abound 5 years ago, where she completed her high school and graduated from the Art Institute of Toronto in 2008. Since then, she has been working as freelancer.

Daylen loves everything that has to be with creativity, designing and printing. Her most recent works includes logos, business cards, banners, and postcards. When not working, Daylen likes to go out and take photos, listen to music, paint and shop. You can reach her at dgv_4@hotmail.com.

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