RoTaRaCT singfesT limeligHT ToolKiT is ouT!

Magazine Issue 8
Rotaract Si ngfest
LIMELIGHT TOOLKI T IS OUT!
Bil ly Talent Come to
Mississauga!
Mississauga Arts Council
300 City Centre Drive
Suite 1055
Mississauga ON L5B 3C9
Tel: (905) 615-4278
Hours: Mon-Fri 9-4:30
[email protected]
mississaugaartscouncil.com
Note FROM from the Edit or
By Stephanie Dwarka
Spring is the start of something new and can be a
great opportunity to start focusing on that dream
of yours. The message we really want to showcase
throughout this issue is “Taking Action: Making Art
Happen.” You can’t go in the right direction unless
you are willing to put hard work into it. So, here’s
hoping this issue inspires you!
Charitable Registration No.
BN 13127-5711-RR0001
The Mississauga Arts Council is a notfor-profit, registered charity that exists to
foster and develop, support and champion
a vibrant, dynamic arts community in the
City of Mississauga through services to
enrich the lives of its citizens.
The Arts Council relies on memberships,
public funding, private and corporate
donations for survival.
Please consider donating.
Limelight Magazine
Issue 8
Editor in Chief: Stephanie Dwarka
Graphic Design: Stephanie Dwarka
Logo Design: Jay T
Writers: Heather Brissenden, Stephanie
Dwarka, Oriane Kruger, Stefanie Martin,
Shannon Smyth, Louiza Szacon
In this edition, we have a great spotlight on local artist Veronica Blanco. Her
“Presence” exhibition is now being featured at Living Arts Second Cup and you
won’t want to miss her amazing story.
One of our newest Committee members Justin Covas, who is a voice actor and
beatboxer, is also featured in this issue. We spoke with him to find out about the
love of his career and what inspired him to pursue it.
We also have a few amazing events planned for the community that will bring
everyone together. The ‘Sauga Stars Showcase took place on April 25 and will
was hosted by Mississauga’s own rock band Billy Talent! More information is
in this issue.
As you can see, Mississauga is home to so many talened youth and artists. Now
is the time to take advantage of the opportunities Mississauga gives us and bask
in the Limelight!
Photographers: Oriane Kruger, Natalia
Nor ton, Rober t DaSilva, Heather
Brissenden
MAC Staff:
Executive Director: Linda Thomas
Membership/Office: Alison Booz
Program/Education: Sonia Sharma
Communications: Cheryl Stone
Fund Development/Sponsorships and
Events: Louisa Szacon
Circulation:
Limelight Magazine is published
bi-annually (Summer and Winter) and
distributed to over ten thousand
arts-friendly households and businesses
electronically.
The cover photo features Billy Talent.
Board of Dir ectors
President
Bohdan A. Shulakewych
Vice President
Brian Crombie
Treasurer
Vishal Misra
Secretary
Deta Constantine
Directors
Ara Arzumanian
Christie Matwee
Christine Nalborczyk
Grant Clark
Ken Jones
Linden King
Lynne Mack
Samantha Angel
Tam Boyko
What Is Limelight?
Limelig ht Programs
The hottest wave of new artists have come together
to join the Limelight Association of Young Artists.
Limelight is an exciting community of young
artists under the umbrella of the Mississauga Arts
Council.
Art Exhibits
Limelight’s mission is to:
connect aspiring young artists and provide them
with the support, recognition and
opportunities required for them to thrive.
Limelight is instrumental in the production
of exciting projects including MAC’s youth
showcases, city wide Open Mic Nights, singing
competitions, the Mississauga Youth Writers’
Guild, workshops, MAC’s volunteer program,
mentorship program and more! Members include
visual artists, f ilmmakers, dancers, singer/
songwriters, writers, designers and more!
Limelight supports
Limelight encourages
emerging Canadian talent
healthy self-worth, self-esteem and personal
growth while fostering outlet for creative
expression
Limelight provides
character building opportunities for youth
and the local community and much more!
limelight empowers
youth by giving them the tools and resources
and opportunities to follow their dreams
and create positive change in the community
Limelight Magazine
Limelight Youth Committee
Media Arts Mash-Ups
Mentorship Program
Networking
Open Mic Nights
Volunteer Training Program
Youth Showcases
Vocal Competitions
Workshops
Get exposure.
get experience
get in the limelig ht.
Join Today
frank anthony in the
By Kelly Pacheco
It’s not every day that a solo, up and
coming R&B artist joins Limelight
Association of Young Artists. MAC
welcomes its newest member, Frank
Anthony! A singer, songwriter and
instrumentalist
from Mississauga
, he incorporates his raw musical
talents into all his live shows for
audiences to enjoy. If you’re a fan
of artists such as Bruno Mars, Chris
Brown or Justin Timberlake...it’s
time you meet Frank Anthony. His
much anticipated debut album,
Undeniable (FAM Productions – yet
to be released), hosts an impressive
collection of Dance, Hip-Hop, Pop
and R&B influenced songs, featuring
collaborations with some of the music
industry’s chart-topping songwriters
and producers--folks who’ve worked
with Beyoncé, 112, Justin Timberlake,
Lupe Fiasco and Chris Brown. Hard
work pays off as Frank Anthony
gears up to continue to make himself
known in the music industry.
Recently, Limelight’s Media Intern
Kelly Pacheco had the chance to
chat with Frank Anthony for an
exclusive interview. The singer,
whose tones fluctuate from soft to
high pitched, touches on his album
and collaborations, music influences
and experiences at this stage in
his career. Speaking candidly with
Limelight magazine, Frank Anthony
also weighs in on what makes a good
formula for success in today’s music
scene.
Q: So what have you been up to lately?
FA: I’ve been pretty busy this year
so far. Being in and out of the
studio, working with some big name
producers and songwriters – both in
Toronto and LA.. My EP came out
and one of the tracks, Live in My Bed,
features rapper Kendrick Lamar –
needless to say, having a feature like
Kendrick really creates attention.
I’ve also been performing on TV and
some other events, including a few
appearances on a Rogers Talk Show
and the Nikki Clarke Show.
Q: What do you like most about what
you do?
FA: I’d have to say the learning
experience, seeing the moguls in
the industry do things--study them
so I can get better at what I do. Being
able to work with producers like the
Audibles who’ve worked with Lupe
Fiasco. Collaborating with artists,
has provided some great learning
opportunities for me and my team.
I’ve worked with rappers Tyga and
Kendrick Lamar - It’s been a great
journey so far.
Q: How long have you been doing this?
FA: Music has been around me all my
life. My dad played in a number of
bands while I was growing up. He’s
what inspired me to get into music in
the first place. But professionally, I’ve
been pursuing this maybe four or five
years now.
Q: What do you think is the hardest
part of this business?
FA: Besides trying to make it and
becoming a successful artist, I’d say
trying to stay relevant and keeping
everyone happy. You also want to try
to do something different than what’s
out there. Yet, it’s important to stay
true to yourself and how you come
across, otherwise people aren’t going
to believe in you.
Q: What has helped make your journey
easier?
FA: Having good people around you
and ones that believe in you is what
has made it easier for me.
Q: Who are your heroes?
FA: I look up to R&B singers--R. Kelly,
The Dream and Usher. Even 50’s pop
singers like Elvis Presley. I also enjoy
Italian greats like Toto Cutugno and
the late Luciano Pavarotti.
Q: What are your main impulses to
write about music?
FA: A lot about females. Love and
relationships. I like to write about real
life situations that people can relate
to.
one I did for Leukemia & Lymphoma
Society of Canada - Still Standing which I wrote to help raise awareness
about Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I got to
perform it as well at the Toronto Walk
for ‘Light the Night’ last year and in
London and Ottawa.
Q: What’s next for you?
FA: I am working on some new
music and am back in the studio now
finishing it off. Promoting that later
this year is what I am focused on in
2014.
Looks like there’s lots more in store
from this young artist! MAC wishes
to congratulate Frank Anthony on his
success so far. Keep your eyes out for
him in the limelight!
http://www.FrankAnthonyMusic.com
Q: What song of yours are you most
proud of?
FA: I love all of them. But the track I’m
probably most proud of would be the
Kelly Pacheo is an emerging Public
Relations Specialist and Writer.
Commi tt ee i n the Spotli g ht:
The IMPORTANCE OF PURSUING YOUR DREAMS
“I believe that we are responsible for our everyday lives.
We create each day with our attitude and response to
things around us. We have so much potential that we
have to allow ourselves to tap into it and let it out.
Ever since I decided to pursue music as a career, I
had to take the reins under my own hands and create
opportunities for myself before anyone would give me
one. That means I would book venues and create my
own shows with other musicians, which gives all of
us a chance to share our music. This started heavily
in 2010 and I was able to network with other people
in the industry as well as different venues. The more
shows I produced and created, the more I understood
the music business, how much fun it is, and how much
hard work is necessary.
It’s really important to take action and hustle in any
form of art as a career because, in the beginning, no
one believes in your art work more than you. We have
to be the best advocate and best advertiser of our own
work. Once you believe whole-heartedly in your work,
others will follow! Also, as soon as you do the initial
work of building a fan base and a resume of where your
work was shown or where you performed, more people
will seek out your talents. That’s been my experience!”
“I have multiple dreams, I call them visions, I just choose
one and get it.
As a performer it is only one extension of myself and one
aspect of vision. Some of my main dreams i wanted to
achieve were as an artist, fitness and personal growth.
Limelight has helped me achieve many dreams as an
artist, mainly through personal growth. other recent
visions accomplished are performing at Beatbox Canada
which is top tier standard for my craft as a beatboxer.
Unfortunately, you can’t watch every show, you can’t
make every party, so I have sacrificed good, to get to
great.
I have had to become a different type of person in order
to experience the visions I have for myself the cool
thing, is I am constantly evolving to meet my new vision,
constantly becoming.”
-Justin Covas, Voice Actor/Beatboxer
-Arlene
Paculan,
Singer-Songwriter/Wonderfest
Co-creator (www.arlenepaculan.com)
“There is no such thing as a sick dancer, I know that. Although
is that really going to stop me from fighting for my dreams?
Of course not. Despite so many times when I feel it would be
easier and better to simply give up on dancing, I can’t seem
to do so. It’s my life. That’s why whenever I can, I continue
to practice in my living room or at the local YMCA as well
as perform at every possible event. People say I have no
technique? ...I know that. But I also know I am still young and
that my technique will only improve with time.
Taking part in the Miss Teen Ontario competition was the
best decision I have made in regards to pursuing my dreams.
Most people have the wrong idea about pageants... It’s not
only a beauty pageant. Judges look at so many other things,
from what we want to represent with our titles to healthy
active living styles to public speaking to talents. Winning
the Miss Teen Peel 2014 title, I have just now realized how
many doors it has truly opened for me. I am most happy about
my title giving me more power to pursue my biggest dream
of all... helping others who need it most. I am volunteering
and performing for many charity banquets as well as for
meetings with disabled children. I want to share my story of
my constant battle against my autoimmune disease and to
spread passion and hope among everyone. On March 14, 2014,
I was most excited to organizing a charity show with my sister
Magda for Baby Maja Mroz, a baby sick with eye cancer who
is in desperate need of funds to continue her treatments. By
filming the amazing performances that night and sending it
to Maja and her family, we are hoping our art dedicated to her
will give her the joy and energy she needs to continue fighting
for her life.
I am working so hard and will never give up on showing
others how art can be used as therapy, and how I, myself, am
proof of it. I truly hope this is the beginning of my journey!”
-Emilia Nowicki, Dancer/spoken word artist
“I have had a lot of people in my life tell me what I
should be doing. I like to march to the beat of my
own drum so I never listen. Because of this I am
now able to run my own business called Rock Your
True Inner Beauty where I share my personal story
though singing doing what I love. I still have my ups
and downs each day but I love working with people
and hearing their story. It is so important to pursue
your dreams and only do what makes you happy in
life, not what makes others happy. Surround yourself
with positive people and don’t be afraid to ask for
help along the way. Being a part of a community
has also helped me stay on track with my goals and
dreams so that will also help you shine your light as
it helps me shine mine.”
-Sarah-Jean Villa, Singer/Songwriter/Educator
Limelight Committee Chair
www.sarahjeanvilla.com
LimeLi ght Announces New Sponsors
By Louisa Szacon
As the newly appointed Manager of Sponsorships
and Development, I am elated to announce two new
members to our sponsorship family: Microsoft Canada
and TD Canada Trust!
You may have already heard about these exciting
developments. At the 2014 MARTY Awards, Keith Loo,
who is the Lead for Open Source at Microsoft Canada,
presented the Emerging Media Arts Award to Nick
Name and the Established Media Arts Award to Michael
Kennedy. From TD Canada Trust, Square One Branch
Manager Barb Birtig and Financial Services Manager
Karine Dirani, presented the Emerging Performing
Artist Award to Frank Anthony.
MAC’s partnership with these reputable corporations
is a testament to our progress as a thriving nonprofit
organization. Moreover, it speaks to their admirable
and community-devoted corporate cultures that aim to
support and enable our artists.
TD Canada Trust is our newest associate sponsor
and supports over 6,000 organizations that work to
enrich and strengthen our local communities. They
view community-giving as an opportunity to drive
positive change in society, and believe that the success
of the company depends upon the well-being of the
communities served.
Microsoft Canada is our newest lead sponsor and is
committed to responsible business practices and service
to communities by working every day to accelerate
economic growth, empower youth, and address a
range of societal opportunities and challenges. “Our
team is excited to empower the Limelight youth and
provide them with the tools to realize their goals,”
says Bruce Chau, Open Source Community Manager
at Microsoft Canada. “Microsoft Azure recognizes that
the Open Source technology enables young artists and
entrepreneurs to achieve their long term goals. We are
excited to mentor and support the Limelight youth to
make their artistic disciplines in to profitable businesses
using technology.”
The future is bright for the Mississauga Arts Council. I
am excited to build these partnerships, and ensure that
they are mutually reciprocal. If you have any comments
or suggestions on working with our new sponsors,
please call me at 905.615.4212. Signing off, Louiza Szacon.
your new
community
cafe
Experience delicious, seasonal
and locally-sourced ingredients.
Located at the ground floor of Civic Centre,
at Mississauga Celebration Square.
Seasonal hours. Open daily.
300 City Centre Drive, 905-615-3111
mississauga.ca/ccafe
Meeting & banquet inquiries welcome.
10% student discount with valid I.D.
cafe
artist spotlight: justin covas
By Stephanie Dwarka
In addition to growing his own
marketing company, Search Shark
Marketing, Justin Covas is working
on his voice acting talent. “In the past
people would tell me that this was a
unique talent so I thought I would
bring those skills to the industry,” he
says.
Covas has his own YouTube channel,
www.youtube.com/justincovasvoices,
where he uses his voice acting talent
for a whole other reason.
“What I’ve been doing is creating
read-along stories for children to
enjoy on the internet,” Covas explains.
Besides voice acting, he also has a
passion for beatboxing. It started three
years ago when he saw an interesting
online video and decided to learn
more.
my goals is personal growth. I want
to increase experience to better serve
my community and family,” Covas
explains.
“My beatboxing style consists of many
funky, upbeat sounds and patterns,
its like listening to a feel good song,
makes you want to move,” he says.
His advice to other artists who are
trying to make it in the industry? Do
it before you’re ready.
His most memorable performance as
a beatboxer was during last year when
he had the opportunity to perform
at Celebration Square last year for a
crowd of a couple thousand people.
“Unfortunately you can’t watch every
show, you can’t make every party. so I
have sacrificed good, to get to great.
I am constantly evolving to meet my
new vision, constantly becoming,” he
says.
“I find each show I perform at helps
me grow because ultimately one of
Stay tuned for more from this amazing
Limelight artist!
Photo Credit: Annette Seip
veronica blanco
visual artist in the spotlight
By Stephanie Dwarka
“I was extremely excited, I knew
that the Second Cup is very popular
with hundreds of customers entering
in every day. I’m so grateful that my
artwork is being shown in a busy
café,” she says. The showcase features
several portrait drawings, including
Grandmother Series: a journey
through Alzheimer’s medication.
For inspiration, Blanco visited her
grandmother, sat in front of her,
and drew her, as she was that day.
During the first visit she was very
unresponsive and reserved, hardly
saying a word or making eye contact
but by her third visit, her grandmother
was joyous, expressive and even
laughing.
“The
portraits
capture
these
various stages and expressions. Her
proportion becomes progressively
larger in the frame of the paper as she
becomes more responsive. The line
work also changes from portrait to
portrait, mirroring the state she is in,”
Blanco says.
Mississauga’s own Veronica Blanco
is moving up – her artwork has been
featured in Limelight’s new solo art
exhibition, titled Presence, at Second
Cup Living Arts. Presence is an
exhibition that features people with
an abundance or absence of mental
awareness.
Blanco saw the call for submissions on
the Mississauga Arts Council Facebook
page and noticed that the deadline
was that very same day. Having the
images previously completed she
quickly prepared her submission in
the hopes of being chosen. Second
Cup’s curator notified her a few days
later that her work had been selected.
Mayor Hazel McCallion dropped
in and paid a visit to Second Cup to
congratulate Second Cup on recently
being named the best Second Cup
in the country. She was also very
interested in the art series, which was
exciting Blanco says.
Aside from this exhibit, the first time
she saw her work on display was
during her solo exhibition, Bullied,
which took place at York University.
“I felt a sense of accomplishment and
knew from that moment that I needed
to continue exhibiting my work.
There is nothing greater than seeing
my work take over an entire gallery,”
she recalls.
She has always been passionate about
art but it became more serious in high
school. That’s when she realized it
was something she wanted to study.
“I’ve always had this urge to create,
whether it’s drawing, painting or
sculpting. I love the outcome of it,
when I’m able to display my work
in public and share my vision with
others,” Blanco says.
This spring Blanco will be graduating
with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Honours
degree from York University. For four
years she has studied and educated
herself as much as possible in drawing,
painting, print media, video art and
sculpture.
“I’m much more of a painter and
sculptor. I think three-dimensionally
and I love making something
completely from scratch. My work
is very expressive; I love feeling the
paint in my hands and carving into the
canvas and the freedom there is with
painting,” she says.
For her next project, Blanco is also
working on an installation piece
about beauty. It explores the measures
women do to fit into society’s belief of
what is considered beautiful - waxing,
plucking, liposuction, etc.
That’s why a common roadblock for
many artists, and a common theme in
this issue, is fear of making it in this
industry. But that shouldn’t stop you
Blanco suggests.
“As an artist, you need to be able to
handle criticism because it’s the only
the way you can improve on your
artwork. Being an artist is a struggle
financially. It can be difficult getting
my artwork exhibited in various
places, but if you have the motivation
and passion for your work then the
opportunities will present themselves
to you,” she explains.
Young Talent
DAZZLED ONE
AND ALL AT THE
2014 MARTYS!
Don’t forget
to send your
nomination
next year as
The MARTYS
enter into a
new year of
promoting and
honouring the
amazing artists
that add colour
to Mississauga!
thank you!
The Mississauga Arts Council would like to extend a big
thank you to Rotaract Mississauga for collaborating with
us to present the 2nd Annual SingFest Vocal Competition
held during the Amacon Ribfest in Mississauga.
Contact: [email protected] or visit their
website: www.rotaractmississauga.com.
Rotaract Mississauga is a non-profit service club for
young professionals and students, ages 18 to 35. Rotaract
does a world of good— making a difference locally and
internationally through volunteering such as aiding local
food banks, running fundraisers and working to end polio
around the world.
Rotaract
brings
people
together
through
social
and service activities and
Rotaract builds leaders with
opportunities to meet new
people in the community,
foster mentorship and to
promote understanding while
having fun.
LET’S MEET
OVER A CUP
4100 Living Arts Drive.
®
Trademark of The Second Cup Ltd.
Singfest
Season
Congratulations to the top 22 talented
finalist for Singfest 2014. The Finals will
take place on July 19, 2014 during the
Amacon Rotary Ribfest at Celebration
Square (Square One). The show will
be from 12 pm - 4 pm and comprised of
three rounds.
Round One- Battle Round, with
contestants singing in pairs. Winners
of this round will be selected by our
judges to automatically advance to
Round 3 (Top 12).
Round Two- Second Chances Round Contestants who do not advance from
1st round will have a chance to sing
again solo and the audience will vote 2
of these contestants into the next round.
It is a pay-per-vote system; however
those with VIP seats will automatically
have 5 votes which they can use in this
round or save for the following voting
round.
Round Three- Top 12 round - Top
12 singers will perform once more.
Judges will determine the Winner
and the audience will vote once again
to determine the winner of our Fans’
Choice award. Both the Winner and
Fans’ Choice will receive recording
studio time at Metalworks Institute.
Singfest VIP packages are $10 per
person for a seat in the general
admission Singfest VIP seating area
and also come with 5 free votes for the
audience voting rounds. Packages can
be reserved by e-mailing singfest@
rotaractmississauga.com.
Come out and support the top 22
performers on July 19 and cast your
vote!
2014 Rotaract Singfest Finalists:
Elise Mariah, Elad Menaham, Alexandra
Azzopardi, Clark Schlesinger, Chanel
Martins, Haifa Behbahani, Alexandra
Porat, Joshua Peidl, Liron Menaham,
Brianna Corona, Emily Kay De Vera,
Rawan Tuffaha, Belle Matthews, Liliana
Dias, Melissa Da Silva, Ivan Leung,
Adina Vlasov, Sharon Pereira, Cam
Bogle, Maya Saggar, Karl Jakelski and
Miranda Lacalamita.
Photo Credit: Oraine Kuger
“I am so excited to have been chosen
for the Rotaract Singfest top 20 and
am looking forward to performing
at Ribfest in July!” Belle Matthews,
Rotaract Singfest Finalist
billy talent: sauga’s stars
Billy Talent rocked the stage at Sauga Stars to a sold out
success! The Mississauga Arts Council (MAC) was thrilled
that Canada’s Superstar Punk Rock Band, Billy Talent, hosted
this year’s ‘Sauga Stars Youth Talent Showcase’ in celebration
of the Meadowvale Theatre’s 25th Anniversary on April
25, 2014. This was a major cause for celebration for MAC’s
Limelight Association of Young Artists and the community
who had the opportunity to see their Punk Rock Idols hosting
live at the event.
Billy Talent gave back humbly to the community where they
were raised by donating their talents to appear at this special
event produced by MAC in collaboration with the Meadowvale
Theatre Advisory Board. Having met and cultivated their
talents in the Meadowvale Community in the early 90’s, Billy
Talent has gone on to achieve international fame and success
as one of the world’s most influential Punk Rock collectives.
Comprised of musicians Ben Kowalewicz (lead vocals), Ian
D’Sa (guitar), Jon Gallant (bass) and Aaron Solowoniuk
(drums), the multi-platinum recording artists were pleased
to return to their hometown to inspire the hearts and minds
of Mississauga’s local youth artists. For more information
on Billy Talent, please visit www.billytalent.com. The
‘Sauga Stars Youth Talent Showcase included a free opening
reception and art exhibit that began at 6pm, and performing
arts showcase at 7:30pm.
The event celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Meadowvale
Theatre, located in the heart of Meadowvale, Mississauga. The
showcase also featured an exceptional lineup of performances
including Indie band Trouble and Daughter, I Rock with the
One (Hip Hop Collective), The Cawthra Park Secondary
School Repertory Dance Company and Mississauga’s spokenword collective. The event also featured talented stars from
the Limelight Association of Young Artists Wali ‘Flo’ Shah,
Selyne Maia, Little Joseph, Ayydos, Arlene Paculan, Chris
Ning, Steady Rebels, Uforia, Emilia Nowicki, Issac Eng,
Shyann, House of Coconuts, Clark Schlesinger, Ryan Brown,
Ali Aziz, Will Jen’Air, Runda Dong, Matt Zaddy and SarahJean Villa.
emilia nowicki
dancer in the limelight
There is no such thing as a sick dancer, I know that.
Although is that really going to stop me from fighting for
my dreams? Of course not. Living with Crohn’s Disease,
Fibromyalgia, and Endometriosis definitely is not easy.
Despite all the moments when I feel it would be easier
and better to simply give up on dancing, I can’t seem to
do so. It’s my life. That’s why whenever I can, I continue
to practice in my living room or at the local YMCA as well
as perform at every possible event. People say that my
dancing has no technique? ...I know that, too. But I also
know that I am still young and that my technique will only
improve with time. After all, it’s my great passion for dance
which matters the most.
for her life. We raised an outstanding $1900, but because
there is still a very long way to go, we are encouraging
This is the year I have decided to take charge of my life
and for once make things happen! I became far too tired of
simply sitting around. I realized this was my year to shine
and to begin making a change in the world.
Taking part in the Miss Teen Ontario competition was
the best decision I have made in regards to pursuing my
dreams. Most people have the wrong idea about pageants...
It’s not only a beauty pageant. Judges look at so many other
aspects, from what we want to represent with our titles to
healthy active living styles to public speaking to talents.
Winning the Miss Teen Peel 2014 title, I have just now
realized how many doors it has truly opened for me.
I am happiest about my title giving me more power to
pursue my biggest dream of all... helping others who need
it most. I am volunteering and performing for many charity
banquets as well as for meetings with disabled children.
I’ve been working alongside the Crohn’s and Colitis
Foundation of Canada (CCFC) by helping out with all their
events, in hopes of raising awareness about my illness.
I’ve also become an ambassador for Robbie’s Rainbow (an
organization in support of children in need of critical care
for Inflammatory Bowel Disease). My goal is to share my
story about my constant battle against an autoimmune
disease and to spread passion and hope among everyone.
What else have I been up to? On March 14th, a very special
event occurred... I was extremely lucky to be able to use
the C Cafe venue to organize a charity show with my sister
Magda for Baby Maja Mroz. Maja Mroz is a 2-year-old girl
sick with eye cancer who is in desperate need of funds to
continue her treatments. It was wonderful to see so many
MAC artists who came out to support this cause. By filming
the amazing performances that night and sending it to Maja
and her family, we are hoping our art dedicated to her will
give her the joy and energy she needs to continue fighting
everyone to share her
online
fundraising
website
(www.
youcaring.com/Maja
Mroz) with all their
friends and family. I
believe that together,
we can save this little
girl’s life!
I have been working
so hard lately and even
though I have better
and worse days, I won’t
ever stop holding onto
my hope of reaching
my dreams and helping
those around me to do
so as well.
I will never give up on
showing others how
passion for art can truly be therapeutic and how I, myself,
am proof of this. I hope this is only the beginning of my
journey, as I have much more planned for the future! I hope
everyone will get to see their Miss Teen Peel in action!
Limelight Toolkit
Students from Ryerson University Advocacy
program created Limelight’s Toolkit as one of their
class projects. It was created in May 2014 and will be
launched at one of our networking events.
The Limelight Toolkit is essentially a survival guide
for artists. It will be distributed to artists in the city
and will be available at various Limelight events.
This free booklet will be an inspirational guide that
explains the life of an artist in today’s challenging
economic climate. It will also provide contacts to key
arts organizations that can provide support to youth
artists in Ontario and beyond.
NATIONAL YOUTH
ARTS WEEK ‘14
MAC’s Limelight of Young Artists rocked the stage in honour
of National Youth Arts Week this past May. The annual
Rebel Talent Show was proudly produced by the Mississauga
Arts Council’s Limelight Association of Young Artists
in collaboration with the City of Mississauga’s Culture Stay tuned for details of next year’s celebrations.
Division, the Mississauga Central Library and Prabjot Jagdev.
Celebrating Music Monday, our youth presented the show on What is National Youth Arts Week?
Monday, May 6th at the Noel Ryan Auditorium at Mississauga
Central Library.
National Youth Arts Week runs from May 1 to 7, 2013.
For this special celebration, young people across Canada
Hosted by Mississauga’s rockin’ singer/songwriter Sarah- join together to host the largest youth-led celebration
Jean Villa, the event featured over 40 Mississauga youth of creative expression and community involvement.
artists including spoken-word poets, dancers, singer/ For further information about National Youth Arts
songwriters and instrumentalists. These passionate youth Week visit youthartsweek.ca . For more information on
artists performed pieces celebrating healthy self-esteem, National Youth Arts Week events happening in the City
positive mental health, conflict resolution and other social of Mississauga next year, please visit www.mississauga.
issues affecting today’s youth.
ca/rebel .
photos of the event.
The Rebel Talent Show was a signature event produced for
REBEL 2013 – the City of Mississauga’s signature youth arts
events series presented as part of National Youth Arts Week.
rebel talent show
thank you limelight!
Dear Limelight Artists, thank you for all of your support of our Limelight Association of Young
Artists. I have to tell you how much you all mean to me and what an honour it has been to promote
and work with you the past 7.5 years here at the Mississauga Arts Council. I would like to thank
each and every one of you for all that you have given to our community. Thank you all for your
passion, integrity, generosity of spirit and love of community which has added such depth and
strength to the Mississauga Arts Council. Everybody’s effort truly makes a difference! You really
do give of your heart and souls to this organization.
I am leaving the Arts Council to start a new position with the Mississauga Culture Division working at the Meadowvale
Theatre. it is my pleasure to introduce you to Sonia Sharma and Cheryl Stone who will be your contacts for Limelight
here at the Mississauga Arts Council. The can be reached at [email protected], media@
mississaugaartscouncil.com. I thank you again and wish you all the very best in your future endeavours.
LONG LIVE THE ARTS!
LIMELIGHT IS GRACIOUSLY FUNDED AND SUPPORTED BY: