Our Team
Northern Arts Connection is managed by Living Temagami. Supported by artists and creative collectives across
Northern Ontario.
Our Creative Team & Key Staff Members
Nicola Alexander
NAC Committee Member
Nicola Alexander is an artist, whose work has been exhibited widely through inclusion in annual exhibitions of the Northern Ontario Art Association (NOAA). With a background in architecture and a specialization in the conservation of the built environment, Nicola offers unique workshops and experiences that provide a fresh perspective on place, storytelling, and the importance of cultural heritage in fostering meaningful connection. She is an active member of the Porcupine Art Club, and plays the flute in the Timmins Symphony Orchestra. As Chair of the Independent Arts Council for Timmins, she is committed to strengthening and promoting the city’s thriving arts community.
Terre Chartrand
NAC Committee Member
Terre Chartrand is a non-status Algonquin artist who has a background in literature, theatre, visual arts, photography, technology, and science.
Terre was the founder and artistic director of multiple collectives and projects, including: Pins and Needles Fabric Company, an inter-arts collective, founder of an urban Indigenous youth arts collective (Endaayaang – Our Home), and co-founder of O:se Kenhionhata:tie #LandBackCamp – a culture and Land Back camp for Two Spirit youth.
Terres current projects reflect principled engagement in identity and Indigeneity, including collective embroidery of medicinal plants, curating Emerging from the Broken Forest – an artistic collective experience for emerging and established Indigenous artists, and Estrange(ment) – a historic play that challenges the romantic narratives of the fur trade era, and the Indian Act (2022-2023).
Chartrand currently works for NRCC in North Bay.
Gerry Gooderman
NAC Committee Lead
Gerry Gooderman not only serves as a director on the board of Living Temagami, but is also a passionate Canadian photographer and urban explorer. Active in the photography community and the business of photography. Gerry creates amazing Artistic Landscapes, outstanding astrophotography and inspirational Creative Portraits. Gerry loves to share and educate people in the art of Photography through workshops and personal and group sessions. We invite you to view more of Gerry’s work highlighting the wonder and incredible beauty of Lake Temagami: https://gooderham.photoshelter.com/index
Amber Nussey
NAC Project Director
Amber Nussey is an artist and photographer who has an eclectic background in both the business and creative worlds. Born and raised in Chatham-Kent, she and her husband moved north to raise their family in Temiskaming Shores. She is currently the Arts & Programming Co-ordinator at Living Temagami Arts & Culture, and she is most passionate about inspiring others and building platforms for artists to shine. Her combined experiences make her the perfect storm to help elevate the members of Northern Arts Connection and their work. She is excited to produce dynamic and engaging spaces for northern artists to create on the virtual stage, and to extend their talents so they may be enjoyed and collected around the globe.
Erica May-Wood
NAC Project Director
Erica May-Wood is a theatre artist, teacher and producer with a passion for connecting ideas and people.She has extensive arts administration and project management experience, working with member organizations, theatres, orchestras, magazines and festivals. During the pandemic she co-created a global project that connected artists from seven countries virtually for an epic creation project: https://conferenceofthebirds.net/
William Hollingshead
NAC Committee Member
William Hollingshead has been working in museums and galleries for 12 years, having relocated to Sault Ste. Marie, his hometown, from the Greater Toronto Area. He is currently the Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Sault Ste. Marie Museum. Will has been the Volunteer Manager and Curator of the MS Norgoma, Steering Committee Member with the OMA Regional Museum Network, Board Member with NORDIK Institute, Bruce Mines Historical Society, past Vice Chair and Conference/Programming Chair of the Group of Emerging Museum Professionals and remains Chair of the North Shore Cultural Attractions Network, His areas of interest are public education programming, strategic planning, exhibit planning and design, and special events. He sees museums, galleries, and historic sites as a place where not only the past, but also the present can and should assist us in informing the future; a place where we can use artifacts and histories to foster a discourse, inspire, and engage not only the visitors we serve but also the staff that work in these facilities; a place where communities can come together to share in and experience culture.
Melissa LaPorte
NAC Committee Lead
Melissa LaPorte has been the Executive Director/Curator of the Temiskaming Art Gallery and the Open Studio Libre since 2017. She also serves as a director on the board of Living Temagami, and volunteers with community groups like the Haileybury Curling Club, Temiskaming Scouts, and Ecole Ste Croix. She is dedicated to the North, a place she believes has true beauty and limitless creative talent, where she and her husband are thankful to raise their family.
Mary McTavish
Finance & Grants
Mary brings a background from both private and public service in Human Resources and Financial Management to the board of directors at Living Temagamai and the Northern Arts Connection project team. Family and youth programming is her area of interest as she continues her commitment to community service in Temagami.
Dave MacDonald
NAC Chair Of Board
Dave Macdonald serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors of Living Temagami Arts & culture. Early in Dave’s career, Dave worked in commercial sales for two multinational corporations before entering into a lengthy and varied career into the small business sector. Dave’s pull to Temagami began in the 70’s, however his career took him away from the region, but he could never escape the feeling that Temagami was meant to be his home. He has since returned to Temagami in retirement and contributes his passion for small business and business start-up as a volunteer in the community.
Additional Credits
Noam Lamdan • Web Design
Michelle Croke • Web Design
Tom Jensen • Web Design & Coding
Dylan Shigwadja • Live Video & Technology