NEWS RELEASE
ORILLIA AND DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL
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The Orillia & District Arts Council is delighted to announce three new members to the board of directors. With these talented and passionate contributors, ODAC is positioned for its role as an Arts Support Organization serving Orillia and the area.
Anne Douris
Douris is a director, animator, and Juno-nominated visual artist who has recently set up shop in Orillia. She has worn many hats on notable kids' television shows such as the Emmy-nominated Miss Persona, on which she is a production designer, as well as contributing director and animator, as well as CBC's Does it Fart? Minipop Kids, and The Wiggles. Douris also has a wealth of experience in Canada's music industry - directing both live-action and animated videos for bands, including Andy Shauf - which earned her a 2022 Prism Prize nomination - Sarah Harmer, Tokyo Police Club, and Anyway Gang – and has been featured internationally on outlets such as NME, Stereogum, NOW and Much Music. Her design work for Hollerado’s White Paint album earned her a Juno nomination. As a touring musician, she's played countless shows at home and abroad in bands such as Bossie, Hollerado, Stella Ella Ola and Anyway Gang.
“I feel very grateful to call Orillia home and am thrilled to move my business here, where I'm surrounded by such incredible and inspiring artists. The ODAC team has been so welcoming, and I can't wait to get to work connecting with other Orillia creatives on a huge slate of projects and productions. There's just so much going on here!”
Renata McGinn
McGinn loved painting and drawing from a young age, gathering skills and techniques from numerous visual artists over the years. She did her undergraduate degree in liberal arts and kinesiology. In her third year of university, the idea clicked of combining a passion for science and psychology with painting. Her goal is to look at and examine the living and non-living things, as well as reflect on the complex balance of thought through the lens of artistic expression.
When working as an art teacher in York Region, McGinn came to appreciate the effect of art and artistic effort on children of various ages and from various backgrounds.
“I am looking forward to being a part of how ODAC brings the arts and culture to people in need of inspiration in the Orillia community,” she said. “Some of my hopes are bringing an art camp to kids in foster care as well as initiating art classes for survivors of suicide and those struggling with mental illness."
McGinn lives in Orillia with her family.
Errol Lee
Lee’s interest and talent for music were evident at a very early age. As the son of famous Jamaican record producer Bunny Lee and recording artist Merlene Webber, Lee was immersed in the music industry from a very early age. It was only natural he would pursue a career in music. He began by writing songs and performing them on local television shows and at local venues. After a while, he became disenchanted with the recording and performance industry.
Lee found his niche when he began to involve himself in community service. Volunteering his time with various organizations, he realized that he could use his music to make an impact on the lives of young people who desperately needed a positive role model in their lives. Lee also offers his message to corporations and organizations throughout North America.
“A positive message is especially meaningful in today’s world. There is so much negativity, violence, sadness, and pain that kids – and adults – struggle to stay upbeat and feel engaged. If my songs and presentations can move even one person to feel more confident in themselves then it is worth the effort.”
Not only does Lee sing about honesty, empathy, respect, and optimism, he lives his life that way. Some have seen his performances during the Orillia Summer Nights in the local parks. Lee lives in Orillia with his wife and family.
Mike Bailey, ODAC board co-chair, noted, “This new, young trio offers ODAC a doorway to future events and arts support in our area. With the expanded opportunities, programs, and projects ODAC is securing, it will be critical to have this talent, diversity, and energy on board. We hope all of Orillia will welcome them.”
The Orillia & District Arts Council (ODAC) serves the arts community by bringing people and resources together to enrich the cultural, economic, and intellectual life of our community. Our VISION is a strong united creative community working together to enhance culture in our area. Our mission is to empower, advocate for, and celebrate all art forms in our community and region. Our VALUES are inclusiveness, life-long learning, respect for art and artists, diversity, community, and freedom of expression. ODAC is a registered charitable organization.
