Written by Claire MacPhee
Claire MacPhee is a high school student at GCVI who will be going into Grade 12 in September and is working at the Guelph Arts Council for her summer co-op. She is excited for this opportunity to learn more about the GAC as well as the arts community here in Guelph.
With a focus primarily in drama, she has recently branched out, trying other art forms following her participation in the MADE Urban Arts program in 2024, including taking a visual art course and joining the GCVI Chamber Choir. The MADE Urban Arts program, run by teachers Lane Osborne and Gerard Gouthro is an off-site interdisciplinary program that allows students the chance to experience all of the arts and work collaboratively on various projects as a class. In MADE’s end of semester final production, Speed River Anthology Vol. 1, Claire took on the role as a stage manager, and enjoyed collaborating with her peers, which included researching, writing, directing and designing.
Claire has a strong appreciation for the arts as a way of expression and entertainment as well as their ability to create a strong community. She hopes to continue in the arts in the future, post-secondary, to further grow both her knowledge, and skill.
At the Guelph Arts Council, Claire is excited to be organizing a Youth Open Mic to give youth a platform to showcase their art and connect with other young artists in the Guelph community. She is very grateful to the Guelph Arts Council team in providing the space, and guiding her through the process of creating this event.
