About Us
We are The Raise-an-Artist Project—an Arts Education and Arts Advocacy program founded in 2006 offering Art School, Art Class, Art Camp, Art Seminars and community initiatives such as Raise-an-Artist in Your Community.
The Raise-an-Artist Project is rooted in curiosity-led learning, collaborative learning and outdoor learning. We firmly believe in the power that art has to connect people with their community and to develop social and life skills like communication, compassion, self-esteem and resilience. Where we learn and who supports our learning affects how we learn—it affects our interest, energy, and how much we retain. We offer a process-oriented approach to arts and literacy programming for individuals of all abilities.
The studio is a space to play, to create, expand artistic skills, share stories, make friends, and receive guidance. This is a place to belong to; a place to return to. Many artists come back to volunteer, complete school placements, participate in art shows, collaborate with Jenny, and work as instructors. We teach all ages nationally and internationally with our central hub in Halton Hills, Ontario.
The Raise-an-Artist Project believes that we all see differently. There are so many ways to learn and to make art. Our artists know this, and so they thrive. Together, we promote inclusion, coach creativity and celebrate curiosity.
Jenny
Founder + Director
Jenny Lorito MA is a Multidisciplinary Ontario-based Artist and member of Collective Year Off working as a Writer, Director, Illustrator and Photographer. Her books and films are most concerned with character. For Lorito, art is a collaborative, community-building process.
Jenny received an Ontario Arts Council grant that bridged diverse communities in 2006, then went on to found The Raise-an-Artist Project offering Art Class, Art School, Art Camp, Art Seminars and Raise-an-Artist in Your Community.
Jenny has been working as an arts educator, writing coach and counsellor for 33 years, nationally and internationally. Jenny and her team promote inclusion, coach creativity and celebrate curiosity. Check out her full CV here.
Carly
Director of Operations
Carly Turner is a Multidisciplinary Artist and a member of Collective Year Off working in large scale contemporary Mixed-Media and Film. Her visual art focuses on a central character, exploring colour and immediacy.
Carly’s foundation in Theatre and Dance has served her current work in filmmaking and book publishing, as Actor, 1st AD, Designer and Editor. She thrives on the fine details; planning and problem solving all things behind the scenes.
Carly is an alumni of The Raise-an-Artist Project having taken Art Classes here throughout her youth, then returning as an adult to join the team in 2020. If you have any questions regarding any of our programs reach out to Carly! admin@theraiseanartistproject.com
Rach
Arts Instructor
Rachel Mein is a Multidisciplinary Artist and member of Collective Year Off. She works in various media—Illustration, Painting, Fiber Art and Installation. Rach is known for her love of detail.
Rach's art is influenced by her background in Medical Science combined with a love of line and colour. She works in Filmmaking behind the scenes with Set Design, Wardrobe and Prop Construction.
Rach is an alumni of The Raise-an-Artist Project having taken Art Classes here throughout her youth and returning as an adult to join the team. Rach has been leading Art Class, Art School and Art Camps at The Raise-an-Artist Project for 15 years.
Cass
Arts Instructor
Cassandra is a Portrait Photographer documenting candid narratives. Her photography often plays with perspective to reflect the unique connections with her subject.
Cass has an undergraduate degree in International Development. As a member of the Extra Awesome program at Queens University, Cass facilitated social and life skill activities for youth with Down Syndrome.
Cass is an alumni of The Raise-an-Artist Project having taken Art Classes here throughout her youth, then returning as an adult in to teach Art Class and Art School and is part of our Raise-an-Artist in Your Community Team.
Barry
Arts Instructor
Barry Best is an Inuk Eco Artist. He is primarily focused in Indigenous based ideas and reusable resources. His Sculpture, Film, Installation work and Photography is deeply tied into nature and his Indigenous heritage.
Barry has been a Forester for 25 years and teaches workshops in land-based education. He is an Instructor at The Raise-an-Artist Project running workshops in Carving, Indigenous Studies and is an integral part of our Creative Identity + Creative Health Program.
https://www.barrybestphotography.com/
