Meet our 2026 Artists-in-Residence!

Alyssa Kostello

Alyssa Kostello is a queer, neurodivergent writer and producer currently based in Temiskaming Shores. She has written and delivered five short films including 'Ladies Don’t Wear Slacks' (nominated for Best Short at This Is a Spoon’s 48 Hour Film Competition in 2018), 'Forehim' (Best Comedy at both Vegas Shorts and Santa Monica Shorts in 2021), and 'Ms Mary' (Most Inspirational Film at Canada International Children's Film Festival). She is the co-writer of the feature film 'Technically Human' (Quarterfinalist in the 2026 GEMS Screenplay Competition) and her TV series pilot 'Zero' was a semifinalist at the 2024 Climate Pitchfest at the Hollywood Climate Summit and was optioned by Perfect 7 Media in 2025.

Cesar Forero

Forero is a Colombian / Canadian, BIPOC and LGTBQIA2S+ artist based in Kirkland Lake. He has a background in architecture, sculpture, painting, and public performance. He is currently the president of the Ontario Society of Artists and a member and exhibition coordinator of the International Academy of Ceramist AIC/IAC. He holds an MA from Minnesota State University and MFA from the University of Waterloo, Ontario. His artworks and performances have been shown worldwide, stand in public and private collections, and have been nationally and internationally awarded. His practice emphasizes social, humanitarian and environmental issues. He is fluent in English, Spanish, French and German. As a hobby, Forero cultivates a passion for bonsai.

Janet McQuaid

Janet is an Indigenous artist, mother and full time treatment professional based in Thunder Bay. Currently, she works at the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre as the Treatment and Aftercare Coordinator. As such, she is dedicated to exploring art as a functional tool for wellness and community resilience. Her practice sits at the intersection of visual arts and wholistic self care. She is certified to practice art therapy in groups as well as one to one sessions. As a professional working with individuals in recovery she views the canvas not just as a space for expression but as a regulated environment for nervous system grounding, stress management and relaxation. Her work as an artist is driven by the belief that creativity is a social determinant of health and she is committed to creating inclusive, low-barrier opportunities for Northern Ontario to engage with art as a path toward individual and collective restoration.

Islay Smedley

Islay Smedley is a singer / songwriter based in Wawa. Her creative process is deeply embodied: she feels her emotions and gives them shape through sound. Her music transforms lived experience—pain, heartbreak, and growth—into something honest and resonant.

Her debut EP, Healed From Toxic, is an artistic expression of her journey toward liberation—embracing her sensitivity and building the confidence to express herself fully. Blending elements of pop, folk, and country, her sound carries a dreamy, emotional quality while telling a grounded story of reclaiming voice and power.

Islay was an emerging artist with the Canadian Musicians Cooperative in 2023 and 2024, where she performed in their annual showcase. Her debut release is set for 2026.

Through her music, Islay hopes to inspire women to take their pain and use it as material to create beautiful lives, and to not be afraid to take up space—a reminder that it is safe and good for women to be fully expressed and alive.

Courtney Racicot

Courtney Racicot is a stand up-comedian, writer and producer from Timmins, Ontario, where she continues to live and work. Courtney’s comedy blends sharp storytelling about women's experiences, small city life, and the emotional turmoil of being a person. Her work is grounded and heartfelt, but chaotic enough for you to consider calling your therapist after. She also produces and manages shows as part of Löw Key Events, which curates comedy events that bring national talent to the north and strengthen the local comedy scene by ensuring amateur comedians have exposure to professional comedy. She has worked with several leading Canadian comedians which has been great for her resumé, but even better for her material.

Kyrie Babin

Kyrie Babin is a youth from Timmins, Ontario with a deep passion for creativity, poetry, and storytelling. Her work explores the quiet moments and often unspoken emotions carried deep within her heart. Her work includes themes of, pain, healing, and resilience. Her book, 'IBleedInMetaphors' is a collection of poetry and storytelling drawn from personal feelings and lived experiences, reflecting the ways poetry has helped her process, understand, and heal. Through honest and open writing, Kyrie hopes to reach others who have struggled, offering a sense of connection, understanding, and the reminder that they are not alone. During the residency, she intends to bring her voice to life by publishing her book and sharing her story with a wider audience.

Thank you!

We’d like to express our sincerest gratitude to our jurors,

Andrew Paulsen, David Easton, Elizabeth Rosell, Melissa LaPorte and Skye Smith,

for sharing their time, energy and expertise in selecting this year’s residents!