We believe every child has Creative Potential.

Annie is the Artistic Director of CanArt Sault Ste Marie, leading the creative vision and curriculum that shape the studio’s unique skill-based approach to art education.

As a professional artist and educator, with 15 years as a university professor and an international exhibition record, she brings years of studio practice and teaching experience to designing programs that help young artists build confidence, technical skills, and creative voice.

Annie believes art education should grow with each student, combining strong foundational training with opportunities for personal expression. Through the CanArt Badge Certification program and exhibition experiences, she is passionate about creating a learning environment where creativity, curiosity, and dedication are celebrated.

As CanArt expands, Annie’s role ensures that every class, exhibition, and learning experience reflects the studio’s commitment to thoughtful, high-quality arts education.

Brandon, our Director of Operations & Community, supports the behind-the-scenes work that allow creativity to thrive.

He keeps systems organized making families feel welcome and supported. Brandon brings steadiness, clarity, and kindness to everything he does.

As CanArt continues to grow, his role helps ensure the studio remains both creatively ambitious and thoughtfully run.

What is CanArt?

CanArt is a structured, skills-based visual arts program designed for children and teens. Running from September to June, it offers a clear progression in artistic development, combining technical skill-building with creativity and critical thinking.

Each year culminates in a professional exhibition, where students present their work in the gallery at the Sault Ste Marie Museum.

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Badges & Levels

CanArt Levels

CanArt Levels are broad stages of artistic development.
Each level builds on the last, helping students strengthen both technical skills and creative thinking over time.

Levels are designed to reflect:

  • Skill development

  • Creative confidence

  • Work habits and commitment

  • Understanding of visual language and materials

As students progress, projects become more advanced and independent.

CanArt Badges

Badges are smaller achievements earned along the way.
Each badge focuses on a specific skill, concept, or artistic challenge.

Badges allow students to:

  • Track their progress clearly

  • Celebrate accomplishments

  • Build confidence step-by-step

  • Develop strengths in different areas of art

Some badges have multiple “evolutions” or advanced versions, allowing students to continue mastering a skill over time. This style of progression is inspired by gamified learning systems that use badges and levels to help learners visualize growth and mastery.