Welcome to the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Windsor Essex County! Established in 2011 as a non-profit, membership-based organization, we are dedicated to promoting and enhancing the arts and cultural scene in the Windsor and Essex County region.

Our mission is to foster cooperative relationships among artists, artisans, cultural champions, and supporters, and to provide a platform for collaboration, growth, and community engagement.

Our Board of Directors

  • Katrina Rutter - President

    paintbynumbers@rocketmail.com

    Katrina Rutter (she/her), a visual artist specializing in acrylic and watercolour paintings, is the owner of Beatnik Art Supplies Store. With a deep passion for her craft, she creates captivating artworks that showcase the beauty of nature. Katrina's dedication to her artistry and entrepreneurial spirit make her a prominent figure in the local art community.

  • Ruth E Kivinen - Secretary

    ruthelizabeth77@hotmail.com

  • Joanne Carr - Treasurer

    carr.joanne52@gmail.com

    Joanne Carr (she/her) is a long-time Windsor resident with a background in art, philosophy, and Asian studies. Recently retired, she is eager to continue her artistic journey by learning new skills and sharing her passion for various art mediums, particularly watercolour and acrylic painting.

  • Bruce Rutter

    bruce.rutter@gmail.com

  • Nora Harvey

    noraharveyartist@gmail.com

    Nora Harvey (She/her) is a visual fine artist based in Walkerville, Windsor ON. As an active member of the local art community, Nora organizes fundraisers, exhibits in solo and group shows, and donates her artwork to various organizations. Nora's Abstract, Landscape, and Impressionism style paintings are inspired by the environment, nature, the human condition, and meditative thought, showcasing her diverse artistic skills honed over fifteen years.

Our History

In 2011, four artists - Leona MacIntyre, Gulnaz Turdalieva, Linda Heise, and Rico Dancel - came together to discuss the initiation of an open studio tour in Windsor Essex. This discussion led to the formation of The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Windsor Essex. Since 2011, the Alliance has organized an annual open studio tour, inviting local artists to participate and showcase their work. Over time, the Alliance expanded its programming to include activities for seniors and children, recognizing the importance of engaging a diverse audience and fostering artistic growth within our community.

Throughout our journey, we have endeavored to create a supportive environment for artists, promote cultural diversity, and cultivate a vibrant arts community. The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Windsor Essex remains committed to nurturing talent, encouraging creativity, and ensuring the accessibility of the arts to all.

Founding Members

  • Leona MacIntyre

    FOUNDER

    Leona MacIntyre (she/her), a self-taught visual artist and educator, is the founder of Ugly Art Studios, a dynamic space that houses a public gallery, event venue, and working art studio. With a focus on delivering workshops to artists of all levels, Leona fosters creativity in a classroom setting. She has also been instrumental in establishing The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Windsor Essex County, a platform that supports artists and promotes community engagement through diverse programming.

  • Gulnaz Turdalieva

    FOUNDER

    Gulnaz Turdalieva (she/her), a visual artist and the founder of Art Create Learn, an art magazine that highlights Windsor Essex artists. Through her diverse mediums, Gulnaz's creations inspire contemplation and meditation. In Spring 2022, Gulnaz launched Art Create Learn magazine, dedicated to showcasing local artists, their works, creative processes, and experiences, all aimed at promoting the local arts scene and fostering artists' growth.

  • Linda Heise

    FOUNDER

    Linda Heise (she/her) is a visual artist renowned for her captivating floral and landscape paintings. With a lifelong devotion to her art, Linda showcases a vibrant use of various mediums, including watercolour, acrylics, inks, and oils. Linda's artwork has garnered international recognition, with pieces sold across Canada and Singapore, and proudly displayed at Nancy Johns Gallery in Windsor.

  • Rico Dancel

    FOUNDER

    Rico Dancel (he/him), a self-taught artist from the Philippines now living in Windsor. Specializing in watercolor, he uses delicate brushstrokes and precise control to capture the beauty of blooming flowers with richness and elegance. Rico's artwork combines Western influences with a delicate Oriental touch, infusing his paintings with poetic value and vibrant energy.