Ron Baird is one of Canada’s most distinguished artists, with a career spanning more than sixty years. A graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design and a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, Baird is renowned for his large-scale public sculptures, including Spirit Catcher, Barrie’s iconic waterfront landmark originally created for Expo ’86 in Vancouver.
Throughout his career, Baird has completed over 300 public, corporate, and private commissions across Canada and internationally. His work is recognized for its imaginative use of form, movement, light, and sound, and has earned numerous awards for artistic achievement and public art. As an exhibiting artist, sculptor, printmaker, and educator, Baird brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of visual expression.
Sophia Erdmann is a curator, art historian and arts educator based in Newmarket, Ontario. With an extensive background in arts program development, gallery installation and digital design, she brings a nuanced perspective to exhibition development, fostering critical dialogue around visual arts and culture.
Dedicated to community engagement, Sophia has taught diverse studio practices, including painting, sculpting and printmaking to participants of all ages, encouraging technical growth and artistic expression.
She holds a Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Art History from Queen’s University. Sophia currently serves as the Curator and Program Coordinator for Visual Arts with the Town of Newmarket, where she curates thoughtful exhibitions that amplify the voices of local and regional artists.
Stephen Gilligan is a photographer and educator with a longstanding involvement in the photographic arts. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from McMaster University and studied Commercial Photography at Sheridan College.
Gilligan has taught photography, digital imaging, and media-related subjects at the post-secondary level, helping students develop both technical skills and visual literacy. His photographic interests span traditional and contemporary approaches to image-making, with a particular appreciation for the photographic print. A Past President of the Toronto Focal Forum, Gilligan has contributed to Ontario’s photographic community through mentorship, exhibition development, and photographic education. His experience as a photographer and educator brings a thoughtful perspective to the jurying process.