Meet Our Jurors

The Pelham Art Festival's juried selection process ensures a high standard of quality and consistency. Their careful review and professional evaluation of artwork submissions, considering technical skill, originality, and emotional impact, are key to the success of the exhibition. We appreciate their expertise and dedication to selecting the finest pieces for the Pelham Art Festival Show & Sale.

 

 

Debra Attenborough 

Debra holds a BA in art history from the University of Toronto, a Masters and Ph.D. in Arts Education from Brock University, and attended Medaille University for Teacher Education. With nearly 50 years in the art world, she has served as Executive Director of the Niagara Falls Art Gallery and worked at Rodman Hall Arts Centre and Oakville Galleries. Debra has contributed to arts organizations, including Carousel Players and the Arts Advisory Committee of St. Catharines, and consulted for the Ontario Ministry of Education.

Amanda Burk

Amanda is an artist, educator, and researcher with an MFA from NSCAD University and an Honours BA in Fine Arts from the University of Waterloo. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, and is in collections including the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Cobra to Contemporary (Netherlands), and the City of Toronto. Amanda has also been an Associate Researcher with the NSCAD University Drawing Lab. She is currently an Associate Professor at Brock University, where she also engages in curatorial work and research.

 

 

David Gilbert 

David earned an Honours BA in studio and art history and a Bachelor of Education from Brock University, with accreditation from the Ontario College of Teachers. With over 20 years of experience, David has worked at the Rodman Hall Arts Centre, Niagara Children's Museum, and as Director of the Niagara Falls Art Gallery. His expertise includes curatorial work, educational workshops, and digital media. David has juried exhibitions and led workshops, and his artwork has been exhibited across Ontario.

Janice Mason Steeves

Janice holds an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Manitoba and studied painting at the Ontario College of Art and Design. Represented by galleries across Canada, her work is in collections worldwide. She has received artist residencies in Spain, Ireland, Sweden, Iceland, and the U.S. Through her initiative, Workshops in Wild Places, Janice inspires artists to create abstract paintings in response to remote landscapes. Her book, Bloom: On Becoming an Artist Later in Life, explores creativity and aging.