Friends of Alchemy

Alchemy founder and co-facilitator

A visual artist, trained cook, and  

long time policy and communications advisor in the health and non profit arenas, Claire Tallarico's work explores the fertile ground between creative and culinary traditions and the sharing of food and dialogue through community engagement. Working with plants, textiles, and found objects, Claire documents what she grows, cooks, and forages through mono- printing, eco-dyeing, collage, and conversation.

Claire holds an undergraduate degree in philosophy from Concordia, studied 

public policy and journalism at New York University, and graduated from George Brown with a culinary arts diploma. She has taught at both Humber and the University of Toronto. She received her graduate degree in art education and community engagement in 2024 from  the Nova Scotia School of Art and Design (NSCAD University), where her thesis explored how community-based art practices like Alchemy can further connect to land, food sovereignty, and belonging. 

 Alchemy co-facilitator 

A multimedia artist living and working in Southern  Ontario, Tonia received a Bachelor of Arts in Art and Art History from the University of Toronto and Sheridan College, and a Master of Fine Art from the University of Windsor. She identifies as an artist, maker, coordinator, and collaborator. A practicing visual artist for over 25 years, Tonia has exhibited in galleries across Canada and has been awarded Canada Council, Nova Scotia, and Ontario arts grants. She is the co-facilitator of Alchemy and an active member of the Toronto artist collective, the Red Head Gallery. 

Tonia is currently the Cultural Supervisor for the Town of Oakville, leading cultural programs for the municipality. As an arts administrator, she has also worked with artist-run centers, public art galleries, university art galleries and participated in panels and juries. In addition, she taught Time-Based Art and was the Gallery Director at Anna Leonowens Gallery, NSCAD University.

Erin currently works as the General Manager for Closson Chase Vineyards, one of Prince Edward County's oldest vineyards, established in 1998.  In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the winery's human resources, sales, production, and agriculture business. Under Erin's leadership, Closson Chase was awarded Employer of the Year for 2020 by the Prince Edward County Chamber of Commerce. 

A graduate of Loyalist College (Belleville, Ontario) Human Resources Management program, Erin spent her early career fine-tuning her business acumen in the hospitality industry. Erin has worked in management for several fine dining restaurants and event management for Fairmont Hotels and Resorts in Jasper, Alberta. Throughout her professional life, she has developed a passion for food, wine, and organizational management.  Originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Erin's life and work are immersed in the wine, food, and creative arts culture in Prince Edward County.