Meet Alchemy's Board of Directors

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.

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. 

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 is an active member of the Fake Art School Collective and  the current Co Chair of Friends of Gibraltar Point, an association advocating for a bright future for the Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts. 

 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.

Community Board Member  

Cassandra Tyers is the ultimate County connector.  A County resident for 20 plus years, Cassandra resides with her husband Keith along Closson Rd, often known as the Golden Mile.  It is the location of  Closson Road Cycles — Cassandra’s bike rental business.   Since her arrival in the County in 2003, she has volunteered at many local programs and initiatives  (including Alchemy!) from community suppers to play groups and park tours. Before starting up Clossion Road Cycles, she worked at the Tall Poppy Cafe, (a staple in the Wellington Community) where she got to know many County residents and bear witness to growth and development that has been integral to becoming the County as we know it today.  Prior to the Tyers’ family move to PEC, Cassandra worked in the retail and hospitality industry in Toronto. 
When Cassandra suggests we explore a hidden gem in the County, meet a farmer, grower, cook or community member — we listen.  She knows the County and its people and has a knack for bringng people and ideas together.  “Since Alchemy first arrived in the County in 2017, getting to know Claire and Tonia has been a breath of fresh air! I’ve learned and continued to learn about the world of artist residences and what bringing artists from away can mean for the artist and our community.  Plus I get to meet and share the County with talented and interesting humans from across Canada and beyond. "