Who we are

Sarah McMaster – Director, Board Member

Hi! I’m Sarah, Director of BHCC. I am a local mom and a lifelong maker. Since I was old enough to use scissors and tape I have been drawn to all crafts. I just love making things and sharing that love with others!

As a kid I learned from my mom how to make playdough and build things with recycled materials, my granny taught me how to knit, sew and embroider and I taught myself how to macrame and paint.

I have a BFA from Concordia University where I studied photography, while dabbling in collaborative painting and sculpture, graphic design and stencil art. I spent nearly 3 years teaching kindergarten in Taipei Taiwan where I brought my love of arts and crafts to the classroom every day. 

I am currently a part-time stained glass artist – you can see my work at www.roseneathglass.com or follow me on instagram @roseneath.glass . I am really enjoying the thriving craft community in Ottawa. I think it’s one of the best things about our city and look forward to making it even better!

Opening a creative space has been a dream of mine for many years but it is absolutely inspired by another creative force in my life, my Aunt Linda, who runs an art school in Toronto called The Art Barn School. Without her positivity, mentorship, and encouragement, this would not have been possible.

I look forward to getting messy and creative with Beacon Hill and having lots of fun!

Youth Chair

Hi! I’m Genny Hamill, the youth advisor and volunteer coordinator for the Beacon Hill Craft Club. I am a grade 11 high school student and art enthusiast! I enjoy sharing my passion for art with other people as well as the fulfillment that comes with taking an active part in my community through my volunteering at the craft club.

Secretary

Mariana is a local mother of two. She has a love for all things creative! You’ll be likely to see her around the craft club taking part in classes or volunteering.

Assistant Director

Natasha Geerts is the assistant director at the Beacon Hill Craft Club and a member of the Board of Directors. After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University, she founded a web and graphic design company in Montreal called Typeleft, where she worked for a number of years. Natasha can help you learn how to develop film in the darkroom at the craft club, and turn your lawn into a food forest or wilderness garden.

Chair of the Boards of Directors

Jim has been a resident of Beacon Hill for more than 10 years and a resident of Ottawa for more than 20. He is a big proponent of all things local and supporting local businesses, and he recognizes the importance of art and culture for children and adults alike. His role on the board of directors for the Beacon Hill Craft Club provides an opportunity to support excellent local art programming for individuals and families and advance the mission of BHCC. In his spare time he likes to play outside and take art classes.