CLUB STRUCTURE
Membership is organized by artistic discipline, so members join sections based on their artistic focus. Sections meet to discuss Club business such as planning events and group activities, but also regularly hold workshops and discussions on topics of interest to their members. Members may attend the meetings and workshops of any section in the Club, not just the section of their artistic focus, if the topic of the workshop or discussion is of interest.
Club activities are envisioned, planned and executed by Club members working on a voluntary basis. They are organized and overseen by a variety of committees comprised of Club members. As a result, volunteerism is a fundamental aspect of Club membership.
The Club incorporated in 1922 as a nonprofit, and is governed by a volunteer board of directors comprised of Club members representing a cross-section of artistic practices and other expertise.
Club activities are envisioned, planned and executed by Club members working on a voluntary basis. They are organized and overseen by a variety of committees comprised of Club members. As a result, volunteerism is a fundamental aspect of Club membership.
The Club incorporated in 1922 as a nonprofit, and is governed by a volunteer board of directors comprised of Club members representing a cross-section of artistic practices and other expertise.
CLUb sections
For information on the activities and membership of any specific section, please click on the section below:
CURRENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Susan Bellan:
Originally from Winnipeg, Susan Bellan graduated from University of Manitoba and then McGill. She then spent two years in Botswana working first as an economist and then as a buyer for the national handicraft company. Next she travelled solo from Botswana through east Africa and then across Asia from Afghanistan to Indonesia. For two years, based in London, Susan was an international consultant specializing in African handicraft export development. She returned to Canada in 1978, set up, ownedand managed Frida Craft Stores/Timbuktu on Front Street and then Yonge Street until 2014. The storesold handmade clothing, furnishings, masks and sculpture from all over the world. In the early 1990’s during a bruising recession, Susan became the Chair of Banking issues for the Canadian Organization ofSmall Business and lead a national campaign to get improved access to capital and better treatment for small businesses from Canada’s banks. In 2002, she founded and ran Breaking Bread for Women in Afghanistan, which raised several million dollars via pot luck dinners held across Canada for teachers’ salaries to increase literacy amongst Afghan girls and women.
Changing direction, Susan studied mediation from 2008-2010 and has worked as a mediator, settlement officer and dispute resolution agent for the Ontario government, ADR Chambers, Canadian Armed Forces and has her own private mediation practice. A member of the Heliconian Club’s Music Section since 2024, Susan has composed the music and lyrics for a musical she has written with playwright Ron East called City by the Lake, about Toronto in the late 1970’s, featuring world and Canadian Celtic-inspired music.
Originally from Winnipeg, Susan Bellan graduated from University of Manitoba and then McGill. She then spent two years in Botswana working first as an economist and then as a buyer for the national handicraft company. Next she travelled solo from Botswana through east Africa and then across Asia from Afghanistan to Indonesia. For two years, based in London, Susan was an international consultant specializing in African handicraft export development. She returned to Canada in 1978, set up, ownedand managed Frida Craft Stores/Timbuktu on Front Street and then Yonge Street until 2014. The storesold handmade clothing, furnishings, masks and sculpture from all over the world. In the early 1990’s during a bruising recession, Susan became the Chair of Banking issues for the Canadian Organization ofSmall Business and lead a national campaign to get improved access to capital and better treatment for small businesses from Canada’s banks. In 2002, she founded and ran Breaking Bread for Women in Afghanistan, which raised several million dollars via pot luck dinners held across Canada for teachers’ salaries to increase literacy amongst Afghan girls and women.
Changing direction, Susan studied mediation from 2008-2010 and has worked as a mediator, settlement officer and dispute resolution agent for the Ontario government, ADR Chambers, Canadian Armed Forces and has her own private mediation practice. A member of the Heliconian Club’s Music Section since 2024, Susan has composed the music and lyrics for a musical she has written with playwright Ron East called City by the Lake, about Toronto in the late 1970’s, featuring world and Canadian Celtic-inspired music.
Treasurer: Trish Leacock
Email: [email protected]
Photo to come
Trish Leacock is a visual artist whose professional career was in financial services but has always made the arts central in her life. Her extensive background with a major banking institution involved working in a variety of areas including administration, operations, client services, acquisition integration, and learning design. The roles required strong skills in problem solving, organizational structure, interpersonal skills, risk management, to name a few. In addition Trish has a BA in Administrative and Commercial Studies and an OISE certificate in Adult Education.
Although not a formally trained artist, Trish has taken a plethora of classes at Toronto’s major institutions such as the AGO, OCAD, and TSA as well as through private studios. She has taken advantage of courses offered in other Canadian provinces as well as abroad in Mexico, USA, France, and Italy. She and her husband are active in the local art scene both as collectors and participating in art activities and shows.
In 2022 Trish retired and started attending the Monday Life Drawing Group (MLDG) at the Heliconian Club, joining the Club the following year. In addition to being an exhibiting member of the Visual Arts section, Trish is also Co-convenor of the Club’s Monday Life Drawing Group, part of the Hanging Committee, and has a convened a number of art shows to date.
Email: [email protected]
Photo to come
Trish Leacock is a visual artist whose professional career was in financial services but has always made the arts central in her life. Her extensive background with a major banking institution involved working in a variety of areas including administration, operations, client services, acquisition integration, and learning design. The roles required strong skills in problem solving, organizational structure, interpersonal skills, risk management, to name a few. In addition Trish has a BA in Administrative and Commercial Studies and an OISE certificate in Adult Education.
Although not a formally trained artist, Trish has taken a plethora of classes at Toronto’s major institutions such as the AGO, OCAD, and TSA as well as through private studios. She has taken advantage of courses offered in other Canadian provinces as well as abroad in Mexico, USA, France, and Italy. She and her husband are active in the local art scene both as collectors and participating in art activities and shows.
In 2022 Trish retired and started attending the Monday Life Drawing Group (MLDG) at the Heliconian Club, joining the Club the following year. In addition to being an exhibiting member of the Visual Arts section, Trish is also Co-convenor of the Club’s Monday Life Drawing Group, part of the Hanging Committee, and has a convened a number of art shows to date.
Angie Littlefield
Email: [email protected]
Angie Littlefield is an author (Tom Thomson's Fine Kettle of Friends, finalist for the Whistler Independent Book Awards of 2021, Walking with Oma: A Memoir, Now or Never, 2025, and Painted Out of the Picture: The Wives of the Group of Seven, Cormorant Books, 2026); editor (Ruth Abernethy's In Form: Life &Legacies in Bronze, Firefly, 2024); curator (angelika hoerle: comet of cologne dada, AGO 2009 and Museum Ludwig, Cologne Germany) and educator for 33 years, the last ten as a high school vice-principal and principal. In the latter role and as Executive Director of the Durham West Arts Centre for four years, Angie oversaw financial matters and managed budgets. She has been a member of the Heliconian Club (Literature and Drama Sections) since 2015.
Email: [email protected]
Angie Littlefield is an author (Tom Thomson's Fine Kettle of Friends, finalist for the Whistler Independent Book Awards of 2021, Walking with Oma: A Memoir, Now or Never, 2025, and Painted Out of the Picture: The Wives of the Group of Seven, Cormorant Books, 2026); editor (Ruth Abernethy's In Form: Life &Legacies in Bronze, Firefly, 2024); curator (angelika hoerle: comet of cologne dada, AGO 2009 and Museum Ludwig, Cologne Germany) and educator for 33 years, the last ten as a high school vice-principal and principal. In the latter role and as Executive Director of the Durham West Arts Centre for four years, Angie oversaw financial matters and managed budgets. She has been a member of the Heliconian Club (Literature and Drama Sections) since 2015.
Kye Marshall
Email: [email protected]
Kye Marshall is a professional composer, cellist and nature photographer. She combines her love of melody with her facility as a classical and jazz / avant-garde improviser to create unique styles of composition. She has written for full orchestra and numerous chamber ensembles. Kye's full length opera Pomegranate was presented by the Canadian Opera Company in June 2023. Her credits also include four film scores, forty jazz compositions, and music for theatre, dance and CBC radio drama. Her work has been performed widely: in the USA, Austria, Italy (I Solisti Veneti) Canada and numerous locations in Toronto including CBC, TVO, Jazz.FM. An eclectic musician, Kye has performed jazz, classical and free music with multiple ensembles including as principal cellist in the O’Keefe Centre Orchestra and the New Chamber Orchestra, the National Ballet Orchestra (assistant principal cellist ), the Kye Marshall Jazz Quartet / Duo, Heliconian PianoTrio, Epic String Quartet, and Heliconian String Quartet. She has six CDs to her credit. Her website is: www.kyemarshall.com
Photo Credit: Linda Briskin
Email: [email protected]
Kye Marshall is a professional composer, cellist and nature photographer. She combines her love of melody with her facility as a classical and jazz / avant-garde improviser to create unique styles of composition. She has written for full orchestra and numerous chamber ensembles. Kye's full length opera Pomegranate was presented by the Canadian Opera Company in June 2023. Her credits also include four film scores, forty jazz compositions, and music for theatre, dance and CBC radio drama. Her work has been performed widely: in the USA, Austria, Italy (I Solisti Veneti) Canada and numerous locations in Toronto including CBC, TVO, Jazz.FM. An eclectic musician, Kye has performed jazz, classical and free music with multiple ensembles including as principal cellist in the O’Keefe Centre Orchestra and the New Chamber Orchestra, the National Ballet Orchestra (assistant principal cellist ), the Kye Marshall Jazz Quartet / Duo, Heliconian PianoTrio, Epic String Quartet, and Heliconian String Quartet. She has six CDs to her credit. Her website is: www.kyemarshall.com
Photo Credit: Linda Briskin
Leslie McIntosh
Email: [email protected]
Leslie is a retired lawyer who holds a B.A., LL.B. and an LL.M. For many years she practiced with the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General in the areas of labour and employment law, human rights and administrative law. Upon her retirement as General Counsel in 2011, Leslie was honoured with three awards for excellence in the practice of public sector law. Leslie taught at both Osgoode Hall and U of T Law Schools and is the author of numerous legal articles and publications including contributing to an administrative law textbook. Leslie has considerable experience on the boards of non-profit organizations including the Association of Law Officers of the Crown, the UWO Alumni Association and as the Warden of St. Peter’s-on-the-Rock Anglican Church.
A major supporter of women in the arts and a prodigious reader, Leslie joined the Heliconian Club in 2021. In addition to being a key member of the Literature Section, helping to organize salons and other functions, she actively supports all Club events and is involved in organizing and shaping the Artist-in-Residence program. Recently Leslie successfully undertook the redrafting of the Club’s Constitution and By-Laws along with a few other members who lent their considerable expertise to this endeavour.
Email: [email protected]
Leslie is a retired lawyer who holds a B.A., LL.B. and an LL.M. For many years she practiced with the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General in the areas of labour and employment law, human rights and administrative law. Upon her retirement as General Counsel in 2011, Leslie was honoured with three awards for excellence in the practice of public sector law. Leslie taught at both Osgoode Hall and U of T Law Schools and is the author of numerous legal articles and publications including contributing to an administrative law textbook. Leslie has considerable experience on the boards of non-profit organizations including the Association of Law Officers of the Crown, the UWO Alumni Association and as the Warden of St. Peter’s-on-the-Rock Anglican Church.
A major supporter of women in the arts and a prodigious reader, Leslie joined the Heliconian Club in 2021. In addition to being a key member of the Literature Section, helping to organize salons and other functions, she actively supports all Club events and is involved in organizing and shaping the Artist-in-Residence program. Recently Leslie successfully undertook the redrafting of the Club’s Constitution and By-Laws along with a few other members who lent their considerable expertise to this endeavour.
Wendy Steepe
Wendy Steepe joined the Heliconian Club in 1999 and is a member of the Humanities Section. From the outset, Wendy became involved with the Literary Lecture Series, volunteering her time in a variety of ways. Since 2004 she has been co-chair of the LLS – at first with Sheila Hawks and later with Jocelyn Paul. Her steadfast dedication has been central to the continuing success of the Club’s longest-running program.
In addition to her involvement at the Heliconian Club, Wendy has been a very active member of the Volunteer Committee of the National Ballet of Canada for almost four decades, including serving on the executive and working at both the Ballet Boutique in the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts and the Paper Things store in Yorkville. In her professional life Wendy is currently working for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada as its office coordinator. Prior to that she co-owned a marketing support services company at which she was responsible for managing staff, purchasing and payroll. For many years she also worked in an administrative capacity for Mercedes Benz Canada. Wendy holds an Honours BA in English Literature and History from University of Western Ontario as well as a Bachelors of Education.
Wendy Steepe joined the Heliconian Club in 1999 and is a member of the Humanities Section. From the outset, Wendy became involved with the Literary Lecture Series, volunteering her time in a variety of ways. Since 2004 she has been co-chair of the LLS – at first with Sheila Hawks and later with Jocelyn Paul. Her steadfast dedication has been central to the continuing success of the Club’s longest-running program.
In addition to her involvement at the Heliconian Club, Wendy has been a very active member of the Volunteer Committee of the National Ballet of Canada for almost four decades, including serving on the executive and working at both the Ballet Boutique in the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts and the Paper Things store in Yorkville. In her professional life Wendy is currently working for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada as its office coordinator. Prior to that she co-owned a marketing support services company at which she was responsible for managing staff, purchasing and payroll. For many years she also worked in an administrative capacity for Mercedes Benz Canada. Wendy holds an Honours BA in English Literature and History from University of Western Ontario as well as a Bachelors of Education.
Marg Wilson
Marg Wilson has been an active member of the Heliconian Club for six years in the Literature Section. Since joining the Club she has volunteered as a proofreader of Club books in print, served as a volunteer for many Club events, chaired the Revised Constitution Committee, and served as a member of the joint Heliconian Club and Heliconian Hall Foundation Building Committee, and was Interim President of the 2023-2024 Board of Directors. As the Interim President, Marg gained a thorough understanding of the accountabilities and responsibilities of a Board member and gained in depth experience of the Club’s finances and financial activities. She has a thorough understanding of the Club’s Constitution and legal obligations which she will bring to the 2025-2026 Board.
Currently, Marg is the Chair of the 150 Celebrations Steering Committee and has been actively consulting with members of the Club on various planned activities. As a member of the BOD she will ensure there is regular communication with the Board, facilitating timely decisions and reliable budgeting practices.
Prior to her retirement from her business career, Marg was an executive management consultant for the Ontario Public Service in the legal and health fields. She is also a published writer, and editor, and has worked in television and film. She is currently working on a book of poetry and a collection of short stories.
Marg Wilson has been an active member of the Heliconian Club for six years in the Literature Section. Since joining the Club she has volunteered as a proofreader of Club books in print, served as a volunteer for many Club events, chaired the Revised Constitution Committee, and served as a member of the joint Heliconian Club and Heliconian Hall Foundation Building Committee, and was Interim President of the 2023-2024 Board of Directors. As the Interim President, Marg gained a thorough understanding of the accountabilities and responsibilities of a Board member and gained in depth experience of the Club’s finances and financial activities. She has a thorough understanding of the Club’s Constitution and legal obligations which she will bring to the 2025-2026 Board.
Currently, Marg is the Chair of the 150 Celebrations Steering Committee and has been actively consulting with members of the Club on various planned activities. As a member of the BOD she will ensure there is regular communication with the Board, facilitating timely decisions and reliable budgeting practices.
Prior to her retirement from her business career, Marg was an executive management consultant for the Ontario Public Service in the legal and health fields. She is also a published writer, and editor, and has worked in television and film. She is currently working on a book of poetry and a collection of short stories.
Staff
Heather Dale
Club Manager
Lynn Roeder (left)
Membership Coordinator (part-time)
Please leave a voicemail or email
OFFICE: 416-922-3618, [email protected]
Sarah Moteelall (right)
Rental Supervisor
RENTALS: 416-922-2431, [email protected]
Peter Ramdeholl
Property Manager
Club Manager
Lynn Roeder (left)
Membership Coordinator (part-time)
Please leave a voicemail or email
OFFICE: 416-922-3618, [email protected]
Sarah Moteelall (right)
Rental Supervisor
RENTALS: 416-922-2431, [email protected]
Peter Ramdeholl
Property Manager
Please ring the side doorbell (up the driveway), or call 416-922-3618 for entry.
Appointments encouraged.
Appointments encouraged.
