I'm a former OCAD student (industrial design) who has worked in arts-related businesses for many years. Several years ago I went to the Kensington Market Festival of Lights and thought it was great, but really needed more lights. I have since been a enthusiastic lantern maker. I want to encourage others to raise their level of skill and artistry as well as learn more myself. I also want to collaborate with others. To that end, I created a website as a free resource for lantern makers and fans - Mad Gleam Illumination, www.madgleam.com. Lanterns can be made by people possessing different levels of skill and the results can be very successful. I think hand-made lanterns and illuminated structures are a wonderful and magical addition to many community events. I hope to contribute to that in any way I can.

I think that the arts are essential to allow a community to form, to develop and display an identity as well as expressing that identity to others. The arts enable us to tell our stories, to pass on knowledge and inspiration, to be in touch with the truths of our lives and the dreams that let us shape them. They please our eyes, fill our ears, stimulate our minds and make us want to own our public places for discourse, dancing, and all peaceful purposes. When strong voices are required, the arts provide those too. How often has one powerful image or phrase brought people together and inspired them to great things? Toronto needs more of this, and the arts make it possible. Of course, sometimes it's just plain fun and/or beautiful. And that's fine too.