Allison Billings

Contact Name: Allison Billings
Contact Title: Programming and Communications Director | Staff

Allison Billings has worked in arts administration and cultural engagement for most of her life, variously as a youth entrepreneurship project leader, arts education specialist, grant writer, community newspaper contributor and event organizer. She has an integrative approach to culture, business and history and is keenly interested in removing barriers to arts learning and making.

Allison is responsible for connecting the programming strategy of Southampton Arts with fiscal accountability and cultural relevancy, while ensuring our talented team is well supported to excel at the provision of arts experiences. Allison plans and creates educational programming, identifies opportunities for collaborative, cultural partnerships, ensures that the Gallery is presenting both Gallery and Guest artist work according to best practices in gallery management and coordinates our communications platforms.

Margot Foster

Contact Name: Margot Foster
Contact Title: RETAIL GALLERY MANAGER | Staff

Margot Foster has an Honours BA from McMaster University, studied Ceramics for two years at Mohawk College and continues to study in different mediums, while being primarily a self taught artist. Life’s journey has afforded Margot the opportunity to live in Germany, France and the USA and to be a part of several diverse and vibrant art communities, all while raising four children. A cottage in Sauble Beach was a constant through the years of travel until the time came to settle there permanently. A committed community volunteer, Margot has served on the Southampton Arts Board of Directors as well as being a past Gallery Artist.

Margot is responsible for the retail management of the Gallery and is the Community Artist liasion. She brings with her formidable skills in strategic planning from her time on the Board, understanding and appreciation of her fellow community artists and the legacy of Southampton Arts, and exemplary customer service skills.

Jess Pridham

Contact Name: Jess Pridham
Contact Title: Operations Coordinator | Staff

Jess Pridham is a passionate arts and culture professional based in Owen Sound. She holds a B.A. in History and Psychology from the University of Guelph, and a certificate in Culture and Heritage Management from Centennial College. Following her studies, she got her start in operations and programming at Myseum of Toronto where she planned citywide festivals, exhibits, events, workshops, and other public programs. She also participated in the 2018 MuseumNext conference, presenting on collaborative museum programming, has interned with museum consulting firm, Lord Cultural Resources and volunteers with diverse organizations throughout her community when she can. Jess also currently works for Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, producing donor events and communications.

Jess is responsible for core operations and provides administrative support to the Director and the Board in their aim to build meaningful programs, communications and partnerships in honour of the Centre’s strong foundation of artistic exploration and appreciation in Bruce County.