Meet the Design Team, Part III

Introducing the Design Team, Part III

If you missed earlier installments, click to get caught up on the Administrative Team, the Design Team Part I and the Design Team Part II. 

Leah Phillips, Art Director

Originally from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Leah has been with Creative Matters for the past six years and in textile design for over 15 years.  She studied Fabric Surface Design at New Brunswick College of Craft & Design and brings a variety of skills and expertise to the design team in her role as Art Director. 

 

Leah’s eye for the innovative shines through as she loves to mix traditional and contemporary techniques.  She doesn’t shy away from making a mess and working with her hands on Art Day as the designers are inspired to create new and fresh designs. 

 

Ana Cunningham, Creative Director/Project Manager

Having been inspired by textiles while traveling in Ghana, West Africa, Ana brings her international experience to Creative Matters.  Back in Canada, she graduated from the Textile studio at Sheridan Institute and has been an integral part of the Creative Matters team for 15 years. 

She views textiles as a vehicle for self-expression and storytelling, and this passion is relayed in her role as Creative Director/Project Manager.  Ana is always ready for a challenge and approaches Art Day with excitement for the opportunity and freedom to explore different mediums and their capabilities. 

As a bonus, click here to read an interview all about Ana's education background.
 

Ali McMurter, Senior Designer

Ali grew up in Streetsville and attended the University of Guelph for Fine Art and Geography.  Upon graduation she worked in a design studio in New York, then later moved home to work in Toronto and has been with the CMI team since 2006. 

She is deeply interested in the effect of colour, lines and texture, and exploring different materials.  Ali is inspired by found materials as a medium, full of possibility and history.  One of her favorite parts of working with textiles is the process: “manufacturing techniques, influences and stories.”