Written by Catherine Lee, Algonquin College Bookstore
Wayne Nolan is a professor in Algonquin’s Tourism and Travel Program, and a resident expert on cruises. But in his other life, he has discovered and nurtured a passion for the theatre.
He began his theatrical pursuits in 1980, when he joined the chorus in an Orpheus musical theatre production of “Guys and Dolls”, and he has been working backstage and in the footlights ever since. In Wayne's own words: “Once I discovered the stage, I fell in love with acting. It has become a real passion.” Wayne has graced the stage in “Carousel”, “Hello Dolly!”, and “Mame”, to name only a few. He has also taken on directing both musical theatre and comedies at the Ottawa Little Theatre. Productions have included “Charley’s Aunt", “Nunsense” as well as the more serious “On Golden Pond”. Wayne has been recognized for his acting and directing. He is the recipient of several awards including the Capital Critics Circle Award for best director, and the Pauline Grant Award for best actor in the EODL One-Act Play Festival. Way-to-go Wayne !!
Wayne brings this passion for acting to his day to day life at Algonquin. I am sure that his students would agree that Professor Nolan brings his flare for the dramatic to his tourism classes.
Beth likes her day job but loves her night work! She is an office worker by day and a fibre artist by night. Beth obtained a Visual Arts certificate from Algonquin College by Continuing Education in the early 90’s. Her first love is sewing. She loves fabric and colours -- especially those that are bright and electric. Be warned, you will often find some humour in her creations too. She finds the creative possibilities enthralling; her ideas are endless. The only thing holding her back is time! She says that she can’t afford to quit her day job since it supports her night time hobby!
You might occasionally find her working in a local quilt shop. She works there for her ‘fabric fetish’ and refers to it as her non-profit job (probably because she sinks her paycheck back into the business). Beth torments the owner by saying: "You cannot afford to fire me!".
Beth will be featured on Mothers’ Day (May 10th) as Artist in Residence at the upcoming Ottawa Valley Quilters Guild Quilt Show to be held at the RA Centre. Her theme will be Humour in Quilts.
Beth has won several awards for her work and has been exhibited internationally. Her art can be found in private collections around the world.
Beth’s fibre art piece is called "It’s Only Words?”. It is currently showing in the "Applauding Your Talents" showcase near the First Cup coffee stand and across from the Centre for Organizational Learning entrance in C-building, Woodroffe Campus.
While doing research for this piece, Beth was struck by some powerful expressions relating to the use of words. This inspiration is reflected in varied ways throughout the piece. She felt that this piece of work was especially appropriate for a learning institution like Algonquin.
