Willowbank Enters an Exciting New Chapter - Welcoming New Board Members

Willowbank, April 2026, Alumni Homecoming event

It is an exciting time for the School of Restoration Arts, and we're delighted to share some recent developments from across the Willowbank community.

For those considering joining us, we are also still accepting applications for our three-year Heritage Conservation Diploma beginning this September. If you are passionate about heritage conservation, traditional craft, sustainability and the future of our built environment, we would love to hear from you. Learn more about admissions here.

Honouring Those Who Have Helped Shape Willowbank

Strong institutions are built on the dedication of extraordinary people. This spring we marked the conclusion of the Board terms of two individuals whose commitment has helped shape Willowbank's journey.

Dr. Elizabeth Oliver-Malone has been part of the Willowbank family for decades. Her unwavering dedication to Laura Dodson's vision for the School of Restoration Arts, together with her countless contributions to the School and its community, have left an enduring legacy. While Elizabeth is stepping down from the Board, we are delighted she will continue her involvement as Archivist-Emeritus and as a volunteer supporting School events and activities.

Her contributions deserve far more than a few paragraphs, and we look forward to sharing a dedicated feature celebrating her remarkable legacy in the months ahead.

Willowbank students celebrating Elizabeth as she receives her Archivist-Emeritus certificate

We also extend our sincere thanks to Patrick Little for his valued service on the Board. His thoughtful leadership and commitment to Willowbank have been greatly appreciated, and we are pleased that he will remain closely connected to the School as a Willowbank ambassador.

Welcoming New Leadership

As we honour those who have helped shape Willowbank, we also welcome an exceptional group of new leaders whose experience spans heritage conservation, education, governance, architecture, sustainability, law, community development and cultural stewardship.

Our newest Board members include:

• Dean McLellan

• Frank Racioppo (returning Director)

• Kevin Reid-Morris

• Ellen Siebel-Achenbach (Ex-Officio Student Representative)

• Mattia Thillaye-Kerr

• Mallory Wilson

• Bill Yuen

Together, they reflect Willowbank's growing national reach while bringing fresh perspectives that will help guide the School into its next chapter.

Read more about each of our newest Board members here.

Welcoming Brett Sherlock as Special Advisor

We are also delighted to welcome Brett Sherlock as Special Advisor on Arts and Culture to the Willowbank Board. With an international career in the arts, including his work with Christie's, Brett brings valuable expertise as Willowbank continues to steward its collections and consider future gifts and bequests.

His insight will be particularly valuable as we develop an appropriate future for the significant art collection generously bequeathed by the late Ann McIntosh Duff.

A Community Coming Together

One of the highlights of the spring was welcoming students, alumni, faculty, Board members and friends back to Willowbank for our annual Homecoming celebration. The afternoon followed Friday evening and Saturday morning Board sessions focused on collaboration, shared vision and Willowbank's future, creating an inspiring weekend centred on the continued growth of the School.

Guests enjoyed alumni presentations from Mackenzie Campbell, Antiy Demian, David Deo and Bianca Verrecchia, each reflecting on the many paths a Willowbank education has opened. We were equally pleased to welcome Daniel Arellano of Arcana Restoration, who shared an inspiring presentation on architectural salvage, adaptive reuse and the circular economy—demonstrating how heritage conservation continues to shape a more sustainable future.

Board Chair Julian Smith also reflected on the philosophy that underpins Willowbank, while Katie Houghton had the opportunity to share exciting developments that continue to build momentum for the School.

Looking Ahead

This year marks an important milestone as Willowbank celebrates 20 years of the School of Restoration Arts. Planning is now well underway for our special anniversary celebration on Saturday, September 19, when we look forward to welcoming alumni, students, faculty, friends and supporters back to campus to celebrate everything Willowbank has accomplished over the past two decades—and to look ahead to the future we are building together.

We hope you will join us!