Joy always sat in the front row at the Art Guild demonstrations and her absence will be profoundly felt by both long time and new members of the Art Guild of Scarborough.

In 2022 Joy was one of three finalists for the prestigious Celebration of Cultural Life Award from the Toronto Arts and Culture Foundation. While she didn’t win the award, she shared her sentiments for the arts community in a brief response. Joy wrote “Many thanks to those of you who encouraged me and hoped that I might win but, to tell the truth, just being nominated was pleasure enough for me and I shall always be grateful to The Art Guild of Scarborough for being the great organization that it is. Hugs and love to all.”

We present Joy MacFadyen in her own words:

Artist Bio:

My name is Joy MacFadyen and I’ve lived in 7 different countries…South Africa where I was born, then for several years each in Brazil, Paraguay, Chile, Argentina, and 5 years in Long Island, N.Y. before ending up in Canada with my husband, Donald, who was one of Canada’s ace night-intruder fighter pilots during WWII.  Sadly, Don died in 2009 at the age of 88.

When we lived in N.Y. I took some painting lessons at a local library (which whetted my appetite) so when we returned to Canada I joined the Art Guild of Scarborough in 1970 and have remained an active member for 52 years. The Art Guild has filled my life with interest, education and friendships. In fact it’s like a second family to me – for which I am very grateful. I have spent half a century volunteering and am still active writing weekly posts for the Guild’s Facebook which keep me off the streets and safe at home.

My main interest has always been in painting portraits but curiosity has also lured me into experimenting with sculpture, collage and using found objects to create assemblage. One of my friends even designed a website for me and, although my painting activities have slowed down somewhat of late, it always makes me happy to look back and remember how much I’ve enjoyed my journey in the arts. Apart from many private commissions I’ve painted 5 portraits for the Monarchist League of Canada, and 18 portraits for a Lipton Soup’s ‘Family Pride’ contest. I am also proud of the numerous awards my efforts have earned over the years and I hope you will enjoy the examples I’ve attached for you to see.