George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
#WhyNotMe GBC Entrepreneur Spotlight: Catherine Tammaro, Artist, Catherine Tammaro Art/Design
About Catherine
Catherine is a multi-disciplinary artist whose practice spans decades. She is a painter, photographer, published author, musician and more. Catherine is based in Toronto, where she provides support to many organizations mentoring young artists and students, as a teacher and advisor for lifelong learning and personal growth around Wyandot history and knowledges.
Catherine is an alumna of George Brown College, Ontario College of Art, has been in business for many years and has had a diverse career that has included multiple solo exhibitions and installations as well as many collaborations with other renowned artists. A published author, painter, musician, public speaker and digital artist, Catherine has created a catalogue of work that spans and connects generations with her creativity. She was an honoree last year in Who's Who in America and was pleased to be included.
Catherine is proud of her Wyandot(t) and Italian heritage and works within the Indigenous and other communities, to carry forward and pass on her historical and cultural teachings. She is proud of her spiritual and creative practices and how they merge together and are hopefully helping to revitalize the Wyandot(t) presence in Ontario and honour the “Ancestral present” on the land.
A strong believer in the arts and mentorship, Catherine actively supports the work and development of other artists and continues teaching, learning and exploring her own creativity and that of others.
Academic Background
Diploma in Graphic Design (1979) – George Brown College
Diploma; General Studies (1983) - Ontario College of Art
Certificate - Print and Image Making 2002 - Toronto Image Works
Advisor to several scholars for their Ph.D. Dissertations regarding the Wyandot(t)
What made you want to become an entrepreneur?
I've wanted to be an artist since childhood. It was a matter of determination, especially when I was growing up.
Women were not generally accepted in the fields I was interested in. There were some pretty lean years, but I persevered and stayed open to new opportunities.
Why did you create your business?
So, I could build my career and work within existing business frameworks and make art that was somewhat experimentally evocative.
What successes have you enjoyed so far with building your company?
I have been fortunate to enjoy many successes over the years in diverse situations and have worked in many disciplines with some outstanding artists. I am proud that my work has gained respect in terms of representing my interpretations of Wyandot lifeways and creating a body of work which hopefully provokes spiritual reflection and deep thought. I have received awards over the years, and I am happy that my schedule for 2025 includes four installations as well as existing public works with more to come. I will also have a piece touring for the next few years!
What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
No matter what.... don't give up! Be who you are and go forward!
Website and Socials
Website: https://www.catherinetammaro.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherine.tammaro