The MASC Young Authors and Illustrators (MYAI) Festival returns this spring, offering students a rare opportunity to step inside the world of storytelling and visual art. Taking place May 5 and 6 at the Canada Science and Technology Museum, the two-day festival welcomes students in Grades 4–8 to participate in hands-on workshops, live readings, book signings, and interactive sessions led by renowned Canadian authors and illustrators. 

Throughout the program, students engage directly with creators: they attend artist-led Master classes, explore different techniques, and take part in discussions that bring stories and illustrations to life. The festival invites participants to sign up for one or both days, creating a flexible and immersive experience for young people who are passionate about writing and drawing. Over the years, many students have returned year after year, finding in MYAI a place to explore, create, and grow. 

For Kassya Ziegelmayer and Kieran Murray, this experience has been especially formative; MYAI is more than an annual event: it is a space where they have grown up, developed their creative interests, honed leadership skills, and built a strong sense of community over nearly a decade. 

From First Workshops to Leadership Roles 

Ziegelmayer and Murray first attended MYAI as children, introduced through their mother’s workplace, which sponsored the festival for many years. What began as a simple opportunity quickly became a formative experience. 

“You basically select the author or illustrator you’d like to see, and you get to do a workshop with them,” Ziegelmayer explained. “You go and you never get the same thing twice.” 

Attending the festival also meant navigating it independently from a young age. “We wouldn’t normally have any classmates that went,” Murray recalled. “So we’d be on our own for the day… and at lunch we’d meet up and talk about what workshop we did.” 

Each sister gravitated toward different aspects of the program: Ziegelmayer toward writing, Murray toward illustration. Over time, their continued participation led naturally into volunteering roles as “high school shadows,” where they supported workshop leaders and younger students. Today, both serve as shadow coordinators, helping guide the event from behind the scenes. 

Reflecting on their early experiences, Murray described the excitement of meeting creators face-to-face: “It’s like seeing famous people.” 

A Family Tradition Rooted in the Arts 

Their connection to MYAI extends beyond their own participation; it is deeply tied to family involvement. Both their mother and grandmother have been long-time volunteers, contributing to the festival in different capacities. 

“Our mom definitely got us into it when we were young,” Murray shared with a smile. “She knew what we’d prefer.” 

Ziegelmayer described her grandmother as someone engaged in the arts, with a background in theatre and a lifelong enthusiasm for creative expression. Murray added that their grandmother’s career as a teacher and principal made her commitment to youth programming a natural extension of her work. Their mother, who has a strong interest in design, remained involved even after her company’s sponsorship ended. 

“It’s just a really fun event,” Ziegelmayer said, eyes alight. “It’s important to keep the arts alive.” 

Skills That Extend Beyond the Festival 

Their years with MYAI have contributed to both personal and professional development. As volunteers, they learned to lead, communicate, and adapt in dynamic environments. 

“Practicing public speaking at the festival quietly shaped us, giving us confidence to speak with conviction as adults,” Murray reflected.

Ziegelmayer noted that her early interest in creative writing continues to influence her work today. While her current responsibilities involve more technical writing, the foundation built through MYAI remains relevant. 

Both emphasized that the experience fosters confidence and initiative—skills that extend far beyond the festival setting. 

What Makes MYAI Unique 

At the heart of MYAI is its direct connection between young participants and professional creators. This level of access, both noted, is rare in traditional classroom settings. 

You don’t often get this kind of experience in school,” Ziegelmayer observed. “Here, you receive feedback directly from a published author or illustrator.”

Murray also highlighted the freedom within the workshops. “You get to be yourself,” she added, emphasizing the contrast with more structured classroom environments. 

That sense of creative freedom leaves a lasting mark. “The festival unlocks parts of yourself you didn’t know were there,” Ziegelmayer reflected.

The Value of Volunteering 

For students considering volunteering, both coordinators described the shadow role as both engaging and impactful. Volunteers remain part of the workshop environment while also supporting others. 

“You get to learn something new while you’re helping out,” Ziegelmayer remarked.

Murray emphasized the broader effect the experience can have: “It can set them off in a bunch of directions,” she explained, pointing to the exposure students gain to different creative and professional paths. 

Advice for First-Time Participants and Families 

For those new to MYAI, both offered reassurance and practical advice. Ziegelmayer acknowledged that attending alone may feel intimidating at first; however, she stressed that the environment quickly becomes welcoming. 

“Come lunchtime, everyone’s found a friend,” she said.

Murray encouraged students to focus on their own interests when selecting workshops. “Pick a workshop that you are actually interested in,” she advised. “Let it be about you.” 

For volunteers, their message was consistent: join in wholeheartedly. “Don’t be shy,” Murray urged, noting that the more you engage, the more rewarding the experience becomes. 

Looking Ahead 

As MYAI continues to expand, both Ziegelmayer and Murray see opportunities for further growth. The festival now spans multiple days, a sign of its continued momentum. For the pair, it marks another step forward as the festival continues to bring together a vibrant mix of authors and illustrators. 

“Every year, the festival strengthens the community and the connections people form feel truly meaningful, making us excited for all that the festival still has the potential to become,” Ziegelmayer reflected. 

When reflecting on legacy, both remained focused on impact rather than recognition. Murray expressed a desire to contribute quietly behind the scenes, helping the festival grow. Ziegelmayer framed her hopes more broadly: she wants participants to carry forward a connection to creativity. 

“You walk away and you just have all this inspiration,” she said. “You’re ready to take off.” 

That sense of momentum, they suggest, is what defines the experience: not just a day of workshops, but the beginning of something ongoing. 

For both, MYAI is ultimately about connection—to creativity, to community, and to the idea that those early sparks of inspiration can continue to grow long after the festival ends. 

Wish to volunteer in MYAI 2026?  
Contact: mascyoungauthors@gmail.com

To register, please visit the MYAI page for updates on the next spring festival and access the registration link

Can you imagine growing up without the arts?

For many children, it’s a privilege they simply can’t afford. Just think about the cost of art supplies, drama classes, dance classes, writing workshops, or filming equipment!

At MASC, we aim to bring arts to all children.

That’s why we do most of our work in schools, where students – regardless of economic background – can all benefit from the same arts experiences.

We reduce the barriers that prevent children and their families from accessing the tools they need to explore their own creativity.

Oftentimes the barriers aren’t just financial. Children in remote neighbourhoods can’t always get a ride to a downtown art class; their parents don’t have time to take them to a theatre production, or a music festival. 

We actively seek out funding so that our professional artists are paid fairly, and our programs are affordable for all schools.

We never ask our artists to work for free: each program has a fee attached to it, and the schools are responsible for covering costs. However, thanks to our incredible supporters and funders, MASC offers subsidies to underserved schools and communities that may not be able to afford the full fee.

MASC artists offer over 2000 workshops and 800 performances in schools and communities, to over 250,000 people per year. 

We want to continue growing so that even more children – regardless of who they are and where they come from – can see a live performance, create a mural together, make a music video, learn about hoop dancing, meet a published author, and so much more. 

This GivingTuesday, we invite you to help us open more doors to creativity and ensure that these transformative moments continue to thrive.

Together, we can make a lasting impact — one student, one class, one community at a time.Your gift brings the arts to life:

$25 inspires a student through a multi-day workshop with a professional artist.

$50 supplies an entire class with quality art supplies for a MASC workshop.

$100 gives dozens of students the joy of experiencing a live, professional performance.

Your generosity doesn’t just support a program — it transforms lives. Give today and help us inspire the next generation of creators and leaders.

Honouring Bonnie Mabee: A Legacy of Dedication and Generosity 

For 35 years, MASC has been fortunate to count on a community of volunteers whose energy, compassion, and commitment have helped the organization thrive. Among those extraordinary individuals, one shines brightly: Bonnie Mabee. 

As a teacher, Bonnie welcomed MASC artists into her classrooms and encouraged her students to participate in MASC Festivals and Programs. Upon retiring, she didn’t step away — she stepped closer. Bonnie became an integral part of the MASC family, volunteering tirelessly with MASC Young Authors and Illustrators Festival, MASC Arts Awards, and countless other initiatives. From transporting artists and assembling brochures to lending a hand wherever needed, no task was ever too large or too small for Bonnie. 

Although Bonnie is no longer able to join us as a volunteer, her spirit of generosity continues to inspire. Her husband, Dick, daughter, Jennifer and son Peter, have furthered her legacy through a significant donation to establish the Bonnie Mabee Endowment Fund. This fund will ensure that the MASC Arts Awards, a program dear to her heart, — continues in perpetuity, nurturing the creativity of young artists or generations to come. 

As we celebrate Bonnie as MASC’s most outstanding volunteer, we also celebrate the enduring impact of her kindness, passion, and belief in the transformative power of the arts. 

Your Guide to MASC’s 2025–2026 Arts Programming

Discover 170+ inspiring programs from 51 incredible artists and groups – including performances, workshops, and artistic residencies.

Perfect for students, children, and communities ready to spark creativity, celebrate culture, and make unforgettable memories.

Don’t wait – book your MASC artist today!

“You might not reach a hundred kids, but you might reach the one or two. Perhaps they want to become a movie maker or wanna do cartoons… and then use their cultural background to bring that to life.”

– Stephanie Tenasco, Algonquin artist

“ MASC is the best!
As a Drama and Dance teacher with the OCDSB, I’ve worked with MASC since the 1990s. Their artists consistently inspire students and staff alike. The workshops and performances are always impactful, professional, and leave us wanting more. Thank you for being a wonderful community partner!”

– Teacher, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB)

“ What a truly special evening celebrating the arts — we were blown away! I truly loved every moment and left feeling deeply inspired! It was an honour to attend this beautiful evening of celebration!  We love our partnership with MASC. ”

– Chantale Donaghy and Kelly McCarthy, Arts Consultants, Ottawa Catholic School Board (SILVER SPONSOR)

“This festival showed me that stories can live in words and pictures—and that I can create both.”
– Grade 6 student, Gatineau