Allison is a Canadian writer & visual artist

Allison is a creative writer and visual artist whose work explores mental health, motherhood, family, memory and nature.

Allison’s writing has been published in Northword Magazine, Dote Magazine and Yes & Yes. Her work has aired on Smithers Community Radio. Allison began writing stories about community development for Thrive and Calgary is Awesome in 2012.

Allison was previously the Co-Founder and Creative Director of the media production company, Braid Films, which specialized in outdoor and immersive films in Canada’s Pacific Northwest. She has worked with clients including Parks Canada, The Council of the Haida Nation, Destination BC and Green Coast Kayaking. Her film, Eyes of Society, which she co-directed, was selected for the International Banff Mountain Film Festival, the DC Short Film Festival and aired on Air Canada’s In-Flight Entertainment.

Her most recent completed abstract mixed media art explored the geometry, movement and colour palette of the Pacific Northwest. The series, Above/Below, was exhibited at the Smithers’ Art Gallery, O2 Planning & Design, and the City Building Design Gallery, School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, University of Calgary.

In addition, Allison is a strategy, engagement and social impact professional with over 12 years’ experience designing, planning, and facilitating engagement projects across Canada. Her work takes a co-design and relational approach to address complex challenges in economic inclusion, community development, Indigenous relations, and strategic planning. She holds a MSc. Management from London Business School and BScH from Queen’s University (Biology & Psychology). Allison is Board member at the Leighton Art Centre and Families Matter. Allison lives in beautiful Bragg Creek with her family and dog Rosa.

Writing

In Print

Slow Burn, 2018, Short Story, Northword Magazine

Memory, 2018, Short Story, Northword Magazine

Haida Gwaii Housing, 2018, Northword Magazine

Strengthening Families, 2017, Northword Magazine

Above/Below Photo Essay 2017, Northword Magazine

Restoring the Balance, 2017, Northword Magazine

Piece by Piece, 2016 Spring Issue, Dote Magazine

Online

Witnessing a Monumental Pole Raising, 2019, Kits Scrubs Blog
Mini Travel Guide: Haida Gwaii, 2016 Yes And Yes
For When You're Finally Able to Connect The Dots, 2014, Thought Catalog
10+ articles, 2013 - 2015, Social Good Editor, Calgary is Awesome
10+ articles, 2013, CED Writer, Thrive Network

FILM

Eyes of Society (9:08)
Air Canada In-Flight Entertainment, Selected for the Banff Mountain Film Festival, Explorer's Club Film Festival, The Robert Bateman Centre and DC Short Film Festival 2017

Education

Commercial Voice-Over, Six Degrees Performance
Essentials of Acting, Company of Rogues
Creative Writing Courses, University of Toronto Continuing Education
Improv Level A & B, Second City Improvisation School
MSc. Management, London Business School
BScH Biology and Psychology, Queen’s University