Joanne Fitzgerald Illustrator in Residence 2026
During this annual residency in October, a children’s book illustrator presents workshops, art activities and portfolio reviews for adults, teens and children. The Illustrator in Residence program honours the memory of illustrator Joanne Fitzgerald (1956-2011).
About Elly MacKay
Elly MacKay is a children's book author and illustrator and a paper artist. She studied printmaking and illustration at NSCAD University in Halifax and University of Canterbury in Christchurch. Elly creates miniature worlds with drawing, painting and cutting, and photographs them for illustrations in children's books. She has more than 20 books published in Canada and the US, including The Enchanted Symphony by Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton, I Am a Meadow Mermaid and The Secret Fawn by Kallie George. Elly is both author and illustrator of Frostfire, In the Clouds and Red Sky at Night and others. She lives with her family in Owen Sound, Ontario. Visit Elly MacKay's website or borrow her books to view more of her art.
Portfolio reviews
Book an individual portfolio review with Elly MacKay to receive feedback on your illustrations.
- Online 30-minute sessions
- For adults and teens
- Available on Mondays, October 5, 19 and 26 from 4-8 pm
To make an appointment, contact illustrator@ibby-canada.org with your preferred date and time.
Online workshops
Elly MacKay shares insights into building a career in children's book illustration, covering topics such as the journey to working as an illustrator, an overview of classic children's books, portfolios and colour.
These workshops will be recorded and available for replay through Zoom until October 31, 2026.
Upcoming Events
Class visits
Teachers can contact illustrator@ibby-canada.org to request a presentation for their class:
- Art workshops for students in grades 2 to 6, either online or in-person throughout October
- In-person workshops will be held at North York Central Library from October 5 to 9
- Online sessions for high school and college art students
Exhibit
Original artwork by Elly MacKay, as well as illustrations by Joanne Fitzgerald, will be on display in the second-floor gallery at the North York Central Library, opens a new window. From October 1 to 30.
More art
Explore and borrow books illustrated by Joanne Fitzgerald.
The Joanne Fitzgerald Illustrator in Residence Program is a joint program of IBBY Canada, Toronto Public Library, the Canadian Urban Libraries Council, and the Young Family.