Meet Newsha Hamidi: One of Our 30 Faces of YES
When Newsha first moved from Toronto to Montreal after earning her Master’s in Art Education at Concordia University, she found herself standing at the crossroads of possibility and uncertainty. As a new graduate in a new city, she was unsure how to navigate the local art scene, explore the right opportunities, or build confidence in her emerging artistic practice. That’s when she turned to YES for guidance and support.
Through a series of workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions, she found more than professional guidance — she found mentors who believed in her vision. Her YES coaches, Monica and Caroline, provided encouragement, structure, and insight that helped her take bold steps forward. Over time, she shed her hesitation about putting herself out there and embraced her creative identity fully.
Today, she’s a professional artist and art educator with more than 35 exhibitions across Canada and the U.S., and nearly two decades of teaching experience.
Interview with Newsha
What brought you to YES, and what were you hoping to achieve at that time?
When I moved from Toronto to Montreal 20 years ago, after graduating from the master’s program at Concordia University, in 2008 I started taking workshops at YES. Mainly because it’s English-oriented.
Can you tell us about some of the challenges or goals you faced when you first connected with YES? Was there a particular moment or obstacle that felt especially significant?
As a new graduate in a new city, I was not sure which path to take, what resources are available to me and how to navigate my artistic practice.
Solo Show: “Inner Landscape” at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Washington, DC in 2014
How did YES support you in overcoming those challenges or moving forward in your career, business, or artistic journey?
After taking very helpful workshops, which I think back then I took all of them! I started working with an amazing artist coach, Monica. She was a wonderful person, and her guidance and support were a major help in my navigating my artistic path. And in the recent years I am working with another amazing coach, Caroline.
Were there any tools, workshops, or insights from YES that made a lasting difference?
What I have gotten most from YES is the one-on-one coaching from both Monica and my wonderful coach now, Caroline, who have been the most helpful. I used to be shy about putting myself out there, and because of their encouragement and productive guidance, now I’ve done 35 exhibitions, both solo and group, in Montreal and the US.
Solo show at Gallery Mekic, Montreal
Where are you now in your journey, and what achievements or milestones are you most proud of?
At this moment, I am a professional artist and art educator. I have had over 35 successful solo and group exhibitions both in Canada and the US. And I have taught thousands of students over the past 18 years of my teaching practice in Montreal and Toronto. I have mentored undergraduate Concordia students and taught at different settings, from community centers to art schools and galleries.
Looking back, is there a particular moment or success that stands out as a turning point?
Absolutely! I am a big fan of YES! and what this organization has contributed to me and the English-speaking community of Montreal. I personally am forever grateful to my two wonderful coaches at YES, Monica and Caroline, for their constant support, encouragement, and help.
Live painting at YES’ Annual Fundraising Gala, Tune in to YES, in 2023. Photos by Erica Steeves (E Cee Style).
Newsha’s Full Artist Milestone Timeline
2003: Received Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts from York University, Toronto
November 2005: Attended her first YES workshop – Job search Info
2006: Met with a YES employment counsellor for the first time
2008: Received Master of Arts in Art Education from Concordia University, Montreal
2008: First Gallery Exhibition – Annual Graduating Students’ Exhibition, Concordia University’s FOFA Gallery
2009: Present Art Educator at the Cummings Centre, teaching virtual & in-person classes to 70 students per week
February 2009: Attended her first Entrepreneurship workshop at YES
April 2009: Started meeting with an artist coach
2010: Participated in the YES Art Expo at the Just for Laughs Museum
2014: Solo Show: “Inner Landscape” at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Washington, DC
October 2023: Returned to YES to create a live painting at the annual Tune in to YES Fundraising Gala
September 2024: Duo Show at the Erga Gallery, Montreal
December 2024: Live painting at Hebrew Academy: “Canvas of Dreams”
➔ Check out Newsha’s portfolio
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