A group of MacLaren Art Centre volunteers outside on the Gallery's courtyard patio

OUR PEOPLE

Our hardworking staff bring life to OMAH:
Ninette Gyorody

Ninette Gyorody

Executive Director

Ninette Gyorody has been OMAH’s Executive Director since 2013.  Ninette has a BFA and a MA from York University and has worked as a curator, educator and administrator in museums and galleries since 2002.  She has also been an instructor at Lakehead University, Fanshawe College, University of Guelph, and Georgian College.  She is a member of the board of directors for Orillia and Lake Country Tourism and Ramara Public Library.  She is also a member of the advisory committee for Georgian College’s Museum and Gallery Studies program.  

executivedirector@orilliamuseum.org
ext. 101

 

Vanessa Santala

Vanessa Santala

Development Officer

Vanessa received her BA in Classical Studies and Masters of European Studies from the University of Guelph.  She has worked as a Fine Arts Coordinator for TOTAL Fine Arts and as an Assistant Director for Rukaj Gallery in Toronto, in which she has participated in Art Toronto, and an Ontario Museum Association conference. Throughout these roles, Vanessa has participated in various exhibitions, engagement planning of various shows, and collections management.   She is incredibly passionate about the collaboration and the importance of development as it relates to promoting cultural education, and community involvement.  She is excited to be apart of the OMAH team and to continue pursuing her passion for history.

development@orilliamuseum.org
ext. 105

Tanya Cunnington

Tanya Cunnington

Arts Programming Coordinator

Tanya Cunnington is an artist and curator. She received her associate’s degree from Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD), majoring in drawing and painting, and studying in Florence, Italy, through its off-
campus program. She exhibits regionally and in Toronto. She was the owner/director of Lee Contemporary Art, an independent art gallery, before joining the OMAH team.

artscoordinator@orilliamuseum.org
ext. 109

 

Hannah Arndt

Hannah Arndt

History Programming Coordinator

Hannah’s artistic past has defined her current journey into museums. Initially, she pursued a career as a professional ballet dancer, later earning a diploma in Applied Museum Studies from Algonquin College in 2020. Hannah recently graduated with distinction from Toronto Metropolitan University in 2023, earning a BA in history. Actively involved in various museum roles since 2016, spanning collections, exhibitions, customer experience, and various sub-committees. Hannah is now excited to extend her knowledge towards history programming, aiming to make history more accessible to the public. Apart from her work, Hannah loves cottaging in Raymond, knitting, and her cat Charlie.

historycoordinator@orilliamuseum.org
ext. 107

Mikenna Richardson

Mikenna Richardson

Museums Assistant

Mikenna is currently pursuing a history degree at York University and is expected to graduate in 2025. She joined as a summer student, working as Social Media Manager and was pleased to stay on as a permanent staff member. Mikenna enjoys reading, sewing and all sorts of crafting.

engage@orilliamuseum.org
ext. 102

Monica Szegvary

Monica Szegvary

Operations Coordinator (on maternity leave)

Monica received her Bachelor of Arts from McMaster University and went on to receive a certificate in Corporate Communications and Public Relations from Centennial College. After working in administration in Toronto for a few years, she now calls Orillia home.

visitors@orilliamuseum.org
ext. 106

Address

30 Peter Street South
Orillia, ON L3V5A9
+1 (705) 326-2159

HOURS:

TUESDAY: 11 AM - 4 PM

WEDNESDAY: 11 AM - 4 PM

THURSDAY: 11 AM - 4 PM

FRIDAY: 11 AM - 4 PM

SATURDAY: 11 AM - 4 PM

SUNDAY: CLOSED

MONDAY: CLOSED

Upcoming Events

Land Acknowledgement

The Orillia Museum of Art & History is located on the traditional territory of the Anishnaabeg. The Anishinaabeg include the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Pottawatomi nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. We respect and observe the long and enduring presence of Indigenous Peoples – First Nations, Metis and Inuit – on this land. Their teachings and stewardship, culture and way of life have shaped our City’s unique identity.

In acknowledging that we occupy colonized Indigenous territories, and out of respect for the rights of Indigenous people, we accept our collective responsibility to recognize our colonial histories as well as their present-day manifestations in order to honour, protect, and sustain this land.