CREATIVES & ARTISTS

Mike comes from a Military family and joined the CAF in 1984 when he had his calling. During his first few years, he was involved in training videos for other soldiers. After his basic engagement as a Radio Operator was completed, he went to college for studies in Computer Science and served in the Comm reserve. After working for a few years, he was invited back to the Military as a CELE officer. Mike concluded his Military career in the early 90’s and moved into IT Consulting, training video/movie creation, and voice-overs, and completed a BSc in Business management, in 2006. Comedy, live music, and photography are major passions of his life along with the SITA program. Mike looks forward to enrolling in the Second City Improv Program in January and pursuing further entertainment roles.

Amanda Lloyd is a multifaceted artist who draws inspiration from a diverse range of themes and mediums.

As a military spouse, part of her work delves into the unique aspects of military life, offering a modern and intimate perspective on what it means to serve in the armed forces or be part of a military family.

One of her signature series, the "Boots" collection, takes a contemporary approach to military iconography. Instead of the polished and formal depiction of boots, it explores the poignant moments when those boots return home, their laces untied and casually placed by the door. This series beautifully encapsulates the essence of life as a service member or a military family - a balance between duty, sacrifice, and the mundane moments at home.

Amanda believes in the power of art to connect people. Through her work, she aims to bridge the gap between the military and civilian worlds, offering a deeper understanding of the experiences that shape the lives of those who serve and their families.

Garth served in the CAF for about a decade (1972-1982) as an Artillery Officer until he was medically released. He has been involved in community theatre for many years. Selected credits include; Tom in Table Manners (Simcoe Little Theatre), Claudius in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead (Sudbury Theatre Guild), Jake in Jake’s Women (Glen Productions), Bill Sykes in Oliver! (Glen Productions). He has also played Sir William Cosgrove in Heart Strings – The Musical at the Annex Live. He has appeared in Fear Thy Neighbour (Investigation Discovery) and other TV series, short films such as Keegan’s Choice and Abhorrent. His feature films include; 41 Pianos and Trigger. He has provided voice over for the Invictus Games Foundation’s 2022 year-end video. Garth is a graduate of the Second City Improv Program and has been involved with Soldiers in the Arts for the past year.

Max Ross is a Canadian stand-up comedian who has also served in the Canadian Armed Forces as an Airborne Infantry soldier.

Born in Toronto Ontario to Polish immigrant parents, Max joined the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada in 2009, a Canadian Armed Forces Reserve unit in Toronto. While in the military, Max began performing stand up comedy in 2011, and has been a promising up-and-comer, performing across Canada and the United States, including the Burbank Comedy Festival in Burbank California, Ed The Sock "War on Stupid" Canadian Comedy tour, and was part of the Just For Laughs Toronto “Best of Absolute Comedy Club”.

Max has also co-produced live comedy shows, including “Laughing Stock”, a monthly comedy show in Toronto featuring professional and  up & coming comedians, and “Thank Me For My Service”, a military themed comedy show featuring comedians that previously served in the military.