Jay has been a part of the Sunbury Shores family, both as a student and teacher, since the 1970s. He unfailingly brought his patience, kindness, amazing knowledge and enthusiasm every time he taught with us.
Jay Dampf’s classes always attracted both the cautious beginner and more experienced artists. His ability to create a relaxed atmosphere of positive learning and his enthusiasm, which encouraged and inspired all who worked with him, ensured his position as one of our most popular instructors. His classes always filled, with wait-lists, with many students travelling a great distance, and returning year after year.
Jay had artistic interests as varied as his education and experience, which include the prestigious, specialized art program at Central Technical School, and George Brown College’s Fine & Commercial Arts program, followed by several years in the advertising and design industry. His talents covered many media, from drawing and painting to woodcarving. Jay’s interests in wildlife, art and archaeology led to extensive travels through Africa, South America and Europe, which contributed to the wide knowledge and experience which informed his teaching.
Jay recently received the Award of Teaching Excellence from the Toronto Board of Education. His art has won many awards in Canada and the US, and virtually all of his works are hanging on walls across North America.
He will be greatly missed by his students, his peers, his friends – all who knew him.
We are sure he will still be creating wherever he is – an artistic spirit that strong cannot be dimmed.
