Meet the SONs
THE SON is a 26.5-acre farm in the Algonquin Highlands, and the shared project of two people — and one dog.
Barr Gilmore
Co-founder / SON of Dorothy
Barr Gilmore is a Toronto/Algonquin Highlands-based designer, artist, educator and unapologetic dreamer/optimist. A west-coaster at heart, he graduated with a BFA in sculpture, printmaking and art history from UBC (1987; Head of the Graduating Class in Fine Arts); was the Studio Assistant to the internationally-renowned Canadian art collective General Idea (1991–1995); a Senior Design Associate at Bruce Mau Design during its heyday (1996–2005) and former Professor/Coordinator/Creator of the Integrated Design diploma program at the Haliburton School of Art + Design (2014–2023) — a unique diploma program that he designed, to better prepare students of art, craft and design for the 21st century. Barr completed his MDes in the Interdisciplinary Masters in Art Media and Design graduate program at OCADU in 2011, for which he won the prestigious Governor General’s Academic Gold Medal — the first in OCADU’s history. His book and exhibition designs for an international client base, including Gagosian Gallery, TIFF Bell Lightbox, and the Scotiabank Photography Awards, amongst others, have won numerous awards; and in 2009, he was inducted into the Royal Canadian Academy of the Arts for graphic design. His small window gallery on Queen West, Solo Exhibition (2000–2005) opened with the slogan, One window. One artist. One artwork. Every full moon ’til the next one. Always open. He curated over fifty local, national, and international artists/artworks into that space. Barr Gilmore is Barr Gilmore Art + Design (2005 to present) and partner in THE SON, a new art and healing start-up, that he is creating with his life partner, Pierre Antoine Alexandre. His pursuit of love and art never ends.
Pierre Antoine Alexandre
Co-founder / SON of Rose
Pierre Anthoine Alexandre, also known as Love Masisi, is a Dutch-Haitian-American (and Canadian permanent resident) healer, massage therapist, musical performer and drag artist renowned for their captivating performances. Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Pierre relocated to New Jersey at the age of eight before pursuing higher education at Point Park University, in Pittsburgh (PA). Following this, they honed their talents at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, New York (NY) and Tokyo Disneyland in Japan. Love Masisi started their drag journey in Houston (TX), flourished in NYC’s vibrant drag scene, before making waves in Amsterdam. Their breakthrough came with an appearance on the second season of Drag Race Holland, where they showcased their sensitivity, creativity and powerful voice. Love Masisi’s star continued to rise as they were chosen to represent The Netherlands on Queen of the Universe (Season 2) in 2023… solidifying their status as a global sensation. Pierre is also a licensed Massage Therapist with more than two decades of experience, bringing a rare blend of technical mastery and intuitive care to every treatment. Certified in Swedish, Thai, Sports, Tuina, fascial stretch therapy, and traditional Chinese massage methods, he is a graduate of the Avalon School of Massage in Houston and the Shenzhou Open University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Amsterdam. Pierre’s healing practice Moonskin Atelier invites guests to reconnect with their bodies and release layers of tension through skilful touch, mindful breath, and an atmosphere of genuine presence. He is a partner in THE SON, a new art and healing start-up, that he is creating with his life partner, Barr Gilmore.
Steve
Our SON
Chief greeter, lake supervisor, and the reason most walks take twice as long.
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