Maureen O’Connor is a Canadian fine art photographer living in Toronto and is a graduate of OCAD and Sheridan College. Maureen is a life-long animal lover and the photographs from “The Threshold Series” are produced with the cooperation of local sanctuaries; many of these animals from the series are rescues from fur farms and others are non-releasable wildlife. The animals in these images were brought and photographed onsite in the location seen in these photographs. Several of the locations are private homes in Ontario pre redevelopment or prior to the homes being demolished. There is an undercurrent throughout Maureen’s work, creating scenes to ignite conversation about humanity and challenges we face in our society today: climate change, the growing plight of homelessness, the addiction crisis, mass migration and habitat loss creating species at risk of extinction. Through Maureen’s work she hopes her photographs spark conversation to connect individuals together with compassion, tolerance of the other, patience to listen and the will to make positive actions for change. Maureen exhibited in 2023 at The Artist Project and the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair. She has exhibited as a guest artist with Olga Korper Gallery who brought her work to Art Toronto and Art Miami. Maureen has also exhibited her work in Amsterdam, Brussels, London, England and Hamburg, Germany. An installation of the “Threshold Series” was featured at the Toronto Pearson Airport. O’Connor is a past recipient of a Canada Council Grant as well as grants from the Ontario Arts Council. She has also previously won the Best Photography Award at TOAF. Maureen’s work is held in various private and corporate collections throughout North America and Europe.