FISHERVILLE—For Willow Clause, creating the perfect scary look is just another day’s work.
Clause, a freelance certified makeup artist who grew up on a farm in Fisherville, is hoping her skills can vault her to a coveted top spot in the annual Face of Halloween competition.
The contest tasks lovers of all things spooky to strut their stuff, using makeup and costumes to create a look that supporters can then pay to vote for online at faceofhalloween.org, with funds supporting the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
This year’s top winner will receive a $13,000 cheque and the chance to meet horror movie icons Jamie Lee Curtis (Halloween) and Matthew Lillard (Scream), along with participating in a ghost hunt with Kane Hodder (Friday the 13th).
Clause has specialized in the horror genre for many years, deciding to enter the contest after seeing an ad for it on Facebook.
“I thought I could have a good chance to go far in the competition, based on my background in special effects makeup and general love of horror,” said Clause.
She characterized herself as a “huge fan of anything Halloween related,” who grew up with a deep love for horror movies.
Clause’s interest in makeup dates to that same time in her life, spending her tween years learning the tricks of the trade through YouTube tutorials by other makeup artists, and seeing all the different types of special effects makeup.
She remembers the thrill of discovering a “whole new medium of art and artistic expression, as well as self-expression and exploration.”
For her Face of Halloween entry, Clause’s main look is modelled after Linda Blair’s infamous “Exorcist” makeup, which Clause chose to do for fun (and for TikTok) back in October 2021.
“I had fun recreating it on myself,” she said.
It’s not just the money that has Clause excited about her prospects in the competition, but the chance to meet some of her childhood movie heroes.
“Laurie Strode (portrayed by Jamie Lee Curtis) is definitely one of my all-time favourite horror characters; alongside Stu (of Scream) and Shaggy (of Scooby-Doo), both portrayed by Matthew Lillard, and Kane Hodder, AKA Jason Vorhees, too! They would all be a dream to meet. I would love to have my artwork from each of their franchises signed!”
The fundraising aspect is a bonus as well.
“Combining creativity with giving back is something I’ve often been a part of growing up, taking part in several school and community events,” said Clause, listing Cayuga Secondary School’s Haunted Hallways and Relay for Life events, as well as exhibiting art at the Caledonia Fair and volunteering with the Fisherville Lions’ Variety Show.
She praised the Starlight Children’s Foundation’s main goal of making hospitals “easier places for kids to be” by addressing the unique needs of hospitalized children.
“As someone who’s grown up with a compromised immune system, I understand how scary and uncomfortable being at the hospital can be for a child and their loved ones. The Starlight Foundation works to deliver happiness to hospitalized kids, through various outlets like toy deliveries, portable gaming stations, and arts and crafts. Whether I win or lose, I’m happy to bring awareness to a good cause.”
To vote for Clause, visit her profile online at faceofhalloween.org/2025/willow-clause.
“This is also where the community can donate (in USD) towards the Starlight Children’s Foundation, which in turn, gives me more votes towards ‘surviving the night’ in the competition,” explained Clause.
