RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP TODAY and SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
Board member profiles
Jill Blackie
We moved to the Kootenays in 2021. My husband and I wanted to have an adventure, build a home and live more naturally off our land. To the Board of CLAAS, I bring vision and innovative ideas along with entrepreneurial experience. My past work life included costume designer for films and television, restaurant and catering company owner, inventor and Food Service Director for a large university. My passions include cooking, permaculture, playing with my dog, sewing, organizational process and business development.
Cherie Delainey
"I've always thought volunteering is something we all should do. I moved to Christina Lake in the fall of 2022 and have been a director of CLAAS for the past 2 years. CLAAS was a good fit because of my love of music, entertainment and a constant desire to learn new things. I've made new friends and developed new skills and enjoyed my time on the board."
Laura Ayotte
“Laura originates from the beautiful 1000 Islands area of Ontario along the St Lawrence River. She attended college in Ottawa at the School of Media and Design at Algonquin College, where she graduated with honours in graphic design. She started two graphic design business when she moved to BC in 2006, one in the wedding industry and the other in corporate branding and marketing.
Her passions (aside from graphic design) are painting with various mediums, woodwork, embroidery, beading and gardening.
Laura moved to Christina Lake in July 2024 from the Okanagan with her family, where they purchased 25 acres of raw land which they are developing into their off-grid homestead.
Being a part of a community is something she has always wanted and is very excited to now have that opportunity in a field she is very passionate about - the arts. She hopes she can bring her knowledge and ideas to CLAAS to make a positive impact on the arts community! “
Nola Wuttunee
I am from the Red Pheasant Cree Nation, Saskatchewan and raised one son in Alberta. I recently relocated to Christina Lake and am excited to bring years of knowledge of the broadcasting industry and television production to CLAAS. I also bring enthusiasm and collaboration to this wonderful group and am excited to see what we can bring to the community.
Carol Mitchell
I have lived in Grand Forks and worked in the Boundary since 2007. I am originally from Southern Alberta. I spent twenty years living in Victoria, B.C. before moving to the Boundary. I have BFA in visual arts from University of Lethbridge. I continue with my own practice, primarily painting and mixed media collage. I have spent my career teaching art and counselling youth . I currently employed by SD51 as the Healthy School’s Coordinator. I also work for Boundary Family Services, coordinating the After School Art and Sports Initiative; as well as facilitating youth Art groups. I am passionate about Arts and Culture and the wellness benefits that come from engagement in the arts. I am also interested in issues of social justice.
I am very excited to contribute to the board of such a vital organization. I look forward to many projects and events.
Paul Monaghan
As a passionate advocate of the arts and a 20 year member of the community, I am excited to bring my experience and enthusiasm to the board of the Christina Lake Art and Artisan Society. I believe in the transformational power of art to inspire, connect, and empower individuals, and communities. My 40 years of experience in the private sector managing the client experience has given me the understanding of the challenges and opportunities when working in a diverse community. I am eager to contribute to the societies mission of inspiring community, artist and artisans to engage in meaningful participation through performance, education and performing arts.
Kirsten Waine
I have always loved the arts in all forms as a source of enjoyment, inspiration and entertainment. I believe art is essential to personal wholeness and is a vital aspect of healthy and vibrant communities; where opportunities exist for artists of all disciplines to share their vision and develop their skills. I’m privileged to be part of CLAAS and its mission to provide these opportunities while promoting accessibility and inclusivity for all members of the community.
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Jamie Colby
Jamie grew up in Mesa, Arizona before moving to Canada. In 2012, Jamie moved to Grand Forks where she immersed herself in volunteer work with the Grand Forks Fire Department for over seven years. Through her volunteer time she has been able to be involved in a mix of community events and projects.
Jamie now works as a Paramedic for BCEHS and loves to share her knowledge of first aid and preventative care. Jamie has a background of music, dancing and crafts. She is excited to bring her knowledge and experience to CLAAS and is thrilled to be involved in a way to help others be able to express themselves through a variety of art forms.
Rocio Graham
I am a Mexican-Canadian arts administrator and multidisciplinary artist. Her art education at Emily Carr University, the Alberta University of the Arts combined with her business education makes her a very dynamic Executive Director for CLAAS. She has extensive experience developing and delivering exciting art programming for organizations like the Alberta University of the Arts, the YMCA Calgary, Arts Commons and Santa Rosa Arts and Healing. She has served as a jury and grant adjudicator for various art prizes and agencies. She is a regular writer for Luma Quarterly, Photo Ed magazine, SNAP Magazine, Yolkless press and Rungh magazine. Besides art she loves cooking, gardening and adventures in nature. She brings knowledge in community building, advocacy and zest for all things art.
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