ArtSea’s Board of Directors consists of professionals who volunteer their time to support the arts and direct operations of the ArtSea Community Arts Council. Board Members are elected at the Annual General Meeting, held each year in April. Nominations are accepted any time.
Diane Thorp, President
As chief executive officer of the Society, Diane is responsible for strategic direction, municipal relations and nominating new board members. She is a textile artist and works in her studio as much as possible. As a long- standing ArtSea executive, she chaired the Sidney Fine Art Show Committee for a number of years and was one of the organizers of the ArtSea Festival.
Patty Wilson, Vice President
Patty carries out the duties of the President during Diane’s absence. Patty is also responsible for the ArtSea Gallery in Tulista Park. She is a textile and visual artist. As a long-standing ArtSea executive, Patty has been part of ArtSea events including Artisans, Taste of Tulista and Small Expressions, and will be spearheading our new ArtSea Festival for the summer of 2021.
Susan Irvine, Treasurer
Susan keeps the financial records, including books of account, necessary to comply with the BC Societies Act, and presents financial statements to the directors, members and others when required. Joining the Board in 2018, Susan is responsible for strategic planning, policy, financial reporting and administration, and recently facilitated a 5-year planning session with the Board. Susan was a senior strategic planner in the public sector before retiring.
Susan Nawrocki, Secretary
Susan conducts the correspondence of the Society, issues notices of meetings, keeps minutes (supported by Kirsten Norris our Communications Coordinator) and maintains a registrar of members. Also joining the Board in 2018, Susan brings expertise from her career as a marketing and sales professional for both public and private organizations and is an enthusiastic art supporter.
Wayne McNiven, Director
Wayne is responsible for funding grants, both for ArtSea and its member groups – and he is spearheading the Salish Sea Lantern Festival and our newest initiative, administration of the Sidney Seaside Sculpture Walk. Moving to Sidney from New Westminster, Wayne is an acrylic painter and enjoyed being a member of the Artists in Boro group. He worked for Vancouver Community College for over 30 years as an instructor and administered the professional funds for VCC for decades. Wayne also ran a website for provincial disabilities regarding students and support in post-secondary institutions.
Lorre Janes, Director
As the newest member to the Board, Lorre will oversee our volunteer strategies. Lorre sits on the Sidney Fine Art Show Committee, manages its patrons program and is the membership coordinator for the Peninsula Newcomers Club. Lorre was a senior manager at HSBS before retiring.
We value your input!
As a volunteer-run Arts Council, we greatly value feedback. So please let us know any ideas you have to improve ArtSea and the service we provide to our members and the community. You can easily communicate with the Board through the email address of communications@artsea.ca.
