We have a small and mighty Board of Directors who meet regularly to discuss ways that we can continue to advance LOWAC’s mandate.
We meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 7 pm via Zoom with a focus on continuing to advance LOWAC’s mission and support the rich arts community.
Board members and volunteers wanted!
We are in need of new board members and volunteers who can help us with our plans to move forward with events and initiatives to deliver on the mandate given to us by our members – which is primarily to create opportunities to bring artists together to explore and share their art practices. Artists and supporters of the arts of all disciplines and genres are welcome! If you are interested or have ideas you can email lowacdirectors@gmail.com.
We have a number of Board positions coming available as officers complete their terms in November 2023, including Chair, Vice-Chair and Membership Chair. We also need volunteers and a Chair for ARTFEST, our annual arts festival featuring artisans, performers and activities on the grounds of The Muse in downtown Kenora as well as ongoing fundraising and promotion.
Officers
The Board shall elect a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer every year at a meeting of the Board of Directors held directly after the Annual General Meeting, or as often as may be required. No individual may hold the position of President for more than three consecutive years. The offices of Secretary and Treasurer may be combined.
Leanne Fournier – Past President, Communication Co-Chair
Leanne is a writer of many things. Most of the time she is busy running her company, MightyWrite, where she writes and edits stories and websites for businesses and social causes. She is also active in the Kenora Writer’s Group where she’s been inspired to finally begin the book she’s thought about for over a decade. Leanne and her partner Mike, a graphic artist, photographer and handyman (Short Supply), are blissfully ensconced, full-time, at their camp near Kenora. Leanne is looking forward to contributing to and supporting the local arts community.
We are seeking a new president for 2024. Duties as follows:
10.02 President
The President shall, when present, preside at all meetings of the Organization and, along with the Board, generally oversee and supervise the governance of the Organization including the signing of By-Laws, special resolutions and other such documents requiring his signature and such other duties as may from time to time be prescribed by resolution of the Board or that are otherwise required by this office.
The Vice-President role is also currently vacant. If of interest, we would considering combining the two roles to be shared as “Co-President” by two individuals.
10.03 Vice- President
The Vice- President shall, in the absence of the President, preside over meetings of the organization and of the Board and otherwise exercise all the powers and duties of the President. The Board, in the absence of the President and Vice-President, may appoint from among its numbers, an Acting President for its meetings. We are seeking a new vice-president.
Stephanie Chale – Treasurer
Stephanie Chale is new to Kenora and loves the vibrant arts community here. She was responsible for coordinating the green room for ArtsFest 2023 and looks forward to expanding her role this year. Stephanie is a visual artist who first took up painting during the pandemic. Since then she has explored acrylics, Plein Air painting, pen and inks.
10.05 Treasurer
The Treasurer shall be responsible for
• keeping full and accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements of the Organization in proper books of account and shall deposit all monies in the name and to the credit of the Organization in such bank or financial institutions as may from time to time be designated by the Board.
• Under the direction of the Board, disbursing the funds of the Organization, taking proper vouchers
therefore; and
• rendering to the Board at regular meetings thereof, or whenever
Membership Chair
The duties of the Membership Chair include managing annual membership renewals via mail, Paypal and the LOWAC directors gmail account, promoting membership, and currently, distribution of LOWAC information and newsletters to the online database.
We are seeking a membership chair.
Shelby Smith – Secretary
10.04 Secretary
The Secretary shall be responsible for
• giving notices;
• keeping records of all meetings of the Members and the Board; and
• signing of minutes.
Directors/Members at Large
Directors shall hold office for a term of three years starting from the date of their election by the Members of the Organization and so long as the Directors remain eligible under the terms of Article 7.02, provided, however, that the Board of Directors may lengthen or shorten the term of office for any Director in order to establish a rotation schedule as may be required. Directors shall be eligible to stand for election for two consecutive terms unless minimum board membership (5) cannot be achieved.
Aimee Baldwin (she/her), Moon in June Studio, is a tactile artisan with a formal background in Fashion Arts. In December 2014, Aimee completed a four-month intensive Ceramic Arts course at Haliburton School of the Arts. In 2015 she opened Moon In June Studio, based in Kenora, Ontario. Her business offers unique, hand-made ceramics for daily functional use and decorative aesthetic enjoyment. Aimee also hosts workshops, private parties, and has developed partnerships with local organizations to offer ceramics opportunities to a wider audience. Transforming an idea into a physical ceramic object is a special type of alchemy and the process continually fuels Aimee’s creative inspiration.
Aimee served as coordinator for ARTSFEST 2022 and is eager to continue to help LOWAC move forward with accessible, diverse arts programming.
Helena Devins is the Matiowski Farmers’ Market/Special Events Coordinator for the City of Kenora, and a former Recreation Activities Coordinator for the City of Ottawa. She received her Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Ottawa and completed her Graduate studies in Event Management at Algonquin College. Her community involvement includes assisting events within the City of Kenora throughout the year. In addition to serving as a board member of the Lake of the Woods Art Community, Helena is a member of the Science North Board of Trustees.
Jocelyn Byng-Campbell is an arts enthusiast who looks forward to bringing her knowledge of the region and financial acumen to the LOWAC Board.
Lara Stovern is a visual artist who create custom artwork inspired by the natural beauty around her at her home in the Northwest Angle. She looks forward to contributing to LOWAC and the local arts scene.
Our sincere thanks to Everette Fournier, Carolyne Lynch, Marylou Goodwin and Ashi Shrivas who have recently retired from the Board. Their contributions and wisdom over the past several years have been invaluable.
Lake of the Woods Arts Community By-laws are available upon request.