PRESIDENT
Lara Kruger
I am proud and honoured to be the inaugural president of the Route 22 Artist Collective Ltd Board and to serve this incredible community of local artists.
There is such a rich diversity of artists in our community and it is an absolute pleasure to be a part of building this collective and our collective gallery space for the benefit of our artists and our wider community.
I was born and raised in Cochrane and have strong roots in this community. My fine arts education was taken in Calgary (ACAD) and New Brunswick (Mount Allison University) before moving back to the Bow Valley and starting my family in Banff.
I worked several years for, and then managed private galleries in Banff and Canmore before relocating back to the rural Cochrane area.
I have long seen a gap in Cochrane for a permanent visual arts presence and professional arts opportunities and Route 22 is a project that I co-founded to address this need. It has evolved from dream to reality over the past couple of years thanks to many dedicated and wonderful people.
We have really seen this year just how vital the arts are to our mental health, peace of mind and happiness as human beings and though it has been a difficult year, the timing has been oddly perfect to bring this project to life. We have already seen tremendous community support and I look forward to the bright future ahead for Route 22 and the visual arts in Cochrane and area.
SECRETARY
Sherry Willets
Sherry brings twenty plus years’ work experience as a cross-functional business analyst and management consultant. Her work experience includes creating a model for designing, developing and classifying intellectual capital; providing analytical advice, decision support, coaching and mentoring; and co-facilitating systems-thinking workshops across North America, South America, Europe & Asia.
She helps the Collective in building a sound business foundation and managing its business information. She also provides strategic guidance and technical support to help streamline gallery operations.
TREASURER
Wendi Forster
Wendi’s first introduction to the art community in Cochrane was when she joined the Cochrane Camera Club. She organized several photography shows and sales for the club over a two-year period and saw the need to have a professional gallery in Cochrane.
When asked to sit on the working committee of the Route 22 Artist Collective Gallery and then as Treasurer, on the Board of Route 22 Artist Collective Ltd, she welcomed the opportunity.
Wendi brings to the table a professional accounting designation along with a passion for photography. She is semi-retired and is honored to sit on the board to assist with the financial reporting of the Artist Collective.
DIRECTOR
Karen Chaisson
Karen Chaisson born in Banff, Alberta, raised in Southern Ontario, returned to her beloved Alberta to marry and raise a family. Karen brings a long history of Administrative & Management Experience as well as a Diploma in Cultural Arts and Management. She has been a practicing Professional Artist as well as managing Retail Galleries, for the past twenty-five years.
Karen and her family have been active members of the Cochrane community for twenty-three years.
Karen has also seen the need for a Community Arts presence and space over the years, both for the artists as well as the community itself. She is delighted and honored to be part of the long-awaited opportunity to help build, promote and sustain Route 22 Artist Collective Ltd.
She looks forward to being able to guide, participate and work alongside this great group of creative individuals.