Our Team

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

Anne McGilvary

Anne has over twenty years of experience in art groups, art events, solo shows and galleries in Alberta and British Columbia. She has held key volunteer positions (Show Co-Ordinator, Workshop Chair, Education Chair) plus Executive roles with local art clubs and with the Federation of Canadian Artists. She has been an active member/artist at the Route 22 Artist Collective Gallery since its formation.

Anne McGilvary is a retired Education Specialist with post-secondary credentials from Laurentian University (B.A.), Queen’s University (B.Ed.) and York University (Specialist Certification) in Ontario, Canada.

The Route 22 Artist’s Collective Gallery plays a pivotal role in showcasing local artisan talent and in hosting educational programming and events. Anne is pleased to serve as Secretary on the Board of Directors.

TREASURER

Robyn Jones

Robyn Jones is pleased to offer her extensive skill and knowledge in the business world to our team as Treasurer for 2022. Having most recently founded and co-owned Foothills Insurance Services Ltd along with her husband and Route 22 artist, Alan Jones, Robyn worked for many years previously as a senior agent in the insurance worlds of B.C and Alberta.

She has served with integrity and a strong work ethic throughout her career and is now enjoying retirement after the successful sale of the company she and Alan owned and operated for more than a decade.

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.

BOOKKEEPER

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 OF FUNDRAISING

Denise Smith

Denise brings to the gallery years of experience from her prior role as a business owner of an information technology and management consulting corporation.

As the gallery fundraiser leader this allows her to connect to the community and beyond, as she supports the gallery in achieving a strong and vibrant Arts Community.

Denise is now semi-retired and is fortunate to be part of the executive team by assisting them to deliver fundraising initiatives for the Artist Collective.

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