Board of Directors

PRESIDENT

Teresa is a multimedia artist and the president of the Pearl Ellis Gallery. In her current practice, she is delving into the many possibilities of felt-making. Teresa describes the Pearl Ellis Gallery as a "hidden gem," or "pearl" located in a lovely and welcoming town. Her leadership and passion for the arts continue to inspire and enhance the local cultural scene.

VICE PRESIDENT

Susan works in acrylic, watercolor and encaustic and really enjoys playing with different materials, techniques and styles. She is also a photographer, with many of her photos taken in her travels around the world. Volunteering at Pearl Ellis Gallery and on the Board has provided her with a way to give back to the community, and to meet like-minded people.

TREASURER

Lynne retired from a senior executive role in the Canadian financial services industry, including positions at CIBC and BMO Financial Group. She has extensive experience in marketing, communications, strategy, planning, and operations, and has served on for-profit and non-profit boards. An avid hiker and kayaker, Lynne enjoys spending time outdoors.

VOLUNTEER LIAISON

Liz has been passionate about photography for over 50 years, working as a freelance photojournalist in New Zealand, the Comox Valley, Victoria, and Haida Gwaii. While living in Haida Gwaii, she served on the boards of two non-profits focused on social housing and family wellness. She brings experience in conflict management, HR, writing, and event planning, along with a lifelong appreciation for capturing light, texture, and storytelling through photography.

SHOW COORDINATOR

Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Joan brings extensive experience in education and arts leadership, with a strong background in board governance. After a 20-year teaching career, she led the Yellowhead Regional Arts Festival and helped establish The Creative Campus through a major regional grant. Her leadership in the arts continued as a board member—and later Chair—of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.

Maggie Ziegler is a mixed media artist, graphic designer, and fine art printmaker based in the Comox Valley. With a background in graphic design, along with hands-on experience organizing exhibitions and managing creative projects, Maggie brings a practical, detail-oriented approach to her work. She is particularly interested in strengthening systems, communication, and processes that support sustainable gallery operations and continuity over time.

Melanie Davies is a recent graduate of the Fine Arts Diploma program at North Island College and is eager to remain connected to, and inspired by, the arts community in the Comox Valley. Having lived and worked in the region for most of her life, she resides in Courtenay with her husband, where they operate a small farm.

Roberto Binda brings a background in strategic planning and nonprofit leadership, having worked as a consultant with Urban Systems Ltd. and served as a Board Member and President of the Urban Systems Foundation, a western Canadian charitable organization.