The last two years have brought many changes to the W.D.C.A., including many new faces on our Board of Directors. Please take a moment to get to know them here:
Chair – Brenda Mann:
Raised on the family farm in the former Chatham Township, Brenda grew up singing in choirs and playing the piano. While attending W.T. Laing P.S. she was a member of the instrumental music program and began to play the French horn. During her years attending W.D.S.S., Brenda was part of the senior band with teacher Andy Botai, the keyboard player in the big band “Brass with Class”, and the director/performer of one of the final Tartan Revue talent shows.
Presently, Brenda plays keyboard with the “Brass Factory” big band, plays French horn in the Wallaceburg Community Band and sings in her church choir.
Brenda retired from the Lambton Kent District School Board following a 34 year career in education. She shared her love of music with her students as their music teacher, director of musicals, Christmas Concerts, and talents shows. As an administrator, Brenda continued to promote the arts by supporting school wide art projects, open houses to showcase students. Brenda is pleased to have the opportunity as a member of the Arts Council to again support our local artists and provide enjoyment and entertainment to the residents of Wallaceburg and the surrounding communities.
Treasurer – Lynne VanderVeeken:
Bio coming soon.
Secretary – Audrey Hind:
Bio coming soon.
Director – Jane McGee:
A little about Jane McGee
I was born in Chatham (Wallaceburg didn’t have a hospital when I entered this world), and raised in Wallaceburg. I attended Central Public, W.T. Laing and WDSS. Received a diploma in Recreation Leadership in 1977. I have worked in Municipal Recreation for the Town of Wallaceburg and subsequently the Municipality of Chatham-Kent ever since.
One of my more formidable assignments upon securing the Community Recreation Manager’s position with the Town of Wallaceburg was to work towards the organization and development of an Arts Council for the Wallaceburg area. I have continued to be involved throughout the years with the exception of the small hiatus or period of inactivity the Arts Council took in the mid 2000’s.
I am pleased and excited that through the efforts of many, in 2012 the Wallaceburg and District Council for the Arts regrouped and re-energized.
My gift for the Arts is NOT in music, nor visual arts, nor performing arts. Honestly, I have no artistic talents at all. What I do have is a great appreciation for those who do. I very much enjoy being in the audience, gallery etcetera enjoying their craft.
Director – Sue Baert:
Bio coming soon!
Director – Becca Gardiner:
Even as a small child I grew up attending events held by the Wallaceburg & District Council for the Arts. My dad and his wife are honorary lifetime members, and I am delighted to give back to my community the way I saw my parents do when I was growing up. I developed a love for creating visual art at a young age. I received support from family and teachers in town along the way and graduated both grade school and high school with awards in the subject. I was fortunate enough to have art displayed in local galleries as a young artist as well. After a brief hiatus focusing on a career with children and busy with my own small children, I am creating happily again.
My heart beats to music. I have been surrounded by rich musical experiences my whole life.
Whether it be local music, musicians from across Canada, musical theatre, or blues & folk festivals
and jamborees, I have enjoyed a wide variety of genres growing up. There are musicians in my
family, and I sing in a local band. Our house is full of music all the time and I wouldn’t want it any
other way!
I look forward to helping be a part of the arts scene here in the community in an even more hands-
on way as WDCA board member.
Director – Nancy Mahoney:
Bio coming soon.
Director – Kate MacLaggan:
Bio coming soon.
Director – Judy Bachus:
Bio coming soon
Director – Beth Ortibus:
Bio coming soon.
Director – Kaelyn Gregory
Bio coming soon.