Executive Team

Donna has been an integral part of the Fort Erie Arts Council since 2009, when she first became involved as a volunteer for FEAC’s signature fundraising event, the Red Ribbon Art Show & Sale. It was through this experience that Donna quickly recognized the vital role that arts and culture play in building a vibrant and connected community.

Her passion and dedication led her to join the Board of Directors as an Event Coordinator, where she became actively involved in community festivals and events, school programs, art classes, exhibitions, and initiatives designed to increase awareness and appreciation of the arts throughout Fort Erie.

Donna brings a diverse background and wealth of experience to her role. With certification in Interior Decorating, a passion for the visual arts, and many years of experience in Retail Management, she combines creativity, organization, leadership, and a strong understanding of community engagement in her work with FEAC.

Since 2015, Donna has proudly served as President of the Fort Erie Arts Council, providing leadership and helping guide the organization as it continues to grow and expand its role within the community. In addition to her responsibilities as President, she remains actively involved as an artist, Hub & Gallery Curator, and Special Events Coordinator.

A passionate supporter of the Fort Erie community and all things arts and culture, Donna believes that the arts have the power to bring people together, inspire creativity, and enrich our community. She warmly welcomes artists, volunteers, supporters, and anyone with an interest in the arts to become part of the Fort Erie Arts Council.

Lisa is a Professional Engineer and dedicated supporter of the arts who brings a wealth of leadership, organizational, and business experience to the Fort Erie Arts Council. While her professional talents lie in engineering and systems management, Lisa has a deep admiration for the artists who use their creativity to bring beauty and inspiration to our community.

Lisa joined the FEAC Board of Directors to support the important role that arts and culture play in creating a vibrant and connected community. As Treasurer, she contributes her strong analytical, organizational, and financial skills to help ensure the continued growth and success of the organization.

Lisa retired from the Canadian Army Regular Force after more than 20 years of service and continues to proudly serve as a member of the Army Reserves. She holds an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering as well as a Master of Business Administration. Today, she works as a contractor with a Canadian engineering firm, where she serves as an Operational Architect and Systems Engineer.

Beyond her work with FEAC, Lisa has been actively involved in her community through the St. Philomena Catholic Parent School Council and as Co-Chair of the Family Ministry Committee at St. Michael’s Church.

Family, community, and the arts are important parts of Lisa’s life. She and her husband enjoy spending time with their two daughters. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys art, running, cycling, and getting lost in a good thriller.

Lisa is proud to contribute her skills and experience to the Fort Erie Arts Council and to support the artists, volunteers, and community members who help make Fort Erie a vibrant place to live, create, and connect.

Brenda has had a lifelong passion for the visual arts, beginning as a child when she attended Saturday morning art classes at the Edmonton Art Gallery. Over the years, her creative interests have grown to encompass a wide variety of artistic forms, including painting, drawing, photography, flower pounding, beading, embroidery, stamping, rock tumbling, and collecting shells and sea glass.

Before starting a family, Brenda worked for seven years as an architectural draftsperson, developing a strong appreciation for precision, composition, and detail. Her attention to detail has continued to be an asset throughout her career as a Supply Secretary with the District School Board of Niagara, a position she has held for almost nine years.

A resident of Fort Erie for more than 21 years, Brenda continues to explore new creative pursuits and actively seek opportunities to learn and grow as an artist. Her involvement in creating sets for school plays, attending art classes, and exploring a variety of artistic techniques has given her a rich and varied lifelong experience in creativity.

As a Board Member and Secretary of the Fort Erie Arts Council, Brenda is excited to contribute her experience, creativity, and organizational skills to the continued growth of the arts in our community. She is passionate about encouraging people of all ages and abilities to discover the joy of visual art and is committed to helping expand awareness, participation, and appreciation of the visual arts throughout Fort Erie.

Brenda believes that creativity is for everyone and looks forward to helping the Fort Erie Arts Council inspire more people to explore, experience, and embrace the visual arts.

Maria is a self-taught artist, photographer, and dedicated member of the Fort Erie Arts Council. Working primarily in acrylic, watercolour, and ink, Maria has developed a diverse artistic practice driven by curiosity, creativity, and a continual desire to learn.

Maria discovered her passion for painting in 2005 when she began exploring watercolour. What started as an interest quickly unfolded into a spirited and lasting passion for the arts. Since then, she has continued to develop her skills and techniques through workshops, courses, and ongoing exploration of different artistic mediums.

After more than 30 years working in a technology-based profession, Maria and her husband, Tony, retired to the Ridgeway community. Her extensive background in technology, computer support, and business has become an invaluable asset in her work with FEAC.

As a member of the FEAC Board of Directors, Maria contributes to the organization in a variety of creative, technical, and administrative capacities. She built and continues to maintain the FEAC website, manages aspects of marketing and online communications, and serves as the Class Registrar, helping coordinate the Council’s art classes and workshops.

Maria is also an FEAC art instructor, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for the creative process with students of various ages and skill levels. She believes that everyone has the ability to be creative and that learning art is as much about exploration and enjoyment as it is about developing technique.

Through her many roles with the Fort Erie Arts Council, Maria is passionate about helping artists connect with the community, making art opportunities accessible, and promoting the importance of arts and culture in Fort Erie.

Joachim is a traditional artist and graduate of the Illustration Program at Sheridan College. Working from his Fort Erie studio, Joachim has developed a diverse body of work that reflects his passion for realism, storytelling, and the natural world.

Throughout his artistic career, Joachim has worked across a wide range of subject matter and genres, from collectible card game fantasy illustrations and light-hearted fantasy to portraits, wildlife, landscapes, and classically rendered works. His inspiration comes from the beauty and energy of the world around him, with the goal of creating artwork that evokes an emotional response while capturing the character and spirit of his subjects.

Primarily working in oil and acrylic, Joachim is drawn to bold colour, the interplay of warm and cool tones, strong composition, and realistic detail. While grounded in traditional techniques, he continues to explore new styles, subjects, and approaches, allowing his artistic practice to evolve.

Joachim has been a member of the Fort Erie Arts Council since its inception in 2005 and has remained a strong advocate for the importance of arts and culture in the community. As a Board Member and Membership Coordinator, he is committed to supporting local artists, encouraging participation, and helping create opportunities for people throughout Fort Erie to discover and engage with the arts.

Joachim believes that a thriving arts community enriches everyone and is proud to contribute to the continued growth and development of the visual arts in Fort Erie.

Tracy is a mixed media artist originally from Liverpool, England, who relocated to Fort Erie in 2022. Her artistic practice explores a variety of techniques and styles, working primarily with watercolour, ink, and acrylics. Her work ranges from intricate and detailed pen drawings to expressive and atmospheric abstract landscapes, reflecting her ongoing curiosity and exploration as an artist.

Tracy is also passionate about art education. Alongside her own artistic practice, she teaches Visual Arts with an online high school, where she encourages students to explore creativity as a means of self-expression, discovery, and critical thinking. She believes that art provides an important opportunity for people to find their own voice and perspective.

Since moving to Fort Erie, Tracy has been inspired by the community’s vibrant arts scene and by the welcoming network of artists and creative individuals she has found here. Recognizing how valuable that sense of connection can be, she joined the Fort Erie Arts Council Board with a desire to give back and help create that same feeling of belonging for others.

As Volunteer Coordinator, Tracy is passionate about welcoming new volunteers, encouraging community involvement, and helping people discover the many ways they can contribute to FEAC. Having come from a community without the same type of arts network, she understands the importance of creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and encouraged to participate.

Tracy also looks forward to sharing her artistic knowledge through classes and workshops with the Fort Erie Arts Council. She is excited to help expand opportunities for creativity, learning, and connection while contributing to the continued growth of the vibrant arts community that helped make Fort Erie feel like home.

 Denise has explored just about every creative medium she could get her hands on—including music, drama, dance, sculpture, drawing, painting, prop making, jewellery and beading, and photography. While she jokingly considers herself a “master of none,” Denise believes that the real reward of art is the joy of learning something new and giving yourself permission to create simply for the pleasure of creating.

Beyond her artistic pursuits, Denise is an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter and has been an active advocate for medical and disability issues for more than 35 years. Her experience has shaped her strong commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate and feel welcome.

Denise moved to the Crystal Beach/Ridgeway area in 2008 and has had the opportunity to witness the remarkable transformation of the community through the creativity, dedication, and hard work of local residents. She has seen firsthand how art can bring people together, create connections, and contribute to a vibrant community.

As a Board Member and Hospitality Coordinator with the Fort Erie Arts Council, Denise is passionate about creating a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable exploring their own artistic and creative interests.

For Denise, the arts are not about being an expert—they are about curiosity, connection, creativity, and the simple joy of making something.

Sarah brings a deep passion for arts, culture, heritage, and community engagement to the Fort Erie Arts Council. A graduate of Université Laval, Sarah began her career working in the media and tourism sectors before moving into leadership roles within provincial arts advocacy and the broader cultural sector.

Throughout her career, Sarah has gained extensive experience working across cultural and non-profit organizations, including freelance work with a variety of dance companies and arts organizations. Her diverse background has given her a strong understanding of the importance of communication, collaboration, and creating meaningful connections between cultural organizations and the communities they serve.

Sarah believes that culture should be accessible, welcoming, and engaging for everyone. She approaches communications through a lens of hospitality, viewing every message as an invitation for people to connect—with one another, with their community, and with the heritage and culture that surround them.

Sarah currently serves as the Marketing, Communications & Development Coordinator at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, where she continues to combine her passion for storytelling, heritage, and community engagement.

As a Board Member and Membership & Newsletter Reporter with the Fort Erie Arts Council, Sarah is excited to contribute her communications and cultural-sector experience while helping strengthen connections between FEAC and the community. She is passionate about sharing the stories, opportunities, and creative work of local artists and ensuring that everyone feels invited to participate in Fort Erie’s vibrant arts and cultural community.

David discovered a new passion for art later in life and quickly found that the creative journey becomes even more meaningful when shared with others. His involvement with the Fort Erie Arts Council began with a desire to connect with fellow artists, learn from the creative community, and help make art more visible and accessible throughout Fort Erie.

David was drawn to FEAC because of its welcoming role in bringing artists and art lovers together. Whether someone is discovering their creativity for the first time, seeking opportunities and information, or simply looking for a place to share ideas and enjoy art with others, David believes that having a supportive creative community can make all the difference.

Being part of the Fort Erie Arts Council has had a meaningful impact on David’s own artistic journey, providing inspiration, encouragement, connection, and a greater sense of purpose. His experience with FEAC has strengthened his appreciation for the important role that arts and creativity play in bringing people together.

As a Board Member, David is eager to give back to the organization that has contributed so much to his own creative experience. He hopes to help foster an environment where artists of all levels feel supported, welcomed, and inspired to explore their creativity and share their work with the community.

Natalie is an artisan and designer, who has honed her skills in various arts, which include sewing, jewellery making, sketching, knitting, patterns, painting, and more. With a diploma in Design, she has worked in many different areas, including the tech and AI industry. She soon discovered a new passion for the arts council's classes. She spends her time developing her own designs and selling products at the council's gallery store. So far, she has been published twice, in a fashion and travel magazine. A member of the Board of Directors, she hopes to meet other artists and grow with the arts community.

Beverley is a self-taught paper artist and the creator of Paper Work, a unique collection of intricate handmade paper creations that evolved into her signature “Tiny Gardens in a Box.”
Inspired by flowers, emotions, memories, and her travels, Beverley hand-cuts and carefully assembles hundreds—even up to 1,000—individual pieces of paper to create delicate flowers and miniature gardens. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted and completely one of a kind. Her work has found homes around the world, including Europe, Portugal, and Egypt.
Since moving to Fort Erie, Beverley has embraced the community and its vibrant arts scene. With a family background rich in creativity and craftsmanship, she brings both artistic passion and a strong desire to support fellow artists.
Her community involvement has included volunteering at the Fort Erie Gallery, and she now serves on the Fort Erie Arts Council Board. As Social Media Coordinator, Beverley helps promote FEAC’s programs, events, artists, classes, and activities through Facebook and Instagram. She is committed to helping connect the arts council with the community and supporting the growth and visibility of local artists.

Self-taught textile fibre artist Angela began working with needle and thread approximately six years ago, inspired by a desire to showcase the beautiful silk fabrics, vintage textiles, and treasured materials she had collected over the years.

Angela’s work reflects a distinctly feminine aesthetic, combining colour, texture, and intricate handwork to create pieces that celebrate the beauty and artistry of textiles. Her inspiration also comes from the often-overlooked handiwork of women from generations past, whose embroidery, beading, lace-making, and other textile arts created remarkable and enduring works.

Through her art, Angela hopes to bring renewed appreciation to these traditional and sometimes forgotten crafts, encouraging others to discover the beauty, creativity, and value of working with their hands.

A resident of Crystal Beach, Angela is also an active member of the Graffiti Grannies, a community-minded group known for initiating outdoor art projects that bring colour and creativity to the village. Among their projects is the Crystal Beach Poppy Project, which brought together community members in creating a handmade poppy installation at the Crystal Beach Cenotaph.

Angela’s passion for textile art extends beyond creating beautiful pieces—it is about preserving traditional handcrafts, honouring the women who came before us, and inspiring a new appreciation for the art of making by hand.