Our
Team
Laura Davis
PRESIDENT (Executive Director)
Laura is a retired Governmental Accountant, City & Borough of Juneau, Alaska, where she compiled the City’s Annual Financial Statement / Budget which received awards from GFOA and MFOA. Five years education and training as a Classical Soprano. Laura has been a Soloist for Choirs and Ensembles for 15 years. She also was an Administrative Officer for the Juneau International Airport. Consultant for Not for profit organizations, charities, small business. Laura retired Finance Officer - Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue HQ in 2018. Past President, Treasurer, Director - West Shore Arts Council 2013 – 2018. Laura is the founding member and current President of the Arts & Culture Colwood Society.
Christine Millar Chase, B.ED, B.A. Hons, M.A.
VICE PRESIDENT
Christine has over 30 years experience in education, and extensive experience as an events coordinator. She has volunteered in a variety of capacities: as an arts docent and program coordinator -Mackenzie Art Gallery, treasurer for youth Tennis Club Regina, convener of interest groups, committee chair, Vice President Newcomers Club of Greater Victoria and Chairperson, Secretary for another local Arts Organization. Christine is now a research and writing consultant and tutors private students. Christine has a B.Ed., and have Honors B.A. and a Master of Arts from the University of Regina.
Melody Liu
TREASURER
Melody has over 17 years of experience in international business and trade in the private and public sectors. She is a seasoned professional with a passion for finance and accounting. In 2019, she completed a Master of Global Management program at Royal Roads University, further enhancing her skills and knowledge in the field. Currently, Melody works for a local municipality in supply chain and government procurement, where she applies her expertise to help manage the financial operations of the organization.
Melody is not only enthusiastic about finance but also has a love and appreciation for the arts. She enjoys exploring different forms of artistic expression and is excited to contribute to the arts community.
Wendy Ferguson
SECRETARY
Wendy retired after a career of 36 years, 28 years working in various ministries of the Province of BC Government. For most of her career, she worked in an executive environment as an Executive Assistant and Senior Executive Assistant and has extensive experience managing the administrative services of an executive office. Early in her career, Wendy worked for the Canadian Coast Guard and moved on to the Children’s Commission, Public Service Agency and the Ministry’s of Education, Advanced Education and Health. She also volunteered for the Victoria Police department. She has lived in Colwood since 2010 and is excited to participate and contribute to the Arts & Culture Colwood Society.
Eve Millington
DIRECTOR AT LARGE
Eve has worked over 25 years in the corporate entertainment industry. As a Director of Sea Mill Productions, Eve created, produced and managed innovative programs and cultural events for corporate clients from local businesses, to national and international executive associations, earning a solid reputation for excellence along the way.
Eve is also co-founder and Executive Director of The Lou Williamson Scholarship Fund, a private foundation and registered charity. Since 2011, the LWSF has awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships to music students and musicians across Canada, including a legacy music award at the Schulich School of Music, McGill University. The foundation is also a proud supporter of the Victoria Symphony.
Eve is looking forward to working with the Arts and Culture Colwood Society in promoting and showcasing a broader spectrum of artistic talent in the Westshore.
Deborah Czernecky
ADVISOR / VISUAL ARTS
Deborah is an Elected Member of the Society of Canadian Artists and an active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists. Deborah has produced a divers body of "en plein air" work reflecting her travels in Canada. Ducks Unlimited selected her work "Morning Row" for its 2018 Art Portfolio. In addition to being an accomplished painter, Deborah has been active on numerous Art Organizations Boards, including a founding member of the Coast Collective Art Centre
KATHLEEN SCHMALZ
VISUAL ARTS ADVISOR
Kathleen is a Sessional Instructor in Art Education at the University of Victoria and has worked in Art Education at the university (Brock, York and University of Victoria), community and school levels for the past 40 years, in B.C., Alberta and Ontario. She has been an exhibiting artist for many years (painting and abstract photography). She also has worked as a coordinator in a program that invited public school students into art studios to work with exhibiting artists. Kathleen became Chair of this group, (the Laubental Society in support of the Arts, in St. Albert, Alberta). She is the past Exhibition Chair for the Victoria Chapter of the Federation of Canadian Artists and recently participated as an artist and a juror in plain air event and exhibitions supported by Arts & Culture Colwood Society.
