Executive Director
Sara Lopez Assu
director@crartgallery.ca
Sara Lopez Assu: photo by Wild Shay Photography
Born in Montreal (Tiohtià:ke), Sara received post-secondary degrees from Marianopolis College and Concordia University, in Commerce and Urban Planning. She worked in child development, communications, and academic counseling for many years following her schooling.
A desire to raise her kids (Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw and Nuu-chah-nulth) in community, immersed in their culture, led her to move to Campbell River, the traditional territory of the Liǧʷiɫdax̌ʷ people, in 2016. Since then, Sara has been engaged in the community through volunteer Board and governance work and a career in culture, communications and corporate social responsibility.
Since 2020, Sara has been the Executive Director of the Campbell River Art Gallery. At the time, the Gallery already had a social justice direction and a goal to decolonize its practices and structures under a new Strategic Plan. Sara has taken this to heart, and has been working tirelessly to turn these sometimes vague principles into concrete action and organizational accountability towards reconciliation.
Curator of Contemporary Art
Jenelle Pasiechnik
curator@crartgallery.ca
I am originally from Calgary, but have been living on the Island for nine years. I deeply love the culture of respect for the environment and each other that many live by in this beautiful place, and am grateful to call it my home.
The focus of my graduate studies research at UVic centered on contemporary artists of West Asia living abroad in the world, and the need to open the discourse of art to accept alternative narratives of cultural production globally. I hope to continue that interest as a curator in Campbell River by focusing on giving space and voice to under-represented communities.
Jenelle Pasiechnik photo by Wild Shay Photography
Programs & Outreach Manager
Mandie Bumble
programs@crartgallery.ca
Originally from North Vancouver, I have been on the Island for over 15 years, living in different communities from Ucluelet, Salt Spring Island, Victoria to Fanny Bay. I have been working with the CRAG since Summer of 2021 as one of the Organizers of the Raven Artisan Market (a monthly event and Pop-Up since 2018 in the Comox Valley) as well as working with the CRAG as their Social Media Manager. I am now excited to step into the role of Operations Manager.
My past involvement with different Non-Profit Organizations and Societies garners appreciation for the work that is going on at the CRAG and I am looking forward to support this Non-Profit that aligns with many of my own ethics and values. As an Artist, Event Organizer and Manager I am excited to bring my years of experience to the CRAG and support this fantastic team.
I am passionate about making space for an inclusive community through art and action, uplifting voices of under represented groups including promoting body positivity and 2SLBGTQ+ representation.
Gallery and Shop Manager
Alina Young Chan
Originally hailing from Cork City, Ireland, I have had the pleasure of living and working in Canada for two years, settling in BC in 2022.
I received my undergraduate degree in Art History with a minor in Philosophy from University College Cork, and gained my post-graduate MA in Modern and Contemporary Art: History, Curating and Criticism from the University of Edinburgh in 2020.
I feel incredibly grateful that my life and career led me to the beautiful, unceded territory of the Liǧʷiɫdax̌ʷ people and an institution whose philosophy, vision, and team of staff inspires me every day.
Volunteers
Amaya Jacobs, Marie Daubigeon, and Juliet Gils
Board of Trustees
Chair: Denise Mitchell
Co-chair: Cole Speck
Co-chair: Cory Cliffe
Treasurer: Lacey Service
Secretary: Libby King
Officer: Ian Baikie
Officer: Pete Allen
Officer: Shawn Decaire
Officer: Brett Woodside
Officer: Jane Hirst
Arts Advocates
Island Owl Mazda
All in One Party Shop
NextGen Automation