Get to Know Our Team
KTMAC is shaped by a passionate group of staff and board members who share a love for the arts and a commitment to community. Their combined efforts help creativity thrive across our region.
Our Staff
Select a photo to discover more about our STAFF members:
Giselle Beaupre, Arts Administrator
Giselle Beaupre, current Arts Administrator, is a retired teacher, wifey to Mark (big KTMAC volunteer), mom of three and meme to five grandkids. She began her KTMAC journey in 2020 as a board member, became Vice Pres and then was President until the summer of 2023 when she took on the role as staff. She loves and appreciates her job, the Heritage Home, the Board of Directors she works with and all of the people who make KTMAC part of their everyday life! Stop by anytime to say hello and to get involved!
Giselle Beaupre
Arts Administrator
Maureen McPhail, Gallery Attendant
Art and living a creative life have been predominant themes throughout my life. I began art-making in childhood, attended art school in Toronto, have created several commissioned works and enjoy teaching art classes. I am honoured to play a role in supporting The Killarney Turtle Mountain Arts Council and the valuable union of arts and community.
Maureen McPhail
Gallery Attendant
Our Board
Select a photo to discover more about our BOARD members:
Laura Blair
I am a Co-Owner of Rolling Pin Bakery and I have two kids. I have lived in Killarney all my life with my husband. My family and I enjoy being outside, whether it’s hunting, fishing, camping or gardening. It’s so important to have a council like KTMAC in our small town to help bring in lots of different opportunities for people to enjoy the arts, whether it be concerts, exhibitions or art classes.
Laura Blair
Carol Chapman
I have participated in and always appreciated varied art and music all my life. I truly believe providing opportunities to our community to enjoy and expand their knowledge of the arts creates a stronger more diverse society. As a retired librarian I believe in lifelong learning and the sharing of talents with others! I feel delivering all of this through our beautiful refurbished heritage home is a privilege I’m proud to be part of!
Carol Chapman
Brett Embers
Brett is a local dentist and business owner. Wife of a carpenter and mother to two very busy young boys. She loves engaging in the art classes offered whenever possible and has been enjoying introducing her children to the wide variety of musical talent that comes to our town!
Brett Embers
Ina Hollett
Hi there. My name is Ina Hollett. It is an honour to be a member of the KTMAC board and to be involved with many dedicated citizens of Killarney who are passionate about the arts and music scenes for people of all ages. My background is in the education field where I taught in various communities in MB, Nunavut and NL. In some of these communities like, The Pas, MB and Burin, NL, I was a member of a similar board that promoted local, regional and national arts and crafts. Art is fun, and offers a social setting where a person who moves a lot can meet new people and give back to the community. Because I believe that we all possess an artistic side, it is up to our group to try to encourage the development of skills and to expose and encourage the varied and numerous avenues of artistic expression.
Ina Hollett
Joan Kemp
My community has always been very important to me. And this wonderful Heritage Home for the Arts holds such a special place in my heart. As an alpaca breeder and fibre artist – what better place to contribute my passion. I am very proud to serve on this Board. As well, I am serving my third term as a councillor for the Municipality of Killarney Turtle Mountain.
Joan Kemp
Joel Lovett
Joel Lovett will be adding their bio shortly.
Joel Lovett
Brenda Mitchell
My name is Brenda Mitchell and I’m a proud board member of KTMAC. Killarney is a community that is privileged to have a history of a vibrant arts and cultural life. The board has worked to add to this life and the Heritage Home for the Arts provides a vital hub for exhibitions, performances and classes. We truly offer something for everyone and are always open to new ideas. See you at the House!
Brenda Mitchell
Adelyn Nichol
Adelyn Nichol will be adding their bio shortly.
Adelyn Nichol
Rachael Sawatsky
My name is Rachael Sawatsky. I’m a city girl turned Farmer and I’ve been living just south of Killarney for 23 years now. I’ve always loved music and art…mostly because of how it makes me feel and the peace it brings. Most of the ways I create are in my everyday life…designing/decorating my home, yard work, crafting with my kids and lately building chicken coops. I’ve never felt settled on one form of art, which is why I’ve enjoyed taking classes at the Heritage House over the years. It’s so great to learn new ways to create while also connecting with friends or meeting new people. My kids have also appreciated learning new skills as they grow as artists. I’ve been on the KTMAC Board for 2 years now. It’s such a great group of people! I’m thankful to be a part of a community where the Arts are encouraged and supported.
Rachael Sawatsky
Sharla Schalla
I am Sharla Schalla and I got involved in KTMAC as a parent of creative children that participated in youth art classes at the Heritage Home for the Arts. Then I was taking art classes, joined art club and began volunteering. Now I am the Board president and I enjoy helping our group bring art, music and culture to our community.