MEET OUR TEAM!
The Chester Art Centre wouldn't be what is is today without the support of its committed staff and board members. Meet the team that dedicates their time to bringing life, colour and vibrancy to our community through art.
Executive Director
Bronwyn MacFair
Bronwyn (she/her) has found home in the world of arts non-profit leadership after a decade of working in marketing, art and design where she specialized in empowering non-profits, artists, and small businesses to engage with their communities through compelling visual narratives, storytelling and unified brand identities.
Her expertise lies in crafting comprehensive marketing strategies grounded in attentive listening and insightful learning, fostering the development of trusted communities through shared experiences. Through transparent communication and participatory decision making, Bronwyn strives to create inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and respected. As a leader, Bronwyn knows that arts organisations thrive when team members are heard, supported in their development, and empowered to build independence and confidence in their unique skill sets.
Bronwyn brings a unique perspective to her role as a neurodivergent and queer person, thriving at the intersection of community, the arts, and technology. With a passion for leveraging creative skills to create positive change, she is dedicated to making the world a better place, one meaningful connection at a time.
OUR BOARD
Hugh Goodday, Vice Chair
Hugh joined the Board in Spring 2021 shortly after putting down roots in Chester with his lovely wife, Sarah. Hugh is honoured to work with the other Board Members, executive team and volunteers to make Chester a destination for creatives from far and wide. Having lived and worked in a variety of countries and continents, Hugh is convinced that the South Shore is paradise on Earth—its natural beauty, charm and history deserving of a vibrant arts scene. Hugh is Chief Growth Officer at Halifax-based VIDA and previously practiced corporate law with Blakes and Slaughter and May in London and Toronto.
Gordon Shupe, Treasurer, pro tem
Gordon C. Shupe is the President of Coastal Door & Frame Inc. in Halifax. He graduated from Dalhousie University with his BComm and obtained his Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation in 1987. He was previously Chair of the NSCC Foundation Board, Chairman of the Maritime Lumber Bureau, Chairman for the Atlantic Canada Chapter of Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and sat on the Executive committee of the Canadian Wood Council and on Boards of many other community organizations. Gordon developed a passion for Art in the early 80’s while working on an Art Gallery in Nova Scotia providing financial counselling. The Chester Art Centre passion and voice grabbed my attention and my interest with its fantastic line-up of courses and exhibitions. The artistic talent that exists within our communities here in NS is highlighted at our Centre and I am very fortunate to be part of its wonderful history and story.
Cindy Strecko, Secretary
Cindy and her husband Brian bought their house in Chester in 2020 as an escape from Halifax during Covid. They quickly realized how much they loved the village and sold their home in 2022 to move to Chester full-time. A journalist, lawyer, business owner and writer, Cindy hopes to jump in and learn from the dedicated founders, board members and volunteers how her skills and energy can best be utilized at CAC.
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Manny Blair, Board Member
Manny Blair, born in 1971 in Blackpool, UK, embarked on an artistic journey enriched by a childhood surrounded by literature, fostering an early appreciation for creativity. His pivotal art education began at Blackpool & the Fylde College, where instructor Norman Travis inspired him to broaden his artistic perspectives. This exploration led him to the Cyprus College of Art, marking his first gallery exhibition and exposure to Euan Uglow's work. Blair's pursuit of art continued at the University of Sunderland, studying alongside Richard Billinghamand furthering his studies through an exchange program at East Carolina University, NC.
Upon returning to the UK, Blair delved into Landscape Architecture at Manchester Metropolitan University, followed by a Master’s in Public Art under Jason Minsky's mentorship, which refined his professional and artistic discipline. In 2008, Blair's journey took him to Calgary, Canada, where he became a significant figure in the local art scene, co-founding Art Calgary. His commitment to the arts led to Canadian citizenship in 2014 and continued artistic endeavors in Nova Scotia. By 2022, his contributions were recognized with a position on the National Gallery of Canada's Board of Trustees.
Blair's influences range from art legends like Francisco Goya and Francis Bacon to architects Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Erno Goldfinger, showcasing his diverse inspiration sources and rich artistic lineage.
Katie Cook, Board Member
Katie is an accomplished professional with over a decade of leadership experience in steering diverse projects, orchestrating successful events, and managing teams. Katie went to the University of Maine for Fine art and design and continues to work as an artist when she can balancing a busy career and family life. Katie has two young children with her husband Steve who love to take advantage of all the amazing programs the art centre has to offer which inspired her to get more involved. Katie and her husband moved to the village of Chester in 2015 and love living on the south shore and engaging with the community.
Janet Creaser, Chair, Development
Janet joined the Board at the outset, Russel Perry asked her to come on and gave all the Board members an art kit which she was so excited about but never opened! She is not an artist but loves the varied course selection at the Art Centre. The best part for her is being around such creative artistic board members. She focuses her efforts on event planning and fundraising.
Bunch Fraser, Chair, Building
Bunch joined the Art Centre in 2010 because Janet asked her and it sounded like a good way to get into community affairs. It has been that and more! She is a small "a" artist, residential designer/draughtsman, ex super yacht crew, ex architect, ex biology major. Bunch's focus at the Art Centre is keeping the building and grounds running–with the help of many volunteers & staff.
Annika Junger, Board Member
Junger first came to Chester at the young age of six. After living in Dublin and Ottawa for thirty years, she came back to Chester for good around 2007. She is involved with the Chester Drama Society , as an actor and assistant, and has served as secretary on the CAC Board for many years. “I can’t quite remember how i got involved with the CAC, but have been volunteering since the early days. I think Janet asked me to join.” Annika Junger, June 2021
Chris Luedecke, Board Member
After childhood in Toronto, university in Montreal(McGill) and time woodshedding and falling in love in Dawson City, Yukon, Chris Luedecke moved to Robinsons Corner with artist Teresa Bergen where they were married in 2005. From here he has built a life as a touring and JUNO winning songwriter Old Man Luedecke. A global pandemic and reduced activities on the road have enabled him to join the CAC and learn about and hopefully contribute more to the special community that is Chester and its arts centre.
Victoria McGregor, Board Member
Victoria spent her informative years working in the film and television industry. A life long lover of the arts she now spends her time dabbling in photography, mucking about with tiny textiles and painting rather poorly. She can be seen most days being dragged around Chester by her two rescued potcake dogs Missy and Max.
Audrey Nicoll, Board Member
Audrey Nicoll grew up in Vancouver and moved to the South Shore in 2000 with her artist husband, Bill Marshall. Audrey is a NSCAD and UBC Fine Arts graduate, and her studio practice consists of large scale mixed media drawings focused on environmental issues, which she has shown throughout the Maritimes. She has taught art in the public school system for thirty years starting in Vancouver and recently retiring as the IB Art teacher at Park View Education Centre. Retirement gave Audrey the time to join the Board and bring her experience of art making and teaching to the Chester Art Centre. Audrey has twenty-five years of experience on the boards of various artist-run centres, and provincial arts organizations in both Vancouver and Nova Scotia. The opportunity to help the Chester Art Centre flourish and continue to provide access to an engaging art experience is an essential reason Audrey chose to join the CAC Board.