Our Staff

Tanya Nielsen has spent most of her life and work practicing different forms of creativity. She is a writer, painter, photographer, baker, researcher, and curator. She loves creativity so much that she wrote a Master’s thesis on the role failure plays in the creative process of making art (it’s a vital one). Tanya received her BFA in Gallery Studies from TRU and worked for 5 years in conference and event management, based in Newfoundland, with events around the world. She has spent the last 3 years working for the Quesnel Art Gallery in various roles. She loves playing with intersectionality, crossing borders between schools of thought and finding ways to display information so it’s accessible to everyone.

“During my time at school and work, I learned that it takes great people, a lot of work and time, and art that speaks to a community, to make a great arts organization. I am excited to be joining an organization like this in Kamloops, BC.”

Rebecca is local to Kamloops and is a recent graduate from Thompson Rivers University with a Bachelor of Tourism Management, specializing in Events and Festivals. She has worked in the marketing field previously, and helped put on events through her schooling. Rebecca is passionate about helping others and challenging herself in new fields. In her spare time, she dabbles in photography and enjoying the great outdoors. During her time at the KAC she is excited to challenge herself, gain experience, and help grow the arts community in Kamloops.

 With educational background in events & conventions management at TRU, Insun has worked in Korea and Japan as an event planner and administrator in various industries. She is excited to join KAC to contribute bringing art culture to the community. She is also a professional oil/acrylic artist (Active member of Federation of Canadian Artists) who are passionate about portraying animals, skies, and city scenes of Kamloops. In her spare time, she loves to go for hiking with her dog, mountain biking, and painting.

Marta could not think of a better way to dedicate her time than to events and art. Marta has been creating art since she can remember, and this passion for all things artistic has led her to participate in and then go on to create her own children’s events around Kamloops for 8 magical years. She is ecstatic to bring her Bachelor of Tourism Management in Events and Festivals, as well as her skills in multiple artistic mediums, to the Kamloops Art Council. Marta believes art is about taking chances; she brings this mentality into her personal life by seizing all opportunities that come her way, whether that be jetting off to New York City to study theatre, immersing herself in a new culture while studying language and tourism in Japan, or becoming a valued cast member at The Happiest Place on Earth in Orlando, Florida. Given all these exciting experiences, it is no surprise that Marta considers her life her greatest masterpiece yet.

Christa O’Neill brings her creativity, passion for education and ambitious spirit to the Kamloops Arts Council. Having obtained a BFA at NSCAD in 2012 with a major in Art History and a minor in Printmaking, she is looking forward to applying her knowledge and skills as the Gallery Coordinator. She has always found a way to be creative, is drawn to bright colours and floral patterns and has been exploring the concept of “Home”. Having recently been trained as a breathwork facilitator, she is also finding ways to incorporate this into her creative practice. She is grateful to be a part of the creative community in Kamloops!