Visual Arts Nova Scotia (VANS) is managed by an elected volunteer Board of Directors comprised of 8 – 11 members, one third of whom must live outside of HRM. Most Directors are also working artists.
The Board of Directors is comprised of VANS members who are officially elected by the membership at the Annual General Meeting to serve a minimum of one term (two years) to a maximum of two terms (four years).
The Board of Directors believes in the importance and value of VANS to the community and is able to endorse the mandate and objectives of VANS without reservation. Acknowledging their legal and fiscal responsibility to VANS, the Board of Directors is familiar with the organizations by-laws and policies, and prepare and meet for Board meetings.
2025 – 2026 Board of Directors
(To be updated in September)
Evan Cameron (President) is an interdisciplinary artist based. His practice includes combinations of writing, drawing, and multimedia, and often explores themes like personal narratives, empowerment, and work. He is interested in supporting non-profit art organizations in NS and how art education can become more accessible across rural and low-income communities.
With an intuitive approach to abstract art, Kristen Herrington captivates audiences with her playful perspective on life’s simple pleasures. Born and raised in rural Nova Scotia, Kristen’s artistry is deeply rooted in her appreciation for the beauty of the everyday and her insatiable curiosity about the world beyond her doorstep. At Togetherland Art Gallery, Kristen has curated a space where art, community, and creativity converge. Named after her belief in the power of togetherness, the gallery serves as a vibrant hub for workshops, concerts, open mics, yoga classes, and more. Through her eclectic events and warm hospitality, Kristen fosters a sense of belonging that extends far beyond the gallery walls. She is a 2024 recipient of the prestigious Canada Council “Explore and Create” grant and will be using funds to design a sensory-experience for the deaf community (to which she belongs) through Haptic chairs.
Ayoka Junaid (President) lives, loves, and learns in Kjipuktuk/ Halifax/ Canada. Junaid shows up as an American Sign Language interpreter and accessibility consultant, a sustainable artist, community-based educator, activist, and learner. She/ They look forward to the opportunity to support VANS through Board participation.
Gemma Leslie (Secretary) is an interdisciplinary artist, based in the Annapolis Valley. They grew up in Ottawa and moved out east to attend NSCAD University where they graduated with a BFA Interdisciplinary, with a minor in art history in 2019. They work at Ross Creek Centre for the Arts, and Two Planks and a Passion Theatre Company, where they enjoy supporting community through the arts and soaking in all the natural environment by the Bay of Fundy. Gemma works in a variety of media and has an affinity for the expanded field of drawing.
Bronwyn MacFair is an illustrator and designer and has built her career helping artists, non-profits and small businesses reach their communities through strong visual storytelling. An artist from a young age, Bronwyn spent much of her childhood drawing, writing and singing, before studying theatre and photography at Rosedale Heights School of the Arts, art and design at George Brown College, and later obtaining a diploma in Independent Illustration at Seneca@York in 2014. Bronwyn is passionate about access to the arts, inclusivity, and creative reuse––finding ways to divert waste from landfills while breathing new life into existing and unwanted materials; exploring the boundaries of what it is to create art; and works that challenge us to imagine a more sustainable future. She would particularly love to see proposals from artists using alternative materials. Bronwyn brings her own perspective as a neurodivergent and queer person and is looking forward to connecting with young artists from across Nova Scotia and the Maritimes. Her goal is to create a safe and welcoming space for young artists at all stages of their careers.
Melissa O’Brien is a visual artist and has been for over 20 years. She won Entrepreneur in the Making 2023 through NSCC and ScotiaBank and have registered her in home small business as a result. She has a passion for art and art related activities and knows the importance of having art in our community and throughout our province and country! Melissa is self taught, and practice and continue to grow as an artist on her own time although she took art classes in high school and took graphic design at NSCC (diploma-2011) and identifies as having a disability.
Angie Reid is an interdisciplinary artist living in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Her work is primarily landscape and still life oil painting with a secondary focus on watercolour, ink drawing, and embroidery. She often explores themes of family, legacy, nostalgia, and interpersonal relationships. Initially learning to paint as a child, Angie paused her artistic pursuits to focus on a career in marketing. She rediscovered her passion for painting in her mid-30s as a reprieve from her demanding job. In 2021, she paused her 15-year career to pursue her BFA at NSCAD University and graduated with honours in spring 2024. With a robust background in communications and marketing, she is keen to apply her expertise to arts organizations. She has volunteered with the AGNS through the Young Patrons Circle Committee and currently serves on the Craig Gallery Steering Committee. In addition to her BFA, Angie holds a BA in Sociology and Art History from Acadia and a Bachelor of Public Relations from MSVU.
volunteer opportunities
Alongside office personnel, VANS’ work is assisted by contract staff, committee members (on committees such as programming, finance, membership and engagement, editorial, PAINTS, and nominating), and volunteers.
If you are interested in volunteering for VANS to fill a vacancy on the board of directors or as a committee member, please contact director@visualarts.ns.ca.