With over 30 years of dedicated experience, Sean Kerrigan is a Certified Master Glassblower who has honed his craft across North America under the guidance of world-renowned Glass Masters. Having managed prestifious studios like Robert Held Art Glass and showcased live demonstrations at Glass Artisans, Sean brings an exceptional level of expertise to his studio in Summerland. His work spans custome creations, including memorial glass, high-end art pieces, and installations. Passionate about craftsmanship and collaboration, Sean combines technical mastery with artistic vision, offering one-of-a-kind glass creations tailored to his clients’ unique needs.
Kelowna artist, Linda Lovisa’s paintings have appeared in exhibits across Canada and the United States and can be found in private and public collections nationally and internationally.
Over the years, Linda has been presented a Gold Award, and Award of Excellence, a 3rd place, and two Honorable Mentions by the Federation of Canadian Artists.
Linda’s creativity and beautiful artwork can also be found in two children’s books that she has written and illustrated in watercolour. She is looking forward to sharing more stories in her series, “The Adventures of Gordon the Canada Goose.” After ten years of owning her own art gallery and displaying many local artists’ creations, Linda has moved on to a new chapter in her life. She continues to offer in-person and online painting classes; is enjoying writing her books; and is painting commissioned pieces.
District Liaison
Member at Large
Now retired, Karen Harvey was a Licensed Optician for 35 years. Karen and her husband opened the first one-hour optical store in Victoria, BC. Over the next ten years, they opened nine more stores that made glasses in one hour across the province. The couple raised three children in Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island where Karen became a Girl Guide leader. “It was then I began to nurture my creative side, trying to keep the girls’ attention with new art and craft ideas,” she said. Over the years, Karen found that picking up her paint brush was a wonderful way to relax after a long, busy day.
Life’s journey brought Karen and her husband first to Okanagan Falls and then Summerland. “About two years ago I began using recycled materials to make fun and unique art projects. It’s amazing what you can do with discarded items,” she said. “I am also a member of the Summerland Potters Guild where I have reacquainted myself with the earth through clay.”
Karen’s artistic talents include playing the drums.
After a long career in Information Systems, specializing in infrastructure design, project management, and technical service delivery, Marina retired in 2013. She then pursued her passion for viticulture and winemaking, working in the wine industry until 2019. In 2015, she established her own small vineyard in Summerland, where she focuses on cultivating Italian grapes.
When she’s not tending to her vineyard, Marina is an active volunteer in the community. She serves as the Vice President of the Summerland Community Arts Council and is the Art Gallery Committee Lead. She also volunteers with Awesome Arts, Critteraid, Master Gardeners, and Friends of Summerland Gardens. Her past volunteer roles include serving on the Summerland Agricultural Committee and the Board of the Okanagan Master Gardeners.
Marina particulary enjoys working with the passionate and create people at the Summerland Community Arts Council, finding it a wonderful place to connect with the local arts community.
“I love everything about it—working with a great proactive board of directors and the opportunity to meet new artists,” said Arts Council Administrator and board member Sonja Waller. Sonja is the one person who knows the most about what is happening in the organization. She is the point of contact for all committees and often the first face of the arts council to the public.
Before assuming her current duties in 2017, Sonja worked primarily in administration at the Summerland Review, the Summerland Chamber of Commerce, and the Kettle Valley Railway. She was in charge of member services and was Events Coordinator for the Chamber, and organized the Festival of Lights for two years as well as the 2009 Canada Day Celebrations. At the Kettle Valley Railway she did marketing and managed the gift shop.
The Winnipeg native came to the Okanagan after finishing high school. She hopped a Grey Hound bus bound for Penticton, intending to spend the summer. “When I got off the bus, I was wearing snow boots and the locals were in shorts. I never went back,” Sonja said.
The Arts Council and the community at large have benefitted from her decision to stay.
Member at Large
