“The arts are a vital part of becoming a healthy, happy person and a lively and attractive community. Anyone can be creative—it’s not a matter of the product, it’s about the process. The arts council is not just about creating events for people to watch, but creating experiences that people can take part in,” said Betty Ann Xenis.
Currently the treasurer, Betty Ann was vice president of the board from 2017 to 2018 and then president from 2018 to 2020. Throughout the years she has been active in marketing and publicity among a myriad of other activities both on the arts council board and in the community. “I was on the Cultural Plan Task Force, helping to create the Cultural Plan, which was adopted by the District of Summerland Council in 2016,” Betty Ann said. She is a member of the Summerland Cultural Coalition, composed of not-for-profit groups, and on the board of South Okanagan Arts which is working to bring arts groups in the South Okanagan together.
“I moved to Summerland in 1990 and never plan on leaving,” Betty Ann said. Since arriving here, she has been involved in Summerland Singers and Players, acting, producing and being on the board. She has also served on the board of Neighbourhood Link Summerland, a community volunteer organization since its founding in 2004. Betty Ann taught primary grades at McDonald and Giant’s Head School until her retirement in 2012.