Manitoba Arts Council

Judith Flynn, Council Chair, of Winnipeg, is a retired professor of English and a former Head of the English Department at the University of Manitoba. She is Past President of the Victorian Studies Association of Western Canada, and has served on the board of Groundswell in several capacities, including President. She also has previous service on the Manitoba Arts Council as Vice-Chair, Acting Chair and as a juror.

Coralie Bryant, Vice-Chair, of Winnipeg, holds two music degrees and began her career as a community and church choir director, mezzo-soprano, and elementary and secondary school music teacher. Having retired as a superintendent in Seven Oaks School Division, she is currently the Executive Director of the Manitoba Association of School Superintendents.

Yisa Akinbolaji, of Winnipeg, is a full-time visual artist (http://www.yisagallery.com/). Yisa graduated from the Yaba College of Arts and Technology in Lagos, Nigeria in 1986, and obtained his M.F.A. in Visual Arts from the University of North Dakota in 2009. Before coming to Canada in 1997, Yisa was recognized as a leading Nigerian artist with his work and biography included in Nigerian Artists: A Who’s Who and Bibliography (1993) by Bernice Kelly and Janet L. Stanley of the Smithsonian Institution Libraries. Yisa has been president of the Manitoba Society of Artists and is the founder of Creative Foundation Inc. Yisa has also been a juror for the Manitoba Arts Council.

Cheryl Bear, Peguis First Nation, is an Annisinabe of Ojibway heritage. Upon graduating from Assiniboine Community College, Cheryl helped guide young people towards rewarding career paths as a youth employment worker for Peguis First Nation. For the past seven years Cheryl has worked as a project officer for the Peguis Development Corporation and actively assists artists in creating and sustaining their own businesses. Cheryl is a founding member of the Peguis Pow Wow Regalia Class, which was established in 2004 to help revitalize the pow wow traditions. Cheryl approaches everyday using the seven cultural teachings: Respect, Wisdom, Truth, Bravery, Humility, Honesty & Love.

Keith Bellamy, of Winnipeg, is a graduate of the Brandon University School of Music (1998). He teaches in Winnipeg through his own studio and as a faculty member at the Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Art. He has worked in the past with the Associated Manitoba Arts Festivals & Manitoba Opera, was elected the faculty rep at the MCMA and has sat on a number of boards in the Non profit sector.

Brenda Blaikie, of Winnipeg, is a former teacher who worked with students from Grade 3 to Senior 4 (Grade 12). Brenda is also the parent of four adult children. Throughout her time as a teacher Brenda was struck again and again by the value of exposing students to the arts both through in-school programs and visits to various arts venues. Brenda firmly believes that these kinds of experiences add depth and understanding to the people who experience them.

Jan Brancewicz, of Brandon, is an artist, poet and educator who came to Canada from Poland in 1965. He taught at Brandon University for over thirty years and retired from teaching in 2006. He is involved in mentoring young artists and works as art director for Bear Paw Publishings and Canadian Journal of Native Studies. He served on the Council in the early 70′s and late 80′s.

Michael Elves, of Winnipeg, is currently working as Program Director at 101.5 UMFM, Michael has been involved in the Winnipeg arts scene for the past five years hosting radio programs, writing and editing for The Manitoban, NewWinnipeg.com, and freelancing for publications nationally and internationally. In addition, he is the producer and host of the Killbeat Podcast (www.killbeatmusic.com/blog), a new endeavour spotlighting Canadian independent music.  Prior to relocating to Winnipeg, Michael graduated with an Honours degree in Politics at Brandon University.

Amy Karlinsky, of Winnipeg, has a BA in Visual Arts from York, a B.Ed in Art Ed from the U of Calgary, and an MA in Art History from SUNY with Doctoral studies in Art History at UBC. She has experience as a guide, art educator, and arts administrator at the St. Boniface Basilica, McMichael and the Nunatta Sunaqutangit Museum. She has curated for The Winnipeg Art Gallery and St. John’s College. She has published over 100 reviews and essays on the arts for magazines, newspapers artist run centres, public and private galleries. She has served on the Boards of MAWA and the Richmond Public Library, as well as on juries for arts councils, and civic and national arts competitions. She has taught art and literacy in rural, northern, public and private schools, and colleges across Canada including Winnipeg’s inner city and the University of Manitoba. She lives in Winnipeg with her family, teaches at TEC VOC High School and spends most summers close to Hnausa Dock.

Cynthia Rempel Patrick, of Steinbach, is the Executive Director of the Steinbach Arts Council.  She is the founder of the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre, home to over 60 arts development programs for southeastern Manitoba. Her work and volunteer experience within the Department of Cultural Development, Associated Manitoba Arts Festivals, The Treble Teens, Southeastern Music & Arts Festival, Manitoba Arts Network, Arts & Cultural Industries Inc, is incorporated with her business experience as a florist and creator/manager of Kids R Kute! Custom Clothing. Cindi began her music career as a pianist, accompanist, singer, choral director and piano and voice teacher for over 25 years.  She finds it rewarding to give back to the community with her participation on numerous other boards in the non-profit sector.

Addie Penner, of Winnipeg, was a founding member of the Winnipeg Folk Singers, a partner in the “Contemporary Concert” series and a Board member of Jazz Winnipeg. She has a long-time interest in a broad spectrum of cultural activities in Winnipeg. She is the Past Dean of the Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba.

Pam Rebello, of Winnipeg, is the Executive Director of the India School of Dance, Music & Theatre, which she helped to establish in 1980. One of the first recipients of the Order of Manitoba, she has served on many committees and was a member of the National Advisory Committee to the Canada Council for Racial Equality in the Arts. She also served on the provincial Task Force on Multiculturalism and on the Manitoba Arts Council from 1983 – 88.

Lea Stogdale, of Winnipeg, is a small animal veterinarian who runs her own practice. She has been involved in various community organizations, having previously served on the boards of directors for Hostelling International, the Manitoba Crafts Council and the Manitoba Naturalists Society. She is a part-time professional photographer who has produced the local bilingual book, St. Boniface & Norwood.
Lea is an active supporter and attendee of Manitoba’s wide variety of music concerts and festivals, dance and theatre productions, and visual arts exhibitions.