artsREACH
Board of Directors
Our Mission it to provide children, in vulnerable schools, with the opportunity to develop
valuable life skills by exploring their potential through Arts Experiences.
The Board of artsREACH is committed to ensuring that all children receive quality Arts
education, in schools identified by the Ministry of Education as having vulnerable families-
Community Link Schools. We raise funds through grants, donations and fundraising events to
provide in-school and after-school Fine Arts workshops to students attending some public
schools in the Greater Victoria region- Sooke School District 62, Saanich School District 63 and
Victoria School District 61.
The artsREACH Board operates as the governing body for artsREACH, concentrating on:
- developing and monitoring the goals and policies in our Constitution
- focussing on the present and future of the organization and its offerings
- strategic planning and monitoring the performance of our programming
- assuring our fiduciary responsibilities of the stewardship of assets and accountability
The Board believes that artsREACH workshops provide children with the opportunity to develop
critical life skills and an appreciation of the Arts. All children benefit from an education in the
Arts and creative young people enhance the quality of life in our community, helping to ensure
a vibrant tomorrow.
As artsREACH approaches its 20 th year, we continue to seek members of the community to
come onto the Board. If a love of the Arts and a desire to provide these opportunities to
vulnerable children are important to you, please consider joining our board. For more
information, please contact us.
Anne Nilsen
President
Anne Nilsen brings many years of experience as an administrator in elementary schools and a passion for teaching. Providing opportunities for children to express themselves artistically has always been a priority in Anne’s life.
For herself, she loves to read, grow her own food and sing with the Getting Higher Choir.
Recently retired, she hopes to have more time to spend reacquainting herself with musical pursuits of her younger years, do more travelling and make a positive contribution to artsREACH.
Lynne Moorhouse
Human Resources | Educator and Lover of Art
I taught in the Greater Victoria School District for over 40 years and have been a very strong supporter and advocate for children and the Arts. I have an Art Education degree and have worked on many visual arts projects with children. I grew up in a home of artists and was blessed with the many gifts and experiences that provided me. I believe that all children should have that joy of learning in the Arts and chance to explore enriching experiences. First hand I have observed the amazing opportunities and results of the artsReach programmes in the schools- especially children and schools that may never have experiences in the visual arts. arts REACH is a must for all children!
Michele Richardson
Human Resources
When she moved to Vancouver from Montreal, where she had taught chikdren with special needs, Michele pursued and earned certification in early childhood education.Continuing in the special education field, she established a programme for autistic and for children with severe behavior pre-schoolers.
In Victoria, she developed a programme that introduced French to Junior Kindergarteners. Michele is a firm believer in the importance that art, music, dance and drama play in learning, performing stimulating creativity, developing self-confidence and lessening inhibitions.These were incorporated in the every day lesson plans.
Since retiring. Michele enjoys reading, gardening and her classes in Yoga, Pilates and Zumba.She loves Opera, Ballet,Theatre and visiting the many art galleries that Victoria has to offer.
David Barlow
Treasurer
David Barlow is a native Victorian whose careers include Astronomy Research (UVic), High-School Teaching (Pacific Christian and St. Margaret’s) and Computer Programming (BC Gov’t).
He’s always been interested in serving the community and beginning as the founding Treasurer of Pacific Christian School he has since served in that position with three other organizations.
Retiring in 2015 he became a volunteer in the Archives of St. Margaret’s School until COVID19 and now brings over 20 years’ experience as Treasurer to artsREACH re-uniting his passions of accounting and education.
