BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Vice President, Earllene Roberts (she/her)

Earllene has Bachelors and Masters of Social Work Degrees and a PhD focusing on critical disability studies. She has over 30 years of experience providing services and supports to disabled adults, including work for Community Living Services and Community Living BC. Earllene is currently the manager of the Disability Resource Centre at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. As a longtime supporter of Cool Arts Society, she is now very honoured to be a Cool Arts Board Member and looks forward to contributing to the growth of this incredible organization.
When she is not working, Earllene loves spending time with her children and grandchildren. She loves outdoor adventures and regularly enjoys hiking, snow shoeing, camping and gardening. She’s also a bit of a homebody who loves to sit by the fire and knit, watch a movie, or just hang out with her husband and pup, Harley.

Treasurer, Megan Jamieson (she/her)

Megan Jamieson brings over a decade of financial management and business planning experience to Cool Arts from her first career as an Army Logistics Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces. Her time in uniform was marked by service to Canadians at home and abroad, though she is thrilled to call the Okanagan home once again. As an avid fundraiser, Megan is passionate about connecting donors to causes they can find joy in supporting.
Megan holds a Bachelor of Management from the University of British Columbia Okanagan, and is currently completing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. When she is not making excel sheets or studying, Megan is a musician, amateur potter, and backcountry hiker. She lives in Kelowna with her husband and very spoiled dog.

Secretary, James Thompson (he/him)

James Thompson has been working and living in Kelowna for 30 plus years. In that time, he has built a strong connection with the community not only through his commitments to Cool Arts but his family and his career. As a journeyman carpenter his career has taken many shapes. From a substitute instructor at Okanagan College, site supervisor and now Safety Compliance Officer. 
He has been a member of the local chapter of the Lower Mainland Downs Syndrome Society for the past 10 years. His passion and personal connection to the diverse abilities community drives his commitment to being a member of the Cool Arts Board.   

Director, Sandy Rutledge (she/her)

Bio coming soon!

Artist Representative, Jordan Lige

I have been doing art for long time, since high school. I do movie collages, pictures in my sketchbook and paint watercolour pictures. I like to paint houses, dragons, castles, green peppers, apples, ninja birds and killer flowers. I have been with Cool Arts since beginning when Cool Arts started. My favorite thing about Cool Arts was first show called We Are Artists. We did a self portrait plus we painted shoes and a chair. Plus I loved doing Wetlands, Beebox and Xeri-Trek hiking project.
I make art because it makes me feel happy. I am an artist because it’s fun to do art with pencil crayon and paint. I attend Cool Arts because it is a lot of fun.

Artist Representative, Melanie Marcotte

I have been with Cool Arts for 4 years. I always love doing art. I am an artist because making art feels great. I like to make art about nature and I enjoy pottery.  I make art from ideas inspired by different places in the world  and I get inspiration from my past and by going to different museums. Making art helps me with my calm me. Art has always been a part of my life.
I attend Cool Arts because I love being included with the group. I enjoyed hiking and painting the Brown Eyed Susans.