Board of Directors

Janet Doble(She/Her), Interim Chair

Since moving to Nova Scotia in 1993, Janet has always been active in the arts community. While living in Halifax she was involved with numerous arts organizations and air projects. Her passion for promoting community arts has found a new outlet since moving to Parrsboro in 2017. Her latest project has been to help create the Creative Works Gallery.

Laura(She/Her), Director

Laura Mackenzie is a seasoned business development professional with over 21 years of experience driving growth and innovation in the arts education and development sector. A talented artist, Laura combines her business acumen with her creative passion for working with traditional materials, including sealskin. Her artistic pursuits include crafting intricate sealskin flowers, sewing traditional parkas and fur mitts, and creating natural products for sewing and felting. Through her unique blend of business expertise and artistic talent, Laura brings a distinctive perspective to our board, informing strategic decisions and fostering creative solutions.

David Beattie(He/Him), Treasurer

David Beattie is our entrepreneur extraordinaire. He’s committed not only to Parrsboro Creative but also the Board of Trade and several other key community initiatives. A thoughtful member of the Parrsboro Creative board, we often turn to David for business-based advice.

Caroline Keogh(She/Her), Vice Chair

Caroline is a Canadian artist and retired art teacher, who moved to Parrsboro, Nova Scotia in 2021. After earning her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Waterloo and her Bachelor of Education and Visual Arts Specialist from York University, she spent years teaching before focusing on her artwork. Caroline creates landscapes and seascapes in acrylics and watercolors, often adding mixed media like glass and clear glue. She enjoys using photo references to capture serene scenery, free from outdoor distractions.

Brea Askew(She/Her), Secretary

Brea is a printmaker and painter from Great Village, Nova Scotia. She completed her BFA in Interdisciplinary Arts at NSCAD University in 2023. Her work has been featured in numerous exhibitions, international print exchanges, and regional residencies. Her practice has a strong focus on place and community.

Delwyn Klassen(He/Him), Director

Delwyn has been involved in the arts in a variety of capacities from displays of his own work to organizing group shows, professional picture framing, teaching, graphic design and engraving. He is most interested in fostering community involvement and education initiatives.

Kathy Isnor(She/Her), Director

An appreciator of art, Kathy brings a background in finance and project management both in the private and public sector. Having retired and recently moved to Parrsboro, Kathy is excited to be part of the Parrsboro Creative Directors team and contributing to the amazing arts community in Parrsboro.

Dr. Paul Aitken(He/Him), Director

Dr. Paul A. Aitken is Emeritus Director of Music of the Cathedral of the Rockies in Boise, Idaho. Upon his retirement from the Cathedral in 2020, Paul (and his wife, MacKenzie), purchased the Maple Inn Parrsboro and have been actively running their B&B alongside his professional music career.

Information about his life and work is available through www.paulaitkenmusic.com or at www.mapleinn.ca.

Our Team