Say Hello to our Team
We’re proud of our diverse team of community-driven experts. Please feel free to connect with us anytime or visit our Careers or Volunteers page for open opportunities.
Luca Apel
Executive Director
Hi, I'm Luca! I'm a pretty nomadic artist, arts administrator, and event coordinator who has worked on both coasts, but developed a deep love and connection with Esquimalt through ECAH. My educational background is in psychology and law, but I've been a creative since as long as I can remember. I have been involved with ECAH in many capacities over the years, starting as an artist selling stickers in the gift shop, to being secretary of the board, to my role today!
In my own artwork I work with acrylics and wood carving, often playing with themes of nature, mysticism, and identity. Both in and outside of the arts, I also do work in trans and queer advocacy.
I am currently working remotely and residing on the ancestral homelands of the Beothuk, whose culture had been lost forever and can never be recovered.
Sophie Ladd
Program Coordinator
Hiya, I’m Sophie! I have been with ECAH since the start of 2021 as a volunteer and staff member, and now I have decided to just never leave. I have a Master’s in Art History and Visual Studies which focused on the benefits of arts integration in curriculum and community. Art keeps our world going around and I am so excited to continue to create art-making opportunities in our community!
Making art an accessible activity has always been a passion of mine and — through ECAH and working with this community — I have been able to put this passion into action.
I dabble in many art mediums and styles because I have never been able to settle on just one (all of them are so cool how do you decide!). I like to think of myself as the chaotic neutral element to the ECAH team.
I am grateful to reside and work on the ancestral and unceded territories of the W̱SÁNEĆ and lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples.
Laura-Beth McDonald
Project Manager
As they say in the Witcher, people linked by destiny will always find each other. I’m glad you found us!
I’m the founder of ECAH, but now have the pleasure of working in a supporting role to our awesome staff. I take on project-based work, like our infrastructure upgrade at the Trackside Art Gallery and work with my creative partner (Juan Ramirez) at artBiin to curate programs and projects that intersect art, technology and creativity (like our recent installation as part of the Riopelle 100th anniversary.)
I’m passionate about creating low-barrier art experiences for our community, as well as mentoring emerging arts professionals. I love connecting with other artists, facilitators and creatives. Feel free to contact me to chat anytime.
Board of Directors
We are actively recruiting board members!
Do you have ideas for future ECAH programming? Do you think your input could help us improve the events we already run? Maybe you have experience in fundraising, sponsorship recruitment, or programming courses and workshops.
Or maybe you just want to learn more about non-profit governance in the art world. If any of these sound like you, consider applying as a Board Member!
For more information, check out our Volunteer Page. To apply, send us a brief introduction to our Volunteer Coordinator.
Jade Guan
Director
Hi there! My name is Jade and I am a Microbiology and Museum Studies student at the University of Victoria. I was born and raised on the unceded territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples and W̱SÁNEĆ nations.
I have a deep interest in art conservation. The interface between art and science fascinate me! As a second-generation Chinese-Canadian, I am motivated to preserve the cultural legacy of minority groups in what is now called North America.
During my time at ECAH, I have gained intimate knowledge of what it takes to run a non-profit arts organization, from coordinating events to connecting with artists and community members. I am so grateful to be on the team :)
Rae Dawson
Director
Rae Dawson(they/them) has spent many years volunteering, working, teaching and learning within community art centres across the country. They believe art is essential to being in community with others and the world around us, and have worked to support grass-roots community arts since 2017.
Born and raised on the unceded territory of the Algonquin peoples, also known as "Ottawa", they moved to the unceded territories of the W̱SÁNEĆ and lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples, or "Victoria", in 2019. They hold a BA in English and Art History.
The artistic mediums they work within are acrylic, collage, writing and poetry to explore liminality and collective consciousness, however they love to experiment with whatever they can get their hands on!
LJ McGlenen
Director
Hello!
My name is Laura, but you can also call me LJ! I hold a degree in Art History and Visual Studies from the University of Victoria and a Certificate in Bookkeeping from Camosun College. Much of my degree was spent studying and researching “neuroaesthetics:” the neurological effects that art has on our bodies, brains and beings. I have always been a fierce supporter of the arts and had a deep appreciation for its power, which is why I believe it needs to be made accessible to all. This belief led me to volunteer for ECAH! As a brand new member of the Board of Directors, I am beyond excited for what is to come next.
My artistic endeavours mainly centre around graphic design and crafting! My freelance design projects in the past have included conference logos, book designs, and vinyl covers. You’re also likely to find me helping out at various craft fairs, Pacific Opera of Victoria events, or trying to befriend the rabbits of Victoria.
Jason Colville
Director
Jason has over 25 years experience in Graphic Design and Digital Art and has been drawing and painting graffiti art since 2001. Jason's first large scale aerosol paintings were done at the Trackside Art Gallery space in Esquimalt and he has a keen interest in both the history of local graffiti culture, as well as the preservation of the area. Jason is excited to support ECAH in its mission.
Harper Kennedy
Director
Hello! I’m Harper.
I grew up in Calgary, Alberta and moved to the island in 2017 for school. Earlier this year I graduated from UVic with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology, and I plan to go to law school in the future to pursue a legal career. Throughout my degree I took several Art Education courses and found myself greatly missing those art communities once I graduated.
Art has been incredibly important to me since I was a child, and I continue to find myself passionate about making art and exploring different artistic mediums. Growing up I always found that art provided me with the space to be present with myself and allowed me to explore my thoughts and imagination in a unique way that I couldn’t achieve through other means.
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to volunteer with ECAH and I can’t wait to learn more about the local art community here!
Meneka Repka
Director
Meneka Repka (she/her) is a Sri Lankan- Canadian illustrator and teacher living in Victoria, British Columbia. She has a background in social justice and equity education and is especially passionate about children’s art and literature that emphasizes themes of justice and compassion towards humans, animals, and the earth. Meneka loves projects that provide opportunities to draw animals, landscapes, and human interactions with the natural world.
Meneka was the SCBWI monthly featured illustrator in January 2022, and holds a PhD in curriculum development, MA in art education, BEd in education, and BFA in drawing.
Meneka is represented by Charlotte Wenger at Prospect agency, and can be found on instagram @menekarepka. For all publishing-related inquiries, please contact charlotte@prospectagency.com; unfortunately Meneka is not available for self-published books.
Jenny Basset
Director
Jenny is an intern architect AIBC and co-founder of Twobytwo Architecture Studio based in Vancouver. She has over 10 years of experience in architectural design, installation design and fine art practice. She holds an M.Arch from the University of Calgary, BFA from the Alberta University of the Arts, as well as an MA in Art Education from Concordia University.