Ptarmigan Arts Society is a community arts organization based on Pender Island, BC that delivers arts programs, workshops and events to the Southern Gulf Islands and Greater Victoria. The organization has been in existence since 1991, and is known for its innovative and inspirational artistic programming in areas such as music, theatre, filmmaking, dance, and visual arts.
We work to make sure our programs are inclusive and accessible, appealing to people ranging from seniors to preschoolers. Our focus on community building through the arts ensures that programs are readily available to people who are disadvantaged by financial barriers, disabilities or geographical isolation. Ptarmigan’s work helps all members of our society to live healthier, happier, and more creative lives.
Mission Statement:
Ptarmigan’s purpose is to provide creative opportunities for our island communities through education and engagement in the arts. We nurture creativity in our island communities by providing creative artistic opportunities to emerging and established artists, community members of all ages and abilities, and our island visitors.
Core Values:
We believe the arts are essential to a vibrant and happy community
We believe the arts should include a diverse variety of artistic disciplines and creative expressions
We are dedicated to inclusivity and believe it is imperative that creative opportunities be available to everyone regardless of geographic, socio-economic, or health-related barriers.
We value artistic and administrative excellence and integrity in any initiative that we provide or sponsor
Our Team
Lisa Fleming (she/her) - Executive Director
Lisa has twenty years of experience managing projects for non-profit organizations, including environmental, social justice and artistic groups. Lisa is experienced with fundraising, project coordination, administration and financial management. While it is true that environmental issues are closest to Lisa’s heart, as reflected in her educational choices (degree in biology; post graduate diploma in environmental sciences), she is a convert to the power of the arts and is inspired to work for a meaningful organization such as Ptarmigan that is making a difference in the community where she has chosen to live and raise her kids. When not working with Ptarmigan, Lisa is happiest spending time in her kayak, digging in her garden or exploring trails and beaches with her kids.
Lisa (at) ptarmiganarts.org
Lauren Mann (she/her) - Creative Director
Lauren is an acclaimed songwriter and performer who, before moving to Pender Island in 2015, spent five years touring North America with her band, The Fairly Odd Folk. She has released five full length albums and was the winner of the 2014 CBC Searchlight Contest. Since settling on Pender in 2015, Lauren has become an active member in the creative community, hosting house concerts at her home, collaborating with other artists, and hosting songwriting workshops. She brings her wealth of experience to the Ptarmigan team as the Creative Director, planning Ptarmigan programs and working closely with artists and the community. When not working at Ptarmigan, you might find her hiking, sailing, or writing songs in her studio.
lauren (at) ptarmiganarts.org
Kate Biddell (she/her) - Program Manager
As Program Manager Kate maintains the day-to-day needs of our programs, while helping us bring new arts and culture opportunities to the community.
Kate came to Ptarmigan with an incredibly diverse background. She has worked with the Epicentre Family Cooperative, as well as served as a former board member for Ptarmigan. She has a Diploma in Art and Design, was a jewellery studio artist with pieces both commissioned and in galleries, as well as having worked in the film industry for many years.
Kate is simply passionate about supporting anyone who is curious about creating in any medium, and we are lucky to have her!
kate (at) ptarmiganarts.org
Carly Chamberlain (she/her) - Communications Manager
In this role she oversees our social media, Pender Post articles, newsletters, posters, and any other communications and marketing needs.
Originally from Tkaronto/Toronto, Carly moved to S, DÁYES/Pender this past winter to be closer to family. She has fallen in love with the island and community, and is truly happy to be able to contribute to the arts here.
Carly has over 15 years experience working in the performing arts sector primarily in Toronto. She is an independent theatre director, and as an arts worker has worn many hats: producer, communications manager, teacher, facilitator, writer, and (when she was younger) actor. Carly has a BFA in Acting, and is a graduate of the Directing Program at the National Theatre School of Canada in Montreal.
carly (at) ptarmiganarts.org
Board of Directors
Board Chair - Brent Marsden
Vice Chair - Rutger Kamphuis
Secretary - Laura Vilness
Treasurer - Monica Bennett
Director - Sarah Smith
Director - Wendy Gardner
Director - Lizzie Margetts
Director - Heather Read