STAFF
 

Julie Hall | Director

director @ cafka.org

Julie Hall (they/she) is an arts administrator and visual artist working in soft sculpture, video, and performance. They have an eleven-year-long co-creative practice with their partner, Jacob Irish, producing large-scale, interactive installation, showing at the Anna Leonowens Gallery, Centre Bang!, the Art Gallery of Guelph, Hamilton Artists Inc., and the University of Waterloo Art Gallery featuring their collaborative MFA thesis exhibition, borrowers and bullies (2022). Julie thrives in uncertainty and is calm in chaos, a skillset well-match to working in arts non-profit and cultivated in restaurant kitchens and their blue-collar upbringing near Kjipuktuk/Halifax, Nova Scotia. 

 

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

 

Graham Whiting | Chair

Architect / Artist

Graham is an architect, artist and father who has been living and working in Waterloo region for over 20 years. A former board member and chair, he is returning to CAFKA after a few years of exploring opportunities in project management, residential construction and most recently, public playground design and construction with Earthscape Play in Wallenstein, Ontario. With a keen interest in public art, performance and community activation, he is focused on logistics, installation, and events.

 

Victoria Kent | Director

Local Business Owner

Victoria Kent owns the Yeti Cafe, a community hub and grassroots venue in Downtown Kitchener founded in 2012. Victoria previously worked as a media librarian, DJ and scenic painter. This is her third term on the CAFKA board, with a focus on fundraising and events. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jo Snyder | Secretary

Details forthcoming!

 

Ginger Whitney | Fundraising Chair

Real Estate Broker

Ginger Whitney is a Real Estate Broker, Vice President and Managing Partner at WHITNEY & Company Realty in the Region of Waterloo. With 11 years of experience, 2 international designations and being a 5th generation WHITNEY realtor Ginger has established herself as a real estate entrepreneur. Ginger is focused on helping local companies grow their businesses and getting more involved with the community. Joining CAFKA’s Board provides an opportunity for Ginger to contribute her knowledge and expertise towards the ongoing development of the thriving local arts culture. Ginger has a keen interest in architecture, design, photography, contemporary art, music, dance, commerce and fitness. In her spare time Ginger enjoys outside activities that include - photography, walking her dogs, cross country skiing and downhill skiing.
 

Shannon Stehr | Programming Chair

Artist

Shannon Stehr (she/her) is an interdisciplinary artist, curator and educator based in Kitchener. She holds a BFA from the University of Waterloo and a post-graduate certificate in Museum Management & Curatorship from Fleming College. Shannon is an active member of the Waterloo Potters Workshop, the maker behind Pot Liquor Ceramics, and works as the Programs Assistant & Ceramic Studio Technician at Homer Watson House & Gallery. Her work often reflects on her connections to outport Newfoundland and Treaty 7 Territory/Alberta, including the geology, flora, and cultural futures of these regions. Shannon also uses her printmaking and quilt-making practices to foster cross-generational learning and healing.

 

Wen Li | Director

Artist / Engineer before 2012

Wen Li is a multi-media artist. She received her BFA from the University of Waterloo. Wen originally trained and worked as an engineer in China, and now merges her cultural heritage with Western art training in her art practice. Intrigued by unintentional and unpredictable forms, she incorporates these visual elements into her art through a process guided by chance. Having volunteered at several CAFKA events before joining the board, Wen is hoping to contribute to the local art scene at various levels.