Board of Directors
Meet the Board of Directors
The Manitoba Arts Network operates under the auspices of a Board of Directors, which consists of a four-member executive and eight regional representatives from different areas of the province.
Katharine Kingdon
Chair
Westman Regional Rep,
Minnedosa Performing Arts Committee
Katharine has sat on the MAN board since 2017, working as a rep for the Westman region and now as Board chair. Retiring from a career as a band teacher, she now farms full-time with her husband south of Minnedosa. In her “past” life Katharine sat on the Heritage Coop Board (lead 4-H), and was a founding member of the Minnedosa Performing Arts Committee in 1991 and is still active with this group. Family, quilting, gardening, and supporting live music are her passions.
Judy Dandridge
Vice-Chair
Parkland Regional Rep,
Wasagaming Arts Committee
Growing up in rural Manitoba, Judy’s mother, sisters, and she were involved in the arts that formed the backdrop for community events and social gatherings and built the foundation for future careers. Participating in dance, vocal solo or choir groups, theatre performances, visual arts or fibre arts was the norm in her home community. She has fond memories of those who provided time, knowledge, and support allowing these activities to become tangible.
Influenced by these memories, Judy believes in the importance of actively contributing to one’s community. Wasagaming Community Arts has been an integral part of the many summers spent at RMNP. In support, she became a long-time volunteer with Wasagaming Community Arts and brought her administrative acumen to the role of President from 2018 – 2023. Continuing her WCA membership, she serves as Past President.
Judy enjoys creating and exploring with fibre using color and texture to produce satisfying results. She regularly meets with a Brandon based group interested in delving into fibre and new techniques.
Judy serves as Secretary for the Manitoba Arts Network Board of Directors. Closer to home, she is the Chair of Family Visions Inc. which is a non-profit organization that supports adults with intellectual disabilities by providing residential and day services for individuals residing in Brandon, Manitoba.
Tara Schellenberg
Performing Arts Coordinator,
Steinbach Arts Council
Tara Schellenberg has a deep passion for the performing arts and arts administration. After earning her Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Manitoba, Tara dedicated years to working in visual effects and film production management at Frantic Films, Prime Focus, and Buffalo Gal Pictures. She is delighted to contribute to the arts community in her hometown of Steinbach. When she is not fulfilling her responsibilities at the Steinbach Arts Council, you can find her teaching piano, participating in various vocal ensembles in town, chasing after her children, or crocheting with a cat on her lap.
Kelly Murray
Board Chair,
Winnipeg River Arts Council
Kelly Murray is an experienced community leader and board member with over 30 years of governance experience across arts, education, and public service organizations. She currently serves as the Board Chair of the Winnipeg River Arts Council, where she has helped strengthen local arts initiatives and organizational capacity. Her extensive background includes leadership roles with the Manitoba Library Association, Eastern Manitoba Library Administrators, and multiple community-based cultural and recreational boards. Known for her strategic thinking and collaborative approach, Kelly brings a deep understanding of nonprofit operations, financial management, and community engagement.
Throughout her career, Kelly has combined her administrative expertise with a passion for accessibility and inclusion in the arts and education sectors. Her professional experience as Secretary-Treasurer and Library Administrator at Bibliothèque Allard Regional Library demonstrates her ability to oversee financial systems, policy development, and grant management while fostering vibrant community programming. With a Certification in Manitoba Municipal Administration and a proven record of board governance, Kelly continues to contribute her leadership and mentorship to organizations that enrich Manitoba’s cultural and civic life.
Rrain Prior
Westman Rep
Artist, News and Events NACTV
A lifelong participant in the arts, Rrain Prior has been the Director of Programming at ArtsForward, organizing classes, performances, exhibitions and other programs as well as summer camps, festivals, and other arts and cultural experiences. She also serves on the local boards of the Margaret Laurence Home, a Level II museum in Margaret Laurence’s childhood home; NACTV, Neepawa’s local cable access television station; and the Neepawa Public Library advisory committee. She was production editor of the journal Transformative Works and Cultures from 2011 to 2020 and formerly served on the board of the Association of Community Theatres of Manitoba.
Rrain is an avid choral singer with the local community choir as well as Rainbow Harmony Project, and an active participant in the Neepawa visual arts and theatre communities.
Dave Roberts
Dave Roberts is an accomplished board and community leader based in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. He currently serves on the Board of Prairie Fusion Arts & Entertainment, where he has completed three years of service, including two as President. His governance experience spans multiple organizations, including the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation, the Portage Rotary Club, and Kin Canada, where he has held national and district leadership roles. Dave is passionate about good governance, strategic planning, and fostering collaboration within organizations.
While not formally trained in the arts, Dave has a deep appreciation for Indigenous art, music, and storytelling. He was named Citizen of the Year for The Pas in 2015 and has been recognized as a three-time Kinsmen of the Year and Kin Canada Life Member. A lifelong community builder, Dave brings experience, integrity, and enthusiasm to every organization he serves.
Janet Head
Member at Large
Opaskwayak Cree Nation
Health Support Worker
Throughout her career, Janet has specialized in using arts for trauma-informed care, providing support to families in Manitoba First Nation Communities, particularly those affected by grief and loss. She has facilitated sharing circles, offered trauma counseling, and conducted presentations on intergenerational residential school impacts, lateral kindness, and grief.
Her employment history includes roles at Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, Inc., Cree Nation Tribal Health, and Eyaakeen Healing Centre, where she provided emotional support, facilitated workshops, and managed community development activities. Currently residing Opaskwayak Cree Nation (north of 53rd parallel), Manitoba she has also worked for the Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, and Indian Council of First Nations of Manitoba.
Crystal Woodward
Executive Director,
Flin Flon Arts Council
Crystal Woodward was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. They hold a Mental Health and Wellness Diploma from the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology (SIIT), as well as a Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety from Saskpolytech.
They have explored multiple areas of art, including learning five musical instruments and practicing visual arts such as watercolor and acrylic painting.
Opeyemi Matthew Olukotun
Opeyemi Olukotun was born in Ipetu Ijesha, Osun State, Nigeria, in 1989. He earned a Bachelor of Technology in Fine and Applied Arts from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology in 2012. After graduation, he worked as a Creative Arts teacher at a senior secondary school for two years before transitioning to a full-time career in visual arts in 2016.
Fascinated by human anatomy, he explores movement, facial expressions, and proportions in his work, using harmonious colors and expressionistic techniques to depict the human form. His signature style includes visible sketchy lines, creating a sense of flow and connectivity in his subjects. Constantly refining his drawing and painting skills, his work has evolved into series such as “Okada” (commercial bikers), “Night,” “Market,” and portraits.
He has exhibited in several group shows and competitions in Nigeria, Canada, and internationally.
Jenny Smirl
Central Rep,
Pembina Hills Arts Coucil
Jennifer Smirl has worked as a studio ceramicist and painter for over 20 years. She finished her studies at the School of Art in 2007 and has exhibited in Winnipeg and across Canada. She works both in functional and abstract stoneware and currently is focusing on stoneware and raku firing.