June 13, 2017

Welcome to Our New Gallery Manager, Christie Lim!

Please join us in welcoming Christie Lim to the ArtStarts team as our new Gallery Manager!

Welcome, Christie! Please tell us a little about yourself.

I am passionate about celebrating the arts as an essential part of everyone’s lives—starting from childhood! I have been involved in visual and performing arts for as long as I can remember. I completed my BFA at Emily Carr University, and furthered my studies in Textile Art and Surface Design at Capilano University and abroad. I love to cook, write and explore. I’m also rediscovering my love for singing!

Why were you interested in joining the ArtStarts team? 

ArtStarts is an organization that creates opportunities for young people to learn, play and grow through the arts. I wholeheartedly share this philosophy. I am thrilled to offer my background in art instruction, program coordination and experience working at various non-profit arts associations to my new role here as Gallery Manager.

Where did art start for you? 

Art, music and dance have always been an important part of my life. One of my oldest memories was of playtime at preschool. There were stations set up throughout the day for free playtime, and I could always be found at the craft table making paper jewelry or drawing animals.

How do you define creativity? How does creativity play a role in your life today?

Creativity is a quality that everyone possesses. To me, creativity is the ability to turn something into something else—in your own way. This may manifest as a thought into words or a drawing, or an object being used in a new way—the possibilities are endless. Whether it be cooking dinner, the way we dress or how you sign a greeting card—creativity is a part of everyday life.

How do you feel that young people and/or families benefit from participating in the arts? 

Art is fun. Art makes you ask questions. Art challenges. Art allows you to reflect. Art makes you look closely. Art is an outlet for expression. Art brings people together.

What are you looking forward to you in your new role at ArtStarts? 

We are launching a brand new series of free art workshops, held on the first three Saturdays of each month, called ArtStarts Explores! Workshops will be led by our fabulous Gallery Coordinator and Installer, Kay! The focus will be on exploring art and material, diving into process and experimenting. Stay tuned for more details!

What kind of experience do you hope ArtStarts Gallery visitors will have? 

I hope visitors come away from our exhibitions feeling inspired—and excited to create projects of their own! I aim to create dialogue and conversation between art and viewer, family and family, neighbour and stranger, that will spark new ideas about who we are as individuals and a community.