2024 Our Community Stories

February 20, Yoshi Hisanaga: Another amazing Artist in Residence has graced our centre! We were blown away by the talent and breaking skills of our students during their workshop with instructor Yoshi Hisanaga. For those who may not know, breaking (or breakdancing) originated in the streets of New York in the 1970s and has evolved into a dynamic dance sport that combines urban dance with incredible athleticism. During the workshop, students learned the fundamentals of breaking, including “top rocks” (standing elements), “footwork” (floor elements), and “freezes” (acrobatic elements). Not only did they learn the moves, but they also delved into the rich and diverse history of this urban dance style. So proud of our students for expanding their skills and knowledge with this unique form of expression. ARTIST ~ Yoshi Hisanaga Yoshi is a versatile and innovative Hip hop dancer/ b-boy who values the integrity of Hip Hop culture and Hip Hop dance. Yoshi is a passionate teacher who believes in sharing his knowledge with whoever is interested in the art form. Dancing since 1999, He has travelled and trained all over the world in Breaking, Hip Hop, Popping, Locking, House, Jazz, and Hustle. His passion and dedication to the art can be seen performing or battling with his crews Over the Influence, Robson800 and Rhythm Recall. He is an award-winning choreographer and has represented Canada at the Hip hop International Championships in the summer of 2007 in LA and 2008 in Vegas. He is also the winner of the World of Dance Vancouver Hip Hop battle. Thank you to the Hamber Foundation for helping us provide accessible opportunities for local children to experience the arts by supporting our February Artist in Residence.

March 1, Dee Dee Prince: My family immigrated from El Salvador to Coquitlam where I was born and raised. I always loved dancing but didn’t have the means to afford it when I was a kid so as an adult, I’m now living that childhood dream. After having my second child, I realized I wasn’t as flexible as I once was and my stamina was garbage, so I decided to take a ballet class nearby, which had always been on my bucket list. And I found the one being offered by Place des Arts at Evergreen. The year after I had my third child, the adult class became a full-year program and we were able to perform at the year-end recital which was very exciting. A few years later, our adult classes were able to enter competitions and that had been the absolute highlight. It has really solidified a bond between everyone in our class. We’ve been able to form a community where we will go to shows together outside of class, have potlucks and even do secret Santa! Our family loves Place des Arts. I have signed up both my daughters for dance classes and my son is taking drum lessons. We love the variety of classes offered and the instructors who love what they do! We are so proud to be a part of you and your families artistic journey Dee Dee!

March 15, Belén Gil-Hernandez: Ending the week on a sweet note with a heartwarming story from one of our amazing young community members! Their creativity and kindness never cease to amaze us. Let’s spread some positivity and inspiration together! Belén Gil-Hernandez (She/Her/Hers) Hola! My name is Belén Gil-Hernandez; I am 9 years old. I am of Colombian and Italian descent. I connect with many areas of my cultural background from language and traditions to music and food. I live in Coquitlam with my mom, my dad and my younger sister, Siena, who is 7 years old. My sister and I play together all the time! I also love playing with my dog, Paloma! When I am not in my cartooning class at Place des Arts, I enjoy doing math, reading, writing and inventing new animations. My goal is to enrol in more drawing classes to explore various drawing techniques and to gain understanding through step-by-step guides for drawing animals. I have studied piano and a total of three semesters of cartooning at Place des Arts. Place des Arts gives me a platform for self-expression and inspiration to work with like-minded students and artists. — Your creativity deserves a space to bloom, and we’re thrilled that Place des Arts can be that place for you! Whether you’re a budding artist or just looking to express yourself, our warm and welcoming classes are waiting for you.

April 5, Palak Dhiman: For our next feature, we have a very special guest, Palak Dhiman! @dhimpalak is the talented artist performing in this weekend’s Traditional India Series, The Art of Kathak (Indian Classical Dance) in collaboration with Bandish Network Society. In addition to the performance, Palak is also teaching an introductory Kathak workshop. Get to know the artist behind our upcoming performance & workshop. Palak Dhiman (She/Her/Hers) My name is Palak Dhiman and I am a Kathak dance artist originally from Winnipeg, who now calls Vancouver home. I started learning Kathak at the age of 6 on a family trip to India. Upon returning home to Canada, I continued practicing and with encouragement from my family, started performing and sharing what I had learned in various venues. My journey of sharing knowledge about Kathak and raising awareness and representation of this art form began from the early age of 7 and is something that I continue to be passionate about. Eventually I was fortunate to have found my guru, teacher and lifelong mentor, Usha Sharma ji, with whom I was able to continue my learning and growth in Kathak for over two decades. With her guidance, I had the chance to learn the art form in more depth and start to explore my own unique creativity in it. My involvement with Kathak is what led me to pursue learning the ancient ‘Natya Shastra Karana,’ classical yoga, ‘taal vidya’ and I am receiving training in Hindustani vocals. I have found that all these other art forms have helped me to understand Kathak and my own artistic expression more deeply. Through my artistic journey, I aspire to continue to draw on Kathak, Indian movement vocabulary and storytelling, as ways of connecting and sharing meaningful ideas with audiences and the broader public in Canada and globally. What do you love about PdA? PdA has provided me with a wonderful opportunity to showcase my art in a way that is authentic to myself as Kathak dance artist. Particularly the incredible staff at PdA have been so warm and welcoming and have made the environment supportive and inspiring.

April 19, Natalie Schuler: Introducing the next story in the Our Community series – the talented exhibiting artist, Natalie Schuler! Get to know the creative mind behind the stunning artwork. From her unique style to her inspirations, we’re diving deep into the world of this professional artist. Natalie Schuler (she/her) I’m Natalie. I currently call Bowen Island, BC, my home. I earned my Bachelor of Applied Art (Visual Communications) from Medicine Hat College in 2012. For the better part of the decade, I dedicated myself to a career as a graphic designer, transitioning in 2019 to focus predominantly on my passion for art. Around that time, I embarked on a transformative journey into the realm of breathwork, eventually completing my training as a breathwork facilitator. During my free time, you’ll often find me exploring Bowen’s scenic trails, cycling, participating in women’s circles and nurturing a rich spiritual life through meditation and engagement with oracle cards. I actively seek out breathwork events, fostering meaningful connections along the way. My artistic endeavours aim to create a profound impact, inviting viewers to experience a connection within themselves that extends beyond the visual. I envision my work being felt with the entire body, not just the eyes. As I progress, I aspire to conduct workshops that encourage fresh perspectives through an abstract lens. I firmly believe in the inherent creativity within everyone, and my goal is to inspire change by challenging preconceptions and encouraging alternative solutions. What do I love about PdA? I really love how community-minded Place des Arts is. and that you bring creativity to the community of Coquitlam. Places like PdA are integral and necessary. — We are honoured to be a centre that can inspire the arts in everyone. Thank you, Natalie, for your kind words. Don’t miss viewing Natalie’s exhibition in person at Place des Arts on now until May 23. https://placedesarts.ca/events/natalie-schuler-the-first-breath/ Artwork: Dynamic Shifts by @natalieschulerart

May 3, Natasha Skrebsky: May is here and we’re kicking off the month with another inspiring story from our amazing community! Meet the lovely Natasha Skrebsky, who has not only taken our Expressive Brushworks workshop but also brought her middle school class to Place des Arts multiple times. From art to drama to music, our Artist in Residence workshops leave a lasting impact, thanks to our dedicated teachers. And if that’s not enough, Natasha also signed up for our Monday morning music classes with her baby. Talk about a fun bonding experience! Let’s give a warm welcome to Natasha, our talented and friendly community member. Natasha Skrebsky I am from Cornwall, Ontario and moved to Coquitlam about 10 years ago. I came to Coquitlam to work as a French Immersion teacher. My favourite hobbies include painting (oil paints), playing the piano, skiing and hiking. My goal is to paint original pieces of art one day. I enjoy painting various scenes including flowers, faces, skiers and landscapes. What do you love about PdA? OR How does PdA connect you to your creativity? What I love about PdA is their wide range of courses and workshops for both adults and kids. PdA connects me to my creativity by giving me the ability to learn something new and to exchange ideas with other artists in the community. We are beyond thrilled to be a part of your artistic journey! Thank you for spreading your love for the arts with us and the rest of the world. Your creativity inspires us and we can’t wait to see where it takes you next.

May 17, Brianna Klassen: Our next our community story may be a familiar face! Brianna has participated and assisted another PdA teacher, Cyd Eva, with her at events. We are excited to shine a light on Brianna and her amazing work. Brianna is an artist whose work unfolds her authentic path of suffering, healing and rejoicing. Born and raised in Coquitlam, her art has taken her around the world and back again in exploration of multiple media. Different states of mind have woven her work through periods: As a painter, she exhibited out of a Gaston studio producing surrealist dreamscapes of texture and colour. As a textile designer, she lived in Bangalore, India designing and assisting fashion houses with elaborate and psychedelic surface pattern designs. As a fashion designer, she started her own vibrant and comfortable fashion brand, ‘Glad I Exist’. Eventually she joined Pattern Nation, a collaborative art project with PdA colleague Cyd Eva and co-creator Costa Besta. Her runway pieces are mostly up-cycled, colourful and sparkly. These days, her artistic medium of choice is music. She has performed with her sound bowls and original songs at various art events around the Lower Mainland. She is currently recording her debut home studio album under the moniker ‘Mend’. Brianna is happy to be teaching ‘Flower Power Botanical Art’ and ‘Dress to Express: Razzle Bedazzle’ this July at PdA’s Summer Fun! Camps. What do you love about PdA? OR How does PdA connect you to your creativity? Place des Arts was the foundation of my childhood art education. Now that I’m a mom, I have the pleasure of watching my daughter attend her first art classes at Place des Arts just like I did! My favourite part of teaching at PdA is collaborating with co-creator Cyd. Together, Cyd and I have been painting murals, designing for the runway, exhibiting and teaching together for over 15 years.

June 7, Surnoor Singh: It’s time for another Our Community story and this one is about someone you may see every day at our registration desk. Meet Surnoor Singh, one of our amazing and talented Registration Clerks! But wait, there’s more to him than just helping you sign up for classes. Surnoor is also a talented artist and his work is currently on display at Place des Arts’ Community Exhibition. We are so excited for you to get to know Surnoor and his passion for art. So next time you’re at our registration desk, strike up a conversation and get to know the man behind the desk and his beautiful artwork. Surnoor is a landed immigrant in Canada from Punjab (India). He was brought up in a rural Punjabi area, in a working-class family where he took up painting as a young boy to cultivate his unique desire to create. Through academic influences and surrounding life, Surnoor began painting en plein air with watercolours. Taking influence from the surrounding day-to-day life, his work continues to evolve. In Canada, his works are exhibited across different venues in Metro Vancouver. He has secured winning positions in major local plein air painting competitions including Paint on the Mountain (British Pacific Properties) and Grand Prix of Art (Steveston). He is active as a watercolour instructor regularly leading workshops with North Van Arts, Phoenix Arts Workshop, Silk Purse Art Gallery and more. Artist Statement I want my audience to look at my work and take it for what it is. Painting is a visual phenomenon. Seeing marks on canvas evokes a certain sensitivity in us. To be a witness to this sensitivity is to do justice to a painting. We’ve become so attached to the material that we discard the presence of the metaphysical. The elusive is present, surrounding us everywhere. Its presence is so strong that not seeing it is hard once we’ve looked at it. Painting provides a curated opportunity to witness the inner, the mysterious and the transcendental. Don’t miss exploring Surnoor’s artwork at our Place des Arts’ Community Exhibition on now until June 20.

June 24, Mary Reagh: Happy Friday Everyone! I don’t even know where to begin with the next Our Community story! It’s heartwarming and a true testament to the experience we wish to create at Place des Arts for everyone who walks through our doors. Thank you, Mary, for sharing your story. — My name is Mary Reagh. I’ve been taking pottery classes at Place des Arts for the past three years with Dan Severance. I accurately describe myself as a “perpetual beginner” in the field of pottery, but I’ve learned that is perfectly ok at Place des Arts. There is a wonderful community here of artists, instructors, staff and students who are always patient, welcoming and supportive. My favourite pottery creations so far have been the swinging planters in the photograph. I am a Social Worker. I retired from my work with the Ministry of Child and Family Development almost seven years ago. My husband and I have lived in Coquitlam since 1991 and we were fortunate to raise our three children here. We now have five (soon to be six) grandchildren who bring us great joy and keep us busy! Place des Arts has become a place for me to just have fun and be creative. It is both a place of peace and a social outlet. I look forward to my time at Place des Arts each week and I am forever grateful that I decided to sign up for that pottery class three years ago. — Stories like Mary’s embody the vision and mission of Place des Arts to inspire the artist in everyone. We hope you continue to have fun exploring, creating and expressing yourself with us.

July 4, Fanny IP: As a community, we are constantly amazed by the stories that our members share with us. Each one is unique, heartwarming and inspiring in its own way. Today, we are excited to feature the story of Fanny Ip, a community member who reignited her passion and discovered a whole new world of creativity! Fanny Ip I was born in Hong Kong, and I immigrated to Canada in 1992. Throughout my life, I have been fascinated with Chinese watercolour painting. The interest was cultivated during my childhood years; but I did not pursue it until later. Once I settled down in Richmond, I rekindled my passion of Chinese watercolour painting and started taking lessons. There are two critical methods of Chinese watercolour paintings, one is Gongbi which uses fine brushwork plus close attention to detail. The second method is Xieyi which is freehand brushwork to express the artist’s conception, characterized by a simple style and bold outline. The paper being used are various types of Xuan paper, also known as rice paper, and made of indigenous plant materials such as bamboo, hemp, mulberry bark, etc. I use both spontaneous style painting and detailed style painting. The combination of these two methods is exciting and challenging. It pushes the boundaries of the conventional Chinese painting style. I try to paint not only on paper but also on pottery, rocks and fabrics using the extraordinary Chinese brushes, ink and different types of watercolours. I visit Place des Arts regularly because my grandkids take art and dance classes. I am always looking for new ideas for painting and Place des Arts has prompted me to register for a glaze chemistry class to learn more about how the glazed surface of the ceramics affects the painting results. The instructor, Vin Arora has been so kind to formulate a special glaze for me to try painting on two ceramic tiles. They came out beautifully after the firing and I am really thankful to him. I hope people will have more understanding of Chinese painting after seeing my artworks.

July 10, Amber Nordstrand: Meet our 2024 Summer Theatre Troupe Set and Costume Designer, Amber Nordstrand – @ambernordstrand.art Based in Vancouver, Amber is an independent artist with a versatile background in filmmaking, performance, production design and traditional art. Holding a BFA in Film Production from SFU’s School for the Contemporary Arts, Amber works as a production designer, art assistant and painter across a diverse range of projects, creating immersive and expressive environments for music videos, commercials and short films. Selected production credits include Haleluya Hailu’s Manic Pixie Pacifist, Peach Pit’s Psychics in LA, and Sun, Moon, and the Four Peaks directed by Kevin Kim, a 2023 VIFF Official Selection, Grand Prix recipient at Montreal’s Cinema de Nouveau 2023, and with its Online Premiere on NOWNESS ASIA. As a self-taught artist, Amber works with gouache and acrylic ink to document abandoned locations across BC and upper Washington. She has displayed work in Port Moody’s Art 4 Life, Maryland Federations of Art’s Small Wonders, and Port Coquitlam’s City Hall Gallery, where her solo exhibition Finally Fall ran from January to April 2024. Her work will be featured at the Silk Purse Art Centre in a group exhibition entitled Take Yourself There from July to August 2024. See this year’s performance of, Winnie the Pooh, at Place des Arts from July 26 – August 4!

July 11, Wendy Unger: Wendy is a stage manager, designer and theatrical technician who came to Vancouver to learn how to transfer her skills from theatre to film but is thrilled to be doing theatre once again. Some of her experience includes regional and summer stock theatre in the US, teaching theatre to youth in the US and South Korea, and a variety of roles on short and independent film productions in Canada. Most recently Wendy stage-managed Handcuffed with Youtheater Movement Society. Wendy is grateful to have the opportunity to work with so many hardworking and talented artists on this production, and thanks all of you for coming to see the show, and for your support of the arts! See this year’s performance of, Winnie the Pooh, at Place des Arts from July 26 – August 4!

July 12, Lorry Badajos: Filipino-Canadian Lorry Badajos is thrilled to join this season’s Summer Theatre Troupe at Place des Arts! A graduate of Douglas College’s Stagecraft Program, Lorry is an emerging Live Events Technician and Stage Manager currently living, working and playing in the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation. Outside of theatre, Lorry can usually be found in a plane, boat or train (and one time on a cart being pulled by a water buffalo) heading over to her next travel adventure. She also likes to spend her time hiking, dabbling in film photography and crying over her favourite fictional characters. Lorry’s production highlights include – Event Technician at Roger’s Arena – Out of this World (2024), We’ll All Be Here Forever (2024), BC Place – Hackney Diamonds (2024), Children’s Chorus Supervisor for the Vancouver Opera’s Carmen (2024), The Magic Flute (2023), Stage Manager for Douglas College Studio’s Unity 1918 (2022), and Assistant Stage Manager – The Ash Girl (2022). See this year’s performance of, Winnie the Pooh, at Place des Arts from July 26 – August 4!

July 14, Vada Collins: The summer theatre season is here and we can’t wait for you to meet our amazing Summer Theatre Troupe – Winnie the Pooh Cast! First up, we have the talented and charming Vada Collins, who will be playing the role of Christopher Robin in our production of Winnie the Pooh. Vada Collins is 16 years old and will soon be starting grade 12. She is thrilled to be playing Christopher Robin in this production of Winnie the Pooh! Vada has been involved in musical theatre for 10 years and is currently a student at the Lindbjerg Academy. Past roles include a Who in Seussical the Musical (Align Entertainment), Plankton in SpongeBob SquarePants (Lindbjerg), Archie in 13 the Musical (Lindbjerg), Lonny in Rock of Ages (Lindbjerg), and Beth/Alice in Our Place (Killarney Mainstage). Vada would like to thank everyone at Place des Arts for this opportunity and she hopes you enjoy visiting the Hundred Acre Wood!

July 15, Hana Lowey: Meet the lovely Hana Lowey, who will be bringing the iconic Winnie the Pooh character to life in our production of Winnie the Pooh. Hana is 17 years old and in his second year of the Summer Theatre Troupe. He’s been a part of musicals like The Prom and Mamma Mia and plays like Game of Tiaras at Gleneagle Secondary, as well as last year’s production of Through the Looking Glass at Place des Arts. Throughout the years, theatre and performance have become a passion for him and is incredibly thankful for the friendships and experiences the summer theatre troupe has created. He’s extremely grateful for the opportunity to perform with an amazing cast and crew this summer at Place des Arts and hopes you enjoy the show!

July 17, Charlie Balser: Introducing our next talented member of the Summer Theatre Troupe – Winnie the Pooh Cast! Say hello to Charlie Balser, who will be bringing the adorable Piglet to life on stage! Charlie is a huge ninja turtle nerd and juggler and he loves to smile and make others laugh while cracking jokes. You would usually find Charlie reading but in the moments he’s not, you can find him playing Zelda with his dad. Charlie has been in his elementary school’s Christmas play, his middle school’s film production and has been in Coquitlam Youth Theatre at Place des Arts for 2 years, where they have performed King Arthur and Once Upon a Pine. If this year has been anything like the past few productions, Charlie is excited and ready to get up on his feet and perform his heart out. Staying positive and having fun while doing it with his fellow actors. See this year’s performance of, Winnie the Pooh, at Place des Arts from July 26 – August 4!

July 18, Tasha Barham: Gather ’round, theatre lovers! It’s time to meet the next member of our amazing Summer Theatre Troupe – Winnie the Pooh Cast. We are beyond excited to introduce you to the talented and spirited Tasha Barham, who will be performing as the lovable Kanga and her adorable little Roo! Tasha is 17 years old and it’s her first time doing the Summer Troupe Theatre. Tasha has been a part of the Coquitlam Youth Theatre (CYT) program at Place des Arts since she was 10 years old. She has also done theatre with Lindberg Academy, Stagecoach and The Stage. Tasha enjoyed learning more techniques and skills with the Summer Troupe Theatre. Tasha worked on the Honey Files with CYT which was based on Winnie the Pooh and came out on YouTube in 2021. She played Roo (changed to Riley) which is a kangaroo who has autism. What Tasha looked forward to while rehearsing in the play, is learning more about the characters. Some of Tasha’s past productions include Aesop’s Fables, The Yellow Bricks of Oz, The Little Mermaid Jr., Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, Dear Edwina Jr., Matilda, Thoroughly Modern Milly, You’re a good man Charlie Brown, The Jungle Book, Oh What a Lovely War, MidSummer Night’s Dream, Unity, King Arthur’s Calamity and Once upon a Pine. Tasha is glad you all get to see the summer play of Winnie the Pooh and hopes that everyone has had a fun experience seeing this play.

July 19, Asher Streat: Lights, camera, action! It’s time to introduce you all to the next member of our Summer Theatre Troupe – Winnie the Pooh Cast! Say hello to the talented, Asher Streat, who will be bringing the character of Rabbit to life. Asher Streat is jubilated to perform in Place des Arts adaptation of Winnie the Pooh. This will be his first time performing outside of Burnaby Mountain Secondary School. This will be a chance for him to foster his skills in performing arts so he can apply it to all areas of life. Asher is looking forward to making kids smile and impressing all his family and friends. Asher is also eternally grateful that he gets to start his work experience and spend his summer doing something he loves (and get paid for it!)

July 19, Margaret Birch: I have been a BC resident my entire life, residing throughout the Lower Mainland and the Kootenays. I am a professional biologist, R.P. Bio., and retired as the City of Coquitlam’s Environmental Coordinator during the spring of 2020 after 11+ years with Environmental Services, Engineering & Public Works. Through my years with the City of Coquitlam, I was involved with Kwikwetlem First Nations, Fisheries & Oceans Canada and the City of Coquitlam in the development of multi-sector collaborative community-based watershed organization, the Coquitlam River Watershed Roundtable, and now as a Society. I continue to provide my support to the Roundtable and its Society as it strives to preserve and enhance the health of the Coquitlam River Watershed through collaboration, education and advisory action. I volunteer for various environmental and community committees, contributing my environmental and work skills. As a semi-retired professional biologist, I also strive to stay healthy and enjoy life with family and give back in-kind from my life experience where I can help in the community. What is your connection to Place des Arts? I have only visited Place des Arts a few times over the years. It’s a pleasant and colourful place to visit. The displays about the building and items in the Artisan shop are special and nice to explore. Place des Arts is a hidden gem in the City of Coquitlam, that offers a wide range of opportunities for the greater community. I hope PdA will continue to be supported so it can operate successfully into the future.

July 20, Dimitra Roatis: Welcome to the spotlight! It’s time to introduce you to the next member of our Summer Theatre Troupe – Winnie the Pooh Cast. Meet Dimitra Roatis, the talented young actress who will be bringing Owl to life. Dimitra has a very loud and charismatic personality. She puts her best foot forward and works her hardest on each project. She is passionate about performing and all artistic things! Dimitra has been in several plays/productions, all of which she has played a vital role. In grade six, she was the lead protagonist in a Christmas play and received glowing reviews. In grade ten, she performed at Metfest in Heritage High, with a main role. She has been taking drama since she was ten and is very comfortable with being on stage and meeting new people. She even does art in her spare time, painting, sketching and even dabbling in digital arts. She is a versatile actor who can do anything you throw at her!

July 21, Carys Woolford: Our Summer Theatre Troupe Winnie the Pooh Cast is complete with the addition of the talented Carys Woolford as Eeyore. Join us in welcoming Carys! Carys is super excited for her first year at Place des Arts in Winnie the Pooh. Her most recent role was Gretchen in Mean Girls and before that, she played so many interesting characters including Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka, Olaf in Frozen, Pinocchio in Shrek and many more. She is ready to take the stage and bring the classic stories of Winnie the Pooh to life! See this year’s performance of, Winnie the Pooh, at Place des Arts from July 26 – August 4!

2024 Our Community Stories

Click through our gallery to explore the wide breadth of stories from different members of our Place des Arts community!