2025 Our Community Stories

Reza Assadi Sami (he/him/his), who often goes by Reza Sami, joined Place des Arts in winter 2024 through the intermediate wheel throwing program and has since grown both technically and creatively in pottery. Born in Iran and living in Canada for 28 years, he works at BCIT by day but pursues his passion for the arts—especially pottery, painting, and photography—in his free time. Through his work, including his ElephCup series, Reza aims to create pieces that spark connection, emotion, and reflection. He describes Place des Arts as a welcoming, supportive space that inspires experimentation and community. His work can be found on Instagram at @rezaam and on his developing page @elephcup.

Janet Xuan was born in China and moved to Coquitlam as a teenager before studying computer science at SFU. Now a software engineer, she pursues her passion for art through pottery and hopes to one day open her own studio. Janet describes Place des Arts as a welcoming space where she has improved her techniques, found inspiration, and connected with fellow artists.

Eric is a communications professional in the health care industry with a lifelong love for theatre, particularly musical theatre. In his younger years, he danced and acted on stage, but after moving to Canada from the Philippines, starting a family, and settling into everyday life, performing took a back seat. When he discovered Place des Arts’ musical theatre dance classes, Eric decided it was the perfect time to return to what he loves, now that his son is grown and he has more time for himself. Though a little rusty after decades away from choreographed routines, in addition to the in-class instruction, he has been practicing at home as well and feels confident about picking up where he left off. Eric appreciates that Place des Arts provides a judgment-free, supportive, and fun environment to re-learn and strengthen his skills. He looks forward to continuing his journey by attending more musical theatre, dance, and acting classes.

Brian began his artistic journey at Place des Arts, enrolling in drawing and painting classes with the intention of pursuing a hobby. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, he acquired valuable skills that transformed his perspective on art. What started as a pastime evolved into a profound passion, leading Brian to dedicate time each week to painting and drawing. His goal is to exhibit his artwork in galleries, hoping to evoke a range of emotions in viewers worldwide. Reflecting on his journey, Brian shares, "I used to draw as a kid but never thought I would be an artist. I guess life is full of surprises."

Hello, my name is Diana and I’m a Coquitlam local. Professionally, I work as a sterile processing technician, and during my free time I enjoy cooking, reading, listening to music, and hiking. I started my journey with fiber and textile arts as a teenager with simple cross stitch kits from Dollarama and since then have explored drafting my own patterns for cross stitch, embroidery, sewing, and weaving. I draw inspiration for most of my projects from my ethnic background and use traditional Guatemalan and Mexican embroidery pieces as references. Through PdA, I enrolled in the rigid heddle weaving class and was taught how to weave using a small loom and create scarves that my family and I use every day during the winter season! What I love about PdA is that they provide everything you need in addition to being taught by their excellent instructors. Whether I am in class or at home, I have the materials and equipment on loan that I can use to continue creating projects. I look forward to exploring future classes at PdA and expressing my creativity through different art forms!

My name is Dianna Walkden (Coach Dee!). I am currently taking the full year Jazz/Lyrical and Tap classes at PdA. I started taking the sessional hip hop classes once PdA reopened after COVID-19. After a few rounds in 2022 I joined the Jazz/Lyrical competitive class and have been doing it every year since. This year I started Tap and I’ve fallen in love with dance again! I grew up in Langley but have been living in the Tri-cities area for some time now. I grew up dancing as a kid but stopped in high school when I started prioritizing schoolwork. PdA has given me the opportunity to come back to dance. I’m currently a personal trainer specializing in pregnancy, postnatal fitness and pelvic health, and I love how dance reminds me to take care of my body and to keep movement fun and creative! My hobby is dance, but I also enjoy paddleboarding in the summer, getting out in nature, lifting weights, playing guitar and watching movies. My biggest goal is to improve my tap skills which are coming along nicely with PdA, and also to improve my overall strength. All the staff and teachers at PdA are so encouraging and kind, and it’s become a place of community and connection. I’ve been dancing with the same group of women for a few years now and it’s become a safe and fun space for all of us to let loose, challenge ourselves and lean on each other (especially when the pre-show jitters kick in hard!). It’s also been so rewarding to see my progress since I’ve returned to dance. Coming back to it after a 20-year break was pretty humbling, but I know I’ve improved a lot over the last few years. If you’d like to get in touch, my personal training business is called Coach Dee Fitness (@coachdee_fitness on IG) and I’m currently taking on new 1-1 clients.

My name is Rose Kapp and I sign my work as “Roszay”. My first artistic connection to PdA was when I participated in “Positively Petite” in 2013. I have presented in this group show ever since; additionally, I have also presented in another group exhibit and held my solo show “Character Building” in 2019. I attend as many art openings as possible and volunteer on the PdA Scholarship Committee. I am originally from Edmonton and our family moved to the Tri-Cities in 1996, currently residing in Coquitlam. I am a professionally educated graphic designer/illustrator (ACA 1980). Which probably doesn’t mean too much now as the industry has changed drastically over the years. I did pick up skills in computer-aided design, but I still draw with a mouse(!) as I’m not fussed to invest in the time and money to learn a modern tablet and stylus. I like to create with hand media (take that AI!). I am known for my “Worry Bird” cartoons, wonky building paintings, illustrated maps, custom colouring pages as well as realistic portraits of animals and people. Recently, I have started a new series of works that I hope will be the start of another solo exhibit in the future. I am a local arts advocate, founding an artists’ network/salon called “Creative People Talking” in 2014. The group meets in-person monthly for live discussions and on Facebook, sharing opportunities for creatives across genres. I am also a member of ArtsConnect, the Tri-City arts umbrella group; the Art Shuffle (Port Moody art walk); and a Tri-City professional arts group called “Everybody Start Something”. Building a vibrant artistic community is important to me and I do what I can to bring artists together. I like that Place des Arts is a welcoming place for creatives and I love the friendly atmosphere. I have had wonderful interactions with fellow artists and the staff at PdA are supportive and helpful of the creative process.

My name is Brian, and I love nature and emotional expression in all its forms. I used to draw a lot when I was a kid and teenager but never really thought of taking art classes. After graduating University I worked as an ESL instructor for a while and I started looking at art classes since it was out of my comfort zone. Place des Arts stood out to me, so I decided to take a Charcoal class. It was an eye opener because once you begin learning drawing skills and techniques you see the world differently. My hobbies are volunteering, music, painting, acting and drawing. One of my goals is to be a professional artist and have my drawings or paintings at an art gallery. I really appreciate the guidance and kindness of my instructors, Cara and Stan. Drawing and painting classes at Place des Arts have been really meaningful for me since I learned how to express my emotions through art.

My name is Dmitri and I have a long and meaningful connection with Place des Arts. It all began in 2005 when my first son attended group piano lessons for young children. In 2007, I decided to start learning piano myself—for the first time in my life—at the age of 38, studying with Garth Preston. Since then, all three of my sons have taken piano lessons and attended summer camps at PdA, and my wife even explored weaving. I was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and moved to Canada in 2000. Professionally, I specialize in spatial data transformation, with a recent focus on Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence. Outside of work, my biggest passion is playing the piano, especially bossa nova and jazz standards. I also love hiking with my dogs and have explored all the trails above Port Moody on the North Shore. My only goal with music is simple—to enjoy playing what I love. What I appreciate most about PdA is the atmosphere—the sounds of musical instruments, excited kids running to their lessons, inspiring exhibits of both established and young artists, and the charming little store in the corner. Everything about the space fosters creativity and encourages me to explore new artistic endeavors. I even hope to one day discover a talent for watercolor painting! Image: From L to R: Dmitri Bagh, teacher Garth Preston, Dmitri’s son

Hi, I’m Shambhavi Sohani! I’m a communications professional from Coquitlam, BC, currently looking for new opportunities. I love drawing, painting, making crafts for home decor, and singing. My first experience with Place des Arts was at Family Day 2024, and it was such a wonderful time with my toddler. It gave us so many great ideas for creative activities to do together during the holidays! If you’re looking for a fun and inspiring way to spend quality time with your family, Place des Arts is the perfect place to explore, create, and connect. There’s something for everyone!

2025 Our Community Stories

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