Join us on May 24 for a concert and visual arts activity - just for adults! Find out More
This season’s Youth Arts Council (YAC) is comprised of 10 engaging and inspiring youth from grade 9 – 12 who are keen to encourage other youth to participate in the arts.
Yumi Lee, President
My name is Yumi and I’m a 10th grade student at Centennial Secondary School. I’m passionate about art and supporting the community. Being a part of the Youth Arts Council further enables me to share my passion and creativity. In addition to expanding on my current skills, I want to also be able to develop and explore new skills such as leadership and teamwork. I enjoy being a part of a community with many talented peers, and I look forward to future meetings and events.
Ciara McLean, Vice President
I am a grade 10 student at Riverside Secondary School who has always loved to try different art mediums such as pottery, watercolour and collage. I enjoy listening to new genres of music as well as playing them myself (I play piano). I am excited to share my interests in art with like-minded individuals. This is my first year in the YAC or any council for that matter, but I am ready to learn new skills such as leadership and to strengthen other skills such as communication and collaboration. I am looking forward to seeing the projects we do this year and in the years to come.
Michelle Yoon, Director of External Relations
Hi, my name is Michelle Yoon, and I am an IB diploma student at Port Moody Secondary School. I like doing all forms of visual art (painting, drawing, charcoal, etc.), and music such as saxophone or piano. I have previous experience volunteering at Place des Arts and hope to contribute and build my leadership skills here through the Youth Arts Council.
Raya Krastev, Director of Internal Relations
I am a grade 12 student at Dr. Charles Best Secondary School. I’ve been a student at Place des Arts since I was 7. I’ve taken classes in everything from recorder lessons to 2D art to ceramics and guitar. This is my first year as a member of the Youth Arts Council and I’m thrilled for the activities and events we will organize. I love volunteering, especially in my community of Maillardville, such as the yearly Festival du Bois at Mackin Park. I also gained leadership and collaboration skills from the many school clubs I’ve participated in, most notably being one of the current leaders of my school’s French Club and tutoring young kids at the Poirier Library.
Harjas Bedi, Director of Marketing
Harjas is a senior at Pinetree Secondary. She is a passionate person who believes in community, empathy and inclusivity. Her favourite hobbies lie in the spheres of psychology, social justice and, of course, art! Outside of Place des Arts, you can find her visiting museums or studying at the library with her friends.
Jacqueline Butler, Director of Marketing
I am a grade 10 student at Centennial Secondary. I was introduced to the world of art and storytelling from a very young age, and it has stuck with me ever since. I cannot think of a time in my life in which I didn’t use art to express myself and my ideas. That is why I look forward to being a part of the Youth Arts Council. But also, because I’ve had trouble connecting with groups of people and opening up throughout my childhood. In the past year or so I’ve been putting effort into branching out and expressing myself more. So that’s why I’m very glad to have the opportunity to be a part of this community.
Katherine Xu, Director of Community Events
Hi, my name is Katherine, and I am a grade 11 student enrolled in the IB programme at Port Moody Secondary School. I enjoy many forms of art including dance, music, and pottery. My love of the arts began at Place des Arts when I started taking dance and music lessons at the age of 5. Now, as a volunteer in the dance department, I see the joy that arts education brings to younger students. I hope that as a part of the Youth Arts Council, I can help encourage a passion for the arts in others.
Eva Ton, Director of Finance
My name is Eva, and I am a 10th-grade student at Centennial Secondary School. I am thrilled to join the Youth Arts Council because my background in drafting, ceramics, drawing and crafts has provided me with a diverse skill set and I’m looking forward to sharing my deep appreciation and passion for art. Working with this creative group of people is an honour as I can take this opportunity to improve my collaboration and leadership skills.
Tamaya Saludo
Hello, my name is Tamaya and I’m in the 10th grade at Centennial Secondary School. I am proud to be part of the Youth Arts Council. I love every form of art such as crafts, dance and music. Art is the one thing I’m the most passionate about and I’m honoured to be a part of Place des Arts’ Youth Arts Council. I’m so excited to share this experience with such talented individuals and I look forward to being a part of this community. I’m anticipating great things to come with my peers in the Youth Arts Council, I hope you are too!
Talar Sazian
Hi! My name is Talar. I am 16 and currently attending Burnaby North Secondary School as a grade 11 student. I enjoy baking sweets, playing video games, cooking food, playing piano and making art! When I was a child, I always immersed myself in drawing and painting; over the years, my love for art has only grown bigger as I started to get into sculpting and pastels. I wish to expand my artistic skills while serving on the Youth Arts Council while also learning about leadership and responsibility. I can’t wait to create amazing memories with you this year!