Since Linda developed the concept of a "one-stop" performing arts centre in 1990, it has grown to become a highly respected centre for the arts that offers students from infancy to adult the opportunity to develop their creativity through music, art, drama and dance.
Linda is a pianist and music teacher with over 35 years of teaching experience, she has an extensive background in dance and for several years early in her career worked as an Administrative Assistant for the Vancouver School Board. She has become a respected entrepreneur, teacher and administrator who has the ability to communicate effectively with students and parents alike and takes a personal interest in the all-around development of all the school's students. Her piano students continually achieve First Class Honors results in examinations and consistently place in competitive festivals.
Linda currently serves as President of the Kelly Kirby Music Society, a group of teachers who specialize in teaching "The Kelly Kirby Piano Method", a program specifically designed for children ages 4-8 years and which has been taught in Canada and around the world for over sixty years. Linda is soon to receive ownership of the Kelly Kirby copyright and management of the program and its distribution from the existing owners who have chosen her to continue the legacy.
For several years, Linda has been appointed by Richmond City Council to serve as Chair of Childcare Development Advisory Committee and is recognized as a leader in the community in areas of arts education and childcare.
In March 2007, Linda won her third Ethel Tibbits "Woman of the Year Award" (in the 'Business' category). This makes her the first woman to have won the award for a third time. Her previous awards were for 'Business' (1999), 'Arts' (2002). In October 2003, Linda was honored to be awarded the Richmond Chamber of Commerce and City of Richmond "Award of Excellence" as "Entrepreneur of the Year" for her contributions towards quality childcare and arts programming for children.
Linda has also been a nominee for numerous other awards, including the 2003 award for "Community Service", the 2004 Volunteer Richmond Awards, and the 2009 Richmond Arts Awards.
Her extensive involvement in the community has also included serving as a volunteer in numerous capacities: Vice-President of The Community Arts Council of Richmond (CACR), Chair of Centre Stage Youth Performance Society, a member of the City of Richmond's Parks, Recreational and Cultural Services Task Force (2003), and the Richmond Arts Strategy Task Force (2002/03). Linda currently continues her work with the CACR and The Arts Connection serves as a corporate sponsor to assist this 40 year old arts organization to continue its valuable work in the community. In addition, she is an executive committee member for the 'Nite of Hope', Richmond's annual fundraising event for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
Michael Shirley
Michael brings over 30 years of hands-on experience in visual
merchandising, display, and administration from national retail chain
stores and holds numerous awards from national corporations for his
display work. Michael has studied painting with Joyce Kamikura and
Brent Heighton and enjoys sharing his skills with adults and children
alike. Michael has served on the board of The Community Arts Council of Richmond and is currently manager of their gift shop (Artisans Galleria), located in Steveston Village.