Jessica Wardle-Twitchen

Senior Art Consultant

Jessica grew up in the historic county of Oxfordshire, England, before moving to Whistler for a life of world-class, part time mountain riding and full time art consulting!

“I studied Fine Art at university in Bristol. With the city being a hub for the culture and arts scene in England, myself and nine others set up Latch, a gallery that aimed to provide a platform for emerging artists to showcase their practice. Finding an artwork you love is rare to find. So, assisting people acquire beautiful works to bring them daily joy and inspiration is my favourite part about being an art consultant.”

Drink of Choice: There’s some things Canadians do get right - one of them being a Caesar with extra celery salt!

Jenna Shamoon

Senior art Consultant

Jenna came over to Whistler Contemporary Gallery from Hamilton, Ontario. After graduating from York University with an MA in Art History, Jenna worked as an independent curator creating exhibitions in Hamilton and Toronto, and has also worked in public galleries and in the field of fine art appraisal.

“I am happy to be stepping back into the world of Contemporary art! I'm excited for the opportunity to help clients grow their collections as well as build relationships with the many wonderful artists we represent.”

Drink of Choice: Dark and Stormy

Tara Ryan

Senior Art Consultant

Tara grew up in Ontario and moved to Whistler "for a winter" in 2003.

“I love everything about the mountains and when I'm not in the Gallery I'm out exploring or painting them. I studied Art and Marketing in College and have worked in those fields for the majority of my career. Seeing how a particular painting can overwhelm the viewer with pure joy is one of my favourite things about being an Art Consultant.”

Drink of Choice: A Dusty's Voyager is a great way to end the ski day

MANDY PENTLAND

Art Consultant

Mandy grew up in White Rock, BC. She has been actively involved in the art world since she could hold a paint brush. She began her Communications and Design degree in Victoria, BC and Halifax, Nova Scotia ending her education back home in Vancouver at Emily Carr University. After graduating, she spent the following years working as a Graphic Designer and Photographer in the Health and Publication Industry, eventually finding herself in Los Angeles working in Public Relations. Mandy values connections and communications and enjoys facilitating clients and their homes with the perfect artworks. 

"It is an incredible gift to see the heart long for and appreciate beauty. To assist clients in finding artworks that fill them and their homes with joy, engagement and curiosity." 

Drink of Choice: Dark and Stormy

MICHELLE DAY

Art Consultant

Michelle grew up in Ontario and developed her love of art from her dad, a high school art and history teacher. Michelle went on to work in the field of neuroscience before moving to British Columbia in 2021 and finding her way to Whistler Contemporary Gallery. 

“I love connecting creativity with purpose, guiding art enthusiasts to find their perfect masterpiece." 

Drink of Choice: Gin and Tonic

KATE DONALD

Art Consultant

Kate is excited to be part of the Whistler Contemporary team. Originally from Adelaide, Australia. Kate has called Whistler home since the 90's. 

Kate has always been surrounded by art, learning from her grandmother who was an Artist//Curator and Art Teacher whose art still is exhibited in Australia. 

Kate's love for the vast history of art and how it makes you feel and can unlock or create new memories and transport you to another time or world.

Drink of Choice: I am quite partial to a cheeky vodka, lemon, lime and bitters with friends, new and old.

LOIS BLUNT

Art Consultant

Lois grew up in the UK and studied Art and Design at the University of Leeds. Obtaining skills as a designer, drawing endless inspiration from the city’s incredible art and beautiful galleries. Missing the mountains, she then relocated to Whistler, Canada in 2022 combining her love for art and skiing, finding her way to Whistler Contemporary Gallery. 

“What I love most about being an art consultant is being surrounded by so many inspiring pieces. It's so exciting to see how people form unique, personal connections with each work.”

Drink of Choice: A classic Margarita!

SHANNON Mclachlan

supervising art handler

 

Shannon McLachlan is a British multidisciplinary designer and artist with a focus on social issues and sustainability. He studied Product Design at Bournemouth University in the United Kingdom and received a Dyson Bursary for his final year project. After moving to Austria to work for a design consultancy focusing on sports products, he shifted to a more artistic practice.  He studied Design Investigations at the University of Applied Arts and began exhibiting projects both collaboratively and independently.

He has recently moved to Squamish, Canada and is developing his own artistic practice whilst working for Off Piste Fine Arts as a Supervisor Art Handler.

Drink of Choice: Club Mate

RUDI MAKUMBA NKONGHO AKWO

art handler

Rudolf Makumba Nkongho Akwo holds an LLB in Law from the University of Yaoundé, Cameroon, earned in 2010. He volunteered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Buea, Cameroon

and began his law practice in 2016. Passionate about the arts, Rudolf relocated to Canada in 2022 and now works as an art handler in Whistler, combining his appreciation for art with his meticulous approach to handling and caring for artworks.

Jake Edwards

art handler

Jake Edwards is a seasoned Set Decoration professional who has worked in the film industry since 2019. Based in London for much of his early career, Jake began working across fashion and photography in 2015, making the move to film & TV a few years later. He studied at Goldsmiths, University of London, where he developed a strong foundation in visual culture and creative expression. After several years in the fast-paced London scene, Jake relocated to the West Coast to pursue a more active lifestyle.

Robbie Brew

Regional Manager

Robbie is excited to join the Whistler Contemporary Gallery Team. Originally from Sydney, Australia, his love for snowboarding drew him to Whistler in October 2010. The beauty of his surroundings, coupled with his extensive knowledge and management experience, guided him to the world of art.

"When I'm not in the gallery, you'll find me exploring the vast wilderness, enjoying everything the sea-to-sky region offers — from mountains to beaches."

Drink of Choice: A cold, crisp lager on a sunny lake day.

Tara Wolters-Smythe

Off Piste Fine Arts. COO
Tara grew up on Vancouver Island and eventually landed in Vancouver to head to Business School. Craving the small town feel again, she moved up to Squamish and started working at Whistler Contemporary Gallery as our Business Manager. Bringing over 20 years of experience in luxury retail, distribution and management, she is excited to explore her new direction in the art world. 

“Art brings people joy and happiness, helping our clients place beautiful works in their homes is an amazing experience, one that I’m proud to be a part of.”

Drink of Choice: Tara will never turn down a nice glass of wine.

ANN PRIFTIS

Off Piste Fine Arts. CEO
With over 28 years in the fine art industry, Ann has held positions in commercial galleries, auction houses, art startups and big tech companies including Amazon. A current resident of Seattle, WA, Ann grew up on the East Coast of the U.S. Her passion for art has taken her to captivating art destinations around the globe.  She cherishes the meaningful connections she's made with artists, collectors and art colleagues. These relationships are among the many joys of her artistic journey and she eagerly continues to nurture this network through her relationship at Off Piste. 
 
“I believe everyone should and can have an original piece of art in their home.  I love working with a team that shares that vision and makes the process of art collecting fun.”

Drink of Choice: A VERY spicy Bloody Mary; or, when in Whistler, a Bloody Caesar works just fine!