In Focus | Laura Wyllie of The Kelowna Art Gallery

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.

What is your name?
Laura Wyllie

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in North Vancouver, grew up in Chilliwack, and then moved to Kelowna in 2007 to attend UBC Okanagan. I stayed in Kelowna until I finished my BA in 2012, then I moved to Ottawa for two years to do a Masters in Art History, and then I came back to Kelowna in 2015 to start a Masters in Education.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I would have to say BOTH my boyfriend Zack and my younger sister Rebecca. They are two of the funniest and caring people I have ever met. I am very lucky to have them and amazing parents who always support me in everything I do.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Italy… beautiful works of art, amazing architecture, cappuccinos, gelato, need I say more?

Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna?
Bliss Bakery, Sturgeon Hall and Tree Brewing are my favourite spots!

What is your favourite activity?
Travelling!

If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Dunnenzies Pizza!

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
There have been several scholars and colleagues at UBCO that have inspired me and had a positive influence on my research since I began my Masters in Education last September. Quite often I find my career and my studies conveniently complimenting one another as I continue to explore contemporary pedagogical practices for art educators.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
There are a million childhood memories I have of my mom going above and beyond for my sister and I. One thing she did that stands out the most was when we would play “movie theatre.” She would give us a small amount of monopoly money and make us wait in our rooms until everything was set up. When we came downstairs we would have a choice between two movies, pay for our admission, and then from what money we had left we had a variety of snacks, drinks and popcorn to choose from. It was pretty fun and definitely something I’ll do with my own kids some day.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
At the moment all my hard work and energy goes into programming at the Gallery and my MEd classes on weekends. The Gallery is currently reaching out to community organizations to offer tours and art classes to underprivileged children and youth.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Put a stop to gun violence.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Exploring hiking trails and going to the beach.

Where would you sneak away in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
There are a lot of great quiet spots up at the UBC Okanagan campus.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see more affordable housing for university students and low-income families.

If you were granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
To have the Kelowna Art Gallery grow to be as big as the MET or the MOMA in New York.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am a crazy cat lady and I am pretty addicted to watching the bachelor and the bachelorette… #teamjordan

What is the name of your business/organization?
The Kelowna Art Gallery

What does your business do?
The Kelowna Art Gallery is a place where members, visitors, and students of all ages come to be inspired, learn, create, debate, and be challenged. Ensuring these outcomes places a huge responsibility on the Gallery, its Board of Directors, and its staff, to constantly identify and develop fresh exhibitions and programs that engage the varied audiences that we serve.

How do people connect with you through social media?
Facebook: Laura Marie Wyllie and Instagram: @lauramarie_w

Where can people find your business online?
www.kelownaartgallery.com

Why did you get into/start this business?
That’s a long story… ten long years of post-secondary. I was extremely lucky to have the opportunity to start at the Kelowna Art Gallery in 2015 as a summer student. At the end of the summer, I was asked to stay on as an assistant to the Public Programming department and the rest is ancient history! Now I have my dream job coordinating educational and public programs for an art gallery and I get to call Kelowna home.

What is the goal of your business?
The Kelowna Art Gallery is a place where everyone feels welcome, regardless of age, skill, or education level. To accommodate diverse audiences we continue to develop tours for students, the visually impaired, as well as seniors, and we focus on animating exhibitions through video interviews with artists, and accompanying educational brochures. Through these programs and many events, we continue to engage thousands of visitors annually with thought-provoking and meaningful experiences with art.

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or in life?
Finishing my post secondary education with a $100K student loan.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
No way! I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason.

My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Deanna Kent-McDonald at Disney Interactive OR Tracy Ross from Bumbershoot Theatre.

Is there anything else you would like to share?
I think the only other thing I want to add is how much I love my job. Some days I start my mornings making art with a group of kindergarteners and end my day with a seniors tour and that is one of the many things that makes my job so unique and exciting. I love meeting new people every day and playing a significant role in their experience visiting the Gallery. I constantly find myself inspired by my coworkers, my volunteers, and visitors to the Gallery. I still kick myself sometimes to remind myself I'm not dreaming. This was my dream job that I never thought I'd be able to get without a ton of experience coming out of my MA in Ottawa (just like every student's nightmare). I am very grateful the Kelowna Art Gallery has given me this opportunity and allowed me to work full time while working towards a MEd at UBCO.

We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kelowna!