About Us

Vision
Arts for Everyone.

Mission
Semiahmoo Arts is a catalyst for strengthening the arts and
their value in our community.

Values
Inspiration, innovation, inclusion, collaboration.

Get Involved

Become a member
Ulee’s Campaign
Dr. Ulduz (Ulee) Maschaykh was raised in Cologne, Germany, and came to the Executive Director at SAS in 2019 with an impressive resume that included bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees from the University of Bonn, and worked as a postdoctoral research fellow at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.

Meet our team
Emma Mayer
Pottery
Nina Mudry
Mixed Media
Tony O'Regan
Painting & Drawing
Kelly Ulrich
Painting
Bette Hurd
Painting
Bryce Willushaw
Painting & Drawing
Marlene Strain
Painting
John Wright
Pottery
Kacey Hughes
Pottery
Jennifer Russell
Pottery
Tomas Espinoza
Mixed Media
Daniel Charlton
Mixed Media
Eva Ediger
Pottery
Bio

Stephanie Beck Bio:
Stephanie Beck – is the Executive Director of the Peace Arch Community Health Foundation and has past associations with the Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation, Playhouse Theatre Company, and Vancouver Opera Association. Although starting out in the Fine Arts program at Capilano College, Stephanie realized quickly that she was better at organizing artists than practicing art, so she changed her direction to strengthen her business and fundraising skills. She brings to the board an extensive background in fundraising, strategic planning, budgeting, governance, and operational management as well as 25 years with not-for-profit organizations.Stephanie Beck
President
Bio

Michele Partridge Bio:
Michele Partridge is an award-winning local business owner, acting instructor, public speaking and media coach, a well-known leader in numerous community groups, and a popular producer and host of much-loved local events such as Canada Day by the Bay, the Re-opening of the Pier, the Peace Walk for Ukraine, and White Rock’s first Annual Family Pride Day. Since moving to the White Rock/South Surrey area with her husband and two children 20 years ago, Michele has devoted herself to her community. She built a successful performing arts business (The Drama Class) that has been recognized by both the SSWR Chamber of Commerce and the Peace’s Arch News Readers Choice Awards as the best business in its field. In 2017, she channeled her love of White Rock and the arts beyond her own business and co-founded the Peninsula Arts and Culture Alliance, an organization that supports local artists and promotes arts and culture-related businesses and tourism. In addition to her successful track record in business, Michele has an exceptional record of community service. She serves on multiple boards and advisory committees and has brought her considerable energy and talent to organizations supporting residents of all ages. Michele has served on groups and associations including the White Rock Business Improvement Association, Soroptimists International of White Rock, the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee, and the Economic Development Advisory Committee for the City of White Rock. For decades, Michele has coached public speaking to a vast clientele with varying backgrounds. Her clients include media personalities, Ted talk speakers, business professionals, and political leaders, to name just a few. Michele was recently elected as a first-term Councillor for the City of White Rock, having been elected to office in October 2022.Michele Partridge
Vice President
Bio

Elaine Cheung Bio:
Elaine Cheung is a dynamic leader with expertise in business, personal growth, and community development. As an entrepreneur, advocate, and White Rock City Councillor, she is dedicated to empowering individuals and fostering abundance within her community. Elaine’s commitment to service extends to her involvement with various non-profit boards such as the Peninsula Community Foundation, LMLGA, The White Rock Farmer’s Market, and the Divine Love Foundation Sanctuary. Additionally, she volunteers her time with organizations like the Peace Arch Hospice Society and the White Rock Elks 431. Her company, Hilarapy, has been recognized for its support of the arts, winning the South Surrey Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award in 2020 and 2023, while Elaine herself was a finalist for Business Owner of the Year in 2021. Elaine’s passion for her community shines through in all her endeavours, reflecting her unwavering dedication.Elaine Cheung
Secretary/Treasurer
Bio

Bill Noy Bio:
Bill Noy is a local realtor with Hugh McKinnon Realty, volunteer crew with Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue, and on the Semiahmoo Peninsula Marine Rescue board. Bill is a graduate of Emily Carr College of Art and has a background in web design and marketing.Bill Noy
Board of Directors
Bio

Helmut Gruntorad Bio:
Helmut Gruntorad is the recipient of the 2019 Arts Council of Surrey Outstanding Service to the Arts Award. He trained in Vienna Austria as a Gold and Silversmith and is an accomplished photographer. Helmut also brings Graphic Design and Trade Show booth construction to the group.Helmut Gruntorad
Board of Directors
Bio

Scarlett Ballantyne Bio:
Scarlett studied Fine Arts and Interior Design at the University of Manitoba. For 10 years, Scarlett was part of a professional design team, hand-picked by Benjamin Moore for their ability to bring colour to life. She made regular media appearances on Canadian national TV programs and participated in many of the company’s major design projects.Scarlett has spent the last dozen years freelancing and working with various creative professionals. Returning to her fine arts roots, Scarlett has embraced her true love of painting, specializing in original watercolour art, surface pattern design, mixed media and custom illustration.
Scarlett Ballantyne
Board of Directors
Bio

Dawn Robirtis Bio:
Dawn is new to the South Surrey community and has always been interested in the arts through personal photography workshops and exhibits in Canada and Europe, parenting drama and dance kids throughout the years, and simply attending and supporting various art venues and events. I’m very excited to be a part of an inclusive, vibrant Arts for Everyone community!Dawn Robirtis
Board of Directors
Bio

Laurel Tien Bio:
Laurel Tien has been working at the intersection of creativity, community development, mental wellness and transformative education for over 30 years. A SAS Board member for 6 years before the pandemic, she moved into a staff role in 2021. She is honoured to bring her passion for wellness and transformative, life-long learning to the South Surrey/White Rock community. Her beliefs about diversity and inclusion are couched in this participatory framework.Laurel Tien
Executive Director

History

1969
Beginning in 1969, members of the White Rock Painting and Sketch Club, White Rock Players Club, and White Rock Overture Society met to discuss the need for an arts society and plan its implementation.
1984

In 1984, the White Rock Players Club requested funding from the White Rock City Council to renovate their theatre.