Curators of Lake Country Art Gallery
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Wanda Lock: A Decade of Curatorial Leadership at Lake Country Art Gallery
From 2015 to 2025, Wanda Lock served as Curator of the Lake Country Art Gallery, shaping a decade of ambitious, thoughtful, and often boldly inquisitive exhibition programming. During her tenure, Wanda curated more than 65 exhibitions and worked with hundreds of artists, helping to establish LCAG as a respected and distinctive voice within the regional contemporary arts landscape. Central to Wanda’s curatorial practice was a sustained commitment to what it means to be a professional contemporary artist. Her exhibitions consistently foregrounded questions of artistic process, rigour, and intent—inviting both artists and audiences to consider how professional art practice is formed, sustained, and challenged over time. Whether working with established practitioners or emerging artists at the early stages of their careers, Wanda approached each project as an opportunity for meaningful dialogue, critical reflection, and growth. Equally integral to this work was Wanda’s warm, intellectually curious nature and her ability to build genuine, trust-based relationships with artists. Her openness, respect, and thoughtful engagement fostered a sense of confidence and creative safety that encouraged artists to participate fully and ambitiously. Over time, this approach helped attract and secure the involvement of remarkable artists—many of whom were willing to bring deeply considered, challenging, and generous work into the gallery because of the trust they placed in her curatorial vision. Storytelling was a defining thread throughout Wanda’s programming. Many of her exhibitions explored how artists observe, interpret, and communicate patterns within lived experience—personal, social, political, and environmental. Shows such as Big Fish: considering the narrative, Behind the Studio Door, and State(s) of Being opened space for artists to share insight into both their subject matter and their creative methodologies, inviting audiences behind the scenes of artistic thinking and making. Wanda was also deeply invested in creating exhibitions that encouraged curiosity, courage, and conversation. Her curatorial voice balanced intellectual depth with wit and accessibility, often embracing humour and irreverence as tools for engagement. Exhibitions including Man OverBoard, The Molecular Weight of Water, The Relativity of Time and Space, State(s) of Being, the Mother(load), and BATS IN THE BELFRY: THE ORIGINS OF BAT SH#T CRAZY exemplify her willingness to tackle complex themes while fostering safe, generous, and at times delightfully unexpected spaces for discussion. Equally important was Wanda’s support for artists themselves. As a practicing artist with exhibition experience across British Columbia and Alberta, she brought empathy, practical insight, and professional generosity to her role. She was known for mentoring artists through exhibition development, encouraging risk-taking, and advocating for clarity of concept and presentation—particularly for emerging artists navigating professional expectations for the first time. Wanda’s impact at the Lake Country Art Gallery extends beyond individual exhibitions. Her decade of leadership helped define the gallery’s identity as a place where serious contemporary art is presented with warmth, curiosity, and respect—for artists, ideas, and audiences alike. Her legacy is one of thoughtful inquiry, collaborative spirit, and a sustained belief in the power of art to reflect, question, and connect. The Lake Country Art Gallery remains deeply grateful for Wanda Lock’s contributions and celebrates the lasting influence of her curatorial vision as the gallery moves into its next chapter. |
Katie Brennan 2011-2015
Former Gallery Curator (2011 - 2015): Katie Brennan brought in many exciting and ground-breaking exhibitions to the gallery in its founding years. Also a professional practising artist Katie graduated with a BFA from the Emily Carr University in Vancouver and with a MFA from the University of Guelph, in Guelph, Ontario and maintains a successful artistic / painting practice out of her studio in Kelowna. In 2015, she took on the role of the Executive Director of the Arts Council of the Central Okanagan - a role in which she continues to generate, develop and support artists and art and culture in the Okanagan.
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Jim Kalnin 2010-2011Founding Curator of Lake Country Art Gallery from 2010 - 2011, Jim Kalnin’s has returned his focus to his own art since retiring from teaching. Though born in Manitoba, Jim has lived mostly in British Columbia since the 1950s. He attended the Vancouver School of Art from 1964 to 1969 and from 1975 to the end of the 1970s . In 1987 he took a teaching position at Okanagan College (now the University of British Columbia Okanagan campus). As well as this he has taught art in many community settings eager to convey his belief in the value of art in people’s lives. Jim has published two books on spirituality. He has exhibited widely in British Columbia, and been included in exhibitions in other parts of Canada, California and Sydney, Australia.
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Guest & supporting Curators
Laundry Room Collective 2021.
May-Jun 2021 On My Mind featured Eight artists - Pip Dryden, Adrianna Singleton, Nyasha Dube, Faith Wandler, Shay Ritchie, Arianna Tooke, and Jetta and Jade Loudon are a mix of formal and informally trained artists who present works that aim to bring awareness to the need for self care, and hope to contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding themes of mental health awareness.
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Laundry Room Collective 2020
June 2020: Alongside Her featuring artist Maura Tamez, Hagar Wirba, and Ashleigh Giffen
Sep-Oct 2020: Under The Skin celebrating the work of 13 queer artists of the Okanagan |
David Wilson, Aug-Sep 2019
Exhibition: Atklokem, featuring work by Syilx Okanagan Artists Barb Marchand; Sheldon Louis; Mariel Belanger and David Wilson.
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Moozhan Ahmadzadegan, March 2017
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Exhibition: A Restless Earth
Juried Members Exhibition |
Exhibition: Another Conversation
Juried members Exhibition |
Exhibition: Intergenerational (Art through the Ages): GESS & UBCO Student work
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Destanne Norris with
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Wanda Lock & Shauna Oddleifson June 2011
Exhibition: Starting Point
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