MEET THE TEAM
Staff
DARLENE MCCONNACHIE
Operations/School Director
Darlene McConnachie previously headed Southampton Art Centre as Art School Director from 2013 to 2017… and now she’s back!
After taking time to travel and pursue her own creative journey through her home-based business crafting one-of-a-kind journals, Darlene has returned to SA once again to lead education initiatives.
Darlene spent most of her career in office administration while dabbling in the arts part time. She moved to Southampton with her husband in 2010 when they became empty nesters, and became a member of the Southampton Arts Society Board. She is currently President of Shoreline Artists, a local artists group, who encourage the creation, appreciation and exhibition of work by its members.
Darlene is looking forward making new acquaintances and partnerships, as well as renewing old friendships at SA.
KAREN FRIIS
Gallery Manager
Karen Friis recently sold Southampton’s Duffy’s Fish & Chips to pursue a more art inspired life. She has since found a home at Southampton Arts.
Karen graduated Fashion Design from the Academy of Design in Toronto in 2005. She opened a successful collective shop for Toronto designers, and artists, in the popular Queen West area. After a couple of years in Queen West she found her way to the beautiful shores of Lake Huron.
After 12 years the pandemic took its natural toll on her restaurant business and she found the transition from restaurant owner/operator to gallery manager a natural one. Her background working with designers and artists makes this position ideal. Add to that her decades of experience in business management makes this a perfect match.
Karen Friis now serves as Manager of Southampton Arts. She is thrilled at this exciting opportunity. Karen says “I’m honoured and humbled by the amazing artists in our community. It’s a privilege to be surrounded by their work every day.”
JUDY SUTHERLAND
Gallery Coordinator
The natural beauty and art enriched community led Judy to Saugeen Shores. With an abundance of artistic learning opportunities, she is thrilled to begin her new adventure!
With over 30 years experience in customer service and a lifelong love of art, Judy looks forward to connecting customers with local artist's work.
Come meet Judy at the Southampton Arts Centre!
LINDA SPRUCE
Communications & Fund Development
Linda Spruce is a lifelong cottager in Southampton, and has countless happy memories of the beach, the town and of the people who also love this place. When the opportunity arose to make a fresh start, where else to relocate but in Saugeen Shores? Now the trip to the family cottage takes only a few minutes!
Leaving a career at McMaster University, both as a chemical analyst and as an academic advisor, Linda is pleased to be connecting with the artwork and artists at SAC. Creating art through various mediums has always been a part of life for her – painting, jewelry design and knitting are just a few of Linda’s interests. To be surrounded by the ever-changing gallery space and people who share the passion for art is another perk for committing to this community.
In her role addressing communications and fund development for SAC, Linda plans to forge further links and relationships with the greater Saugeen Shores region.