Peace Valley Arts Society’s new executive director hopes to offer ‘affordable classes’

HUDSON’S HOPE, B.C. — The Peace Valley Arts Society has a new executive director who started her career in the society as a volunteer. 

Since stepping into the role of executive director in mid-February, Ellie Haagsman said volunteering for the society naturally led to an executive role.  

She said: “A friend invited me to the AGM almost two years ago, and I volunteered, and then in February, our executive director stepped down.” 

“So then the board asked if I wanted to do it and here we are.” 

When asked what she hopes to achieve with this new role, Haagsman said she wants to offer “a variety of arts, crafts and anything creative.” 

“My main goal and the society’s goal is to have affordable classes,” she added. “I’m about to create a survey [for] the community and see what it would like to see, and then I can have a better idea and try to bring in instructors [to] offer classes.” 

Although the society is primarily based in Hudson’s Hope, Haagsman hopes it will branch out, hold workshops, or collaborate with other communities. 

She said she is most excited to bring different people into the Hudson’s Hope community and meet residents who want to teach classes. 

“I’ve already met so many people over the past two months…because we have a lot of events going on right now,” she noted. 

“So I’m really excited about making those connections and helping people step into their creativity. It really lights me up to see people make art, try something new or share their expertise.”

Although she won’t be introducing any new programs, Haagsman wants to streamline the current ones and ensure consistency. 

“I don’t know too much about bringing new things in, but I’ll have a better idea once the survey is out and the community shares what they would love to see, and then I can do my best to bring that in,” she explained. 

The society hosted its “Fabulous Fakes” fundraiser on April 11th, which had community members entering art recreations of famous paintings that were auctioned. 

Haagsman wanted to share her appreciation with the Hudson’s Hope community that showed up for the fundraiser and supported the society. 

“I’m really honored and grateful to everyone that does come to our classes, it’s beautiful to see the community’s involvement and their creativity,” she said.