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Cindy Moyer has been a driving force behind the arts and culture scene on the Westshore for many years.
As the Executive Director of the Coast Collective Art Centre, she combines her years of experience on the business side of the arts, education and sustainable living with her passion for community leadership. Cindy is eager to help grow the Coast Collective and support the expanding cultural tourism sector of southern Vancouver Island with her award-winning reputation for building win/win relationships in her professional life and through her work with a wide variety of not-for-profit organizations.
Experience Coast Collective
When you pass through the gate to Havenwood Estate, you discover the special sense of place. The tree-lined driveway, wildflowers, a century-old stone cottage, the creek that winds its way across the property, then historic Pendray House, an ivy covered mansion overlooking Esquimalt Lagoon - the perfect setting for an art gallery.
The Coast Collective Art Centre features the work of hundreds of talented local artisans, offering a never-ending list of enticing gallery shows, house concerts, art classes, programs and special community events. You can easily while away an hour enjoying shows like ‘Basically Birds”, “Inspired by Emily”, “Bloom”, “Small Treasures”, “Gifts and Wishes” and so many more. Or jump right in for a class on painting, drawing, photography, textiles or multi-media. There are offerings for people of all ages.
Nurturing an arts and culture community
Cindy also serves as President of the West Shore Arts Council, a 25 year-old organization serving the cultural needs of the Vancouver Island communities of Colwood, Langford, Metchosin, Highlands and View Royal. In January 2014, Cindy was honoured with a well-deserved Victoria Leadership Award .
The Victoria Leadership brochure reads: “One of the greatest values of celebrating leadership is that it creates an inspirational "ripple in the pond" effect; leading by example inspires others to take up positions of community leadership." Cindy has that effect in our community.
Thanks to Cindy, Colwood is home to the Coast Collective Art Centre at Pendray House near Esquimalt Lagoon. It is a dynamic, exciting centre that promotes art and culture, with a gift shop that focuses on the works of local artist and artisans. An elegant destination for tourist and local resident alike, the gallery and gift shop showcase the juried work of artists and artisans, young and old, accomplished or just emerging. Exceptional, innovative instructors encourage the pursuit of excellence and fun.
How Coast Collective came to be
In 2008, Cindy convinced hotelier Randy Royer and the new owners of the Havenwood Estate, that they would benefit from having an art gallery occupy part of historic Pendray House. What followed has been a remarkable story of the convergence of arts, culture and socially responsible urban development.
Painter and educator Marcela Strasdas thought she'd teach a couple art classes for kids. Deborah Czernecky, also a painter and art educator thought she'd mount an art show every once in a while. They invited fibre artist Barbara Giuliany to get involved because she was willing to do the bookkeeping and administration.
A gift shop was the natural next step, so another local artist, Terri Rodstrom was invited to join in - and the Coast Collective was born! Painter Sharlene Stushnov-Lee volunteered to help out when the workload grew after the first few years. She fit in so well that in early July 2011 she became a partner.
In 2013, the founding directors of the Coast Collective Limited decided that it was time to take this cultural enterprise to the next level, operating as a community not-for-profit society. It was a full circle moment of sorts, when Cindy Moyer volunteered once again to take on the re-structuring of the Coast Collective in summer 2013. Cindy now serves as the new Executive Director of the Society for Arts on the South Island (SASI), doing business as the Coast Collective Arts Centre beginning January 1, 2014.
Modelling social change
The Centre is also home to the Bee Creek Restoration Project, a dedicated group of community volunteers who have been working hard over the past 5 years to eliminate invasive species and restore important native plant systems along the fish-bearing stream, which crosses the 12 acre property on its way to Esquimalt Lagoon. Both Cindy and Project Coordinator Judy Nault work closely with community organizations like the Esquimalt Lagoon Stewardship Initiative (ELSI), and individual ELSI members like the City of Colwood, Capital Regional District, Camosun College, and the Victoria Natural History Society to find ways to work together to protect the area's watershed and the many species that call it home.
The Coast Collective Art Centre is a must-see on the West Shore, for its beautiful setting, wealth of artistic talent, and programs and activities that encourage positive change. See you there!