Minister announces appointments to Board of Directors of The Rooms

Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today announced appointments to the Board of Directors of The Rooms Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Lisa Browne, Lois Skanes, Julia Pickard and Dawn Baker were appointed to the board for three- year terms. In addition, Stan Hill was reappointed for a three-year term. Dr. Priscilla Renouf will continue as chair of the board.

"These skilled individuals will bring experience, expertise and regional representation to The Rooms," said Minister Hedderson. "I am confident that these additions will positively influence the path of this important facility. I congratulate the members on their appointments and wish them success during their tenure with the board.

"I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to the departing members of the board that have greatly assisted government leading up to and following the opening of The Rooms last June. With their support, we have created one of the most exciting cultural institutions in all of Canada and we are proud of that achievement."

The Rooms is a dynamic institution that profiles the art, artifacts and archival materials of the natural environment, contemporary peoples and ancient cultures of Newfoundland and Labrador. Since its opening in June 2005, over 85,000 people have visited numerous local and international exhibitions at the site.

The new appointees will be working alongside current members serving on the board. They are: Rex Anthony, Seamus O�Regan, Shawn O�Hagen, Michelle Baikie, Steven Knudsen, Bobbie Redpath, Tom Foran, Gary Newell and Brent Meade.

Media contact: Susanne Hiller, Communications (709) 729-0928, 728-7762

Dawn Baker is a multi-disciplinary artist who works in both visual and literary genres. She currently runs her own Art Works Studio in Gander. She has previously worked with the Arts Smarts Program and was commissioned in 2003 to paint three murals for the James Peyton Memorial Hospital. Ms. Baker published her first book in 1998 called A Newfoundland Alphabet. She is a graduate of Memorial University of Newfoundland (B.Ed).

Lisa Browne is a planning specialist with Eastern Health in Clarenville and has many years of experience in strategic planning, community relations and fundraising. Ms. Browne has completed a master of business administration and a bachelor of arts (English) from Memorial University of Newfoundland. She has also served as a member of Memorial University of Newfoundland Board of Regents, served on the Board of Directors of the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra. She is currently the deputy mayor of the Town of Clarenville.

Stan Hill is a professional artist who has made a living at his craft for over 25 years. He is president of the Association for Aboriginal Artists of Newfoundland and Labrador and has served on the boards of the Coast of Bays Corporation, the Association of Heritage Industries and the Association of Cultural Industries. Mr. Hill has exhibited and won awards for his Iroquois bone carvings all over Canada and the United States.

Julia Pickard is an award-winning visual artist from Scotland who has resided in St. John�s since the mid-1970s. Ms. Pickard studied at the Limerick and Glasgow Schools of Art and graduated with a degree in fine art and art education. She is an active member of the province�s arts community and has shown her work extensively both at home and abroad. Her work is included in both the permanent provincial and city art collections

Lois Skanes, Q.C. is a barrister and solicitor with the firm of Roebothan, McKay & Marshall in St. John�s. She is the past president of the Canadian Bar Association, Newfoundland and Labrador Branch and a long-standing member of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. Ms. Skanes is a graduate of Memorial University of Newfoundland (BA) and the University of Saskatchewan (LL.B.).

2006 03 01                          4:40 p.m.