Kaarina Talvila
Board President
Kaarina grew up in Toronto and moved to the West Coast after completing a degree in Geology at the University of Toronto. She had a ten-year career in the resource fields before going back to school to study Surface Design at Capilano University. The work she does now encompasses two different areas of fibre – boxes and stationery items of handmade papers, and one-of-a-kind handbags and purses of such diverse materials as silk fabric, non-woven wild silk and handmade paper.
“My Circle Craft membership dates back to my student days at Cap in the 1980s. The Co-op has given me so much over the years – sales and exhibition opportunities, social contacts, support, and exposure to an exceptional standard of quality. By being on the Board, I hope to ensure that all of Circle Craft’s members have as positive an experience as I have had and also to help guide the Co-op to fulfill a larger role in the BC craft community.”
Emil Fung
Audit Committee Chair
Mr. Fung was trained as an engineer, worked on Wall Street as a media & telecoms banker and has been a serial entrepreneur, technologist and international dealmaker. During his 38+ year business career, he has designed nuclear reactors, undertaken mergers & acquisitions for Fortune 500 companies, explored for gold and uranium globally and acted as both principal and strategic consultant for advertising, marketing, media, telecoms and tech enterprises serving China and Asia. He is an avid supporter of the arts and is motivated to promote the cultural relevance of one-of-a-kind artisans as a member of Circle Craft’s Board of Directors.
Greg Kawczynski
Scholarship Committee Chair
Greg Kawczynski has been a member of Circle Craft for over 25 years. In 1988 he emigrated to Canada from Poland, where he graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, faculty of Sculpture.
He started working in ceramic arts in 2005, for an exhibition with Circle Craft, and presented few dozen of his birds, made in various techniques. Greg’s interest in joining the Board came from a curiosity of what challenges the organization is dealing with and a hope that his experience, as both an Artist and member, will be useful to both membership and staff.
Jo Ludwig
Gallery Committee Chair
After spending 20 years in Edmonton, where I apprenticed as heavy duty mechanic, met my wife Peggy Brackett, and studied philosophy at the University of Alberta, I moved to Victoria in 1997. There I rented a small industrial space and, together with Peggy, started KilnArt Glass Studio. We taught ourselves glass fusing and kiln forming, on the basis of which I became a member of Circle Craft in 2003. In 2007 we moved to Crofton, where KilnArt Glass Studio continues to thrive. In 2015 I started working in metal as well, making steampunk/folk-art sculptures.
In 2002 I joined the Island Artisans Association, serving on its board for several years, and in 2010 I was one of three founding members of the Cowichan Valley Artisans, producing the first year round studio tour in the valley.
I have always been proud to be a member of Circle Craft, and after so may years of selling in the shop and exhibiting at the Christmas Market, I feel it is time to contribute to the Co-op in my turn.