Meet VVAF's Board Members
Connect. Inspire. Educate.
The VVAF's Board directs our artistic journey, empowers our creative team, safeguards our resources, and ensures we navigate within ethical boundaries. Remarkably, they do all of this without compensation.
Chair
Sky Lilah
Currently, the Vice President of Strategic Growth for the Vancouver Visual Art Foundation (VVAF) and the President of the VVAF Board Sky has been involved in Global Events for 10 years and is a Health and Well-being expert.
She is a sought-after corporate trainer and manages the planning, execution, and strategic growth of our organization. She is a yoga instructor, ACE-certified professional trainer, Sports Performance Specialist, and Group Fitness Instructor and is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist. Skyla has studied acting, psychology, and of course art. Her list of exhibitions of her work is long and varied and includes multiple countries. Sky is the author of 'Master Your Mindset' and the founder of the publishing company 'SKY LILAH'.
Sky is extremely passionate about assisting others to reach their full potential, realizing their dreams and learning how to collaborate as a productive and imaginative team.
Vice-Chair
Diana Mogensen
Diana Mogensen is the co-founder of Art Ignites, her responsibilities include connecting youth to community through the arts.
She is currently pursuing post graduate studies in public engagement in cultural spaces with an emphasis on youth and mental health at the University of Victoria’s Museum Studies Program. Diana holds a Teaching Certificate in BC and continues her passion as a Docent at the Vancouver Art Gallery. She serves on the Board of Directors at Roedde House Museum, and is a certified Forest Therapy Guide, with a certification in 2019 from the Association Of Forest Therapy Guides and Programs in California. Passionate about biophilic design and connecting nature and interior spaces to metal and physical wellness, she is proud to say she studied Biophilic Design with the founder of Terapin Bright Green and through the American Interior Design Society.
Past Chair
Lisa Wolfin
Our Founder, Lisa Wolfin, graduated from The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in LA in 1982.
Winning the Most Creative Design award set her on the path to working at Dior in Paris. Upon returning to Vancouver, Lisa started her own business in 1987 called “Wear Wolfin Designs” producing a high-end line of ladies' clothing. Ultimately, Lisa gave up her business to raise 3 amazing children.
These days Lisa spearheads VVAF and is continuously building the foundation. She creates opportunities for emerging artists by mentoring and helping them obtain funding. She provides outlets for artists to connect and collectors and travels to other countries in her quest to truly unite nations through art. Her attitude is “more make more” and welcomes all those interested in connecting and educating everyone through art and continues to inspire all who come into her fantastic aura of creativity.
Secretary
James Darin Corbiere
James Darin Corbiere is an Indigenous artist, writer and teacher from Wiikwemkong, an Indigenous community on Manitoulin Island, Ontario. Darin is Anishinaabe (Indigenous people from the Great Lakes region). His spirit name is Waabshki Makwa (White Bear). Darin belongs to the Bear Clan.
Darin drew upon his role as an Indigenous culture and language teacher to create “The Truth in Truth & Reconciliation” educational board game. He also created DED-C-Comics, the label producing his graphic novel and comic books series. In 2015, Darin embarked on a healing journey from church-related, childhood trauma. His technique of using ink on sculpted wood originated from a desire to connect with the spirit of each individual piece, which in turn, has a story to tell. It is in their creation that he has found a way to heal. Reconciliation is an emerging theme in Darin’s projects.
Treasurer
Simone Mora
During her professional career, Simone worked in the Finance and Controlling sector in Germany and France. In the end, Simone was the Head of Finance & Administration and Deputy Commercial Manager of an international construction company in Qatar, until the birth of her children.
Besides pursuing her professional career, it was always important to Simone to use her skills, volunteering and contributing to the wellbeing of her community. She assumed, among others, the responsibilities of the Board Member for Human Resources & Finance and Deputy Chairman of the German International School Doha in Qatar. After settling down in Canada, Simone took over the role of PAC treasurer for a secondary school and later started volunteering as an Accountant at VVAF where she could combine her passion for numbers with her interest in Arts.
Board Member
Lyle Truden
A seasoned globetrotter with an insatiable appetite for exploration and culture. With a 13-year tenure at Flight Centre, Lyle crisscrossed the globe, setting foot in 67 countries and immersing himself in the diverse tapestry of our world. Along the way, he indulged his passion for food, travel, history, art, architecture, and nature.
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Although not formally trained in the arts, Lyle possesses a unique perspective that allows him to connect deeply with various art forms. He finds himself stirred by the emotional power that art can evoke, regardless of style or origin.
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Lyle is the owner of Truden Travel and is focused on building a travel club of people that want to experience art, food, music, and culture all over the world.
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Beyond his professional endeavors, Lyle is an active member of the Art Committee at the Vancouver Club, where he continues to contribute his passion and enthusiasm for the arts to the local community.
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Lyle's journey has been a remarkable one, and his diverse interests and worldly experiences make him a valuable addition to the Art Vancouver board of directors. His unique perspective and dedication to the arts are sure to enrich the organization's mission.
Board Member
Taisha Teal
A Vancouver native and a multifaceted individual whose life journey seamlessly intertwines artistry and healing. Taisha’s earliest memories are steeped in an environment saturated with creativity and expression.
A certified Art Therapist, Taisha embodies a holistic approach to healing that transcends traditional boundaries. Grounded in an ethical framework that celebrates the inherent uniqueness of each individual, Taisha believes in cultivating a nurturing environment built on trust—a sanctuary where clients can embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery.
Board Member
Jeff Chan
Jeff is a retired pharmacist who enjoyed a fulfilling healthcare career. Now, as a dedicated patron of the arts, he actively supports VAHMS and VVAF, championing the celebration and promotion of Asian Canadian culture. Jeff plays a vital role in fundraising efforts, significantly contributing to the growth and success of both organizations in recent years. Leveraging his extensive network within the city's social scene, he diligently works to ensure the success of every event he participates in, aiming for excellence.