鶹AV

Skip to content

Lake Country celebrates Sharon McCoubrey’s decades of arts leadership

'I appreciate the volunteers, councillors, and staff who’ve made up the public art commission'
sharon-mccoubrey
Lake Country Art Gallery Society President Sharon McCoubrey at a Lake Country council meeting on March 18, 2025.

Lake Country Council took a moment during its March 18 meeting to honour Sharon McCoubrey for her significant contributions to the arts in the community.

McCoubrey, president of the Lake Country Art Gallery Society and chair of the Lake Country Public Art Advisory Commission (PAAC), has played a pivotal role in shaping the district’s cultural landscape. The PAAC advises the district on matters related to parks, recreation, leisure services, and culture.

Council acknowledged that her 30-year tenure as PAAC chair is coming to an end.

“What you’ve given to this community is incredible,” said Mayor Blair Ireland. “It’s just outstanding.”

McCoubrey announced that Janice Larson, a PAAC member for the past four years, will be stepping into the chair role.

“So we are looking forward to having her take the Public Art Commission forward,” McCoubrey said, adding that she will remain involved for a short period to assist with the transition.

Councillor Cara Reed acknowledged the significance of McCoubrey’s leadership.

“Amazingly fantastic shoes to fill,” Reed said. “But I think we have the right person to take us forward.”

Despite the praise, McCoubrey credited the commission’s successes to collaboration.

“I’ve always worked with a team,” she said. “I appreciate the volunteers, councillors, and staff who’ve made up the public art commission because it’s that exchange and sharing of ideas that makes it better.”

Ireland, however, encouraged her to take credit for her contributions. “You’ve kept that commission going,” he added.

During her presentation to council, McCoubrey provided a brief history of the PAAC, from its beginnings in 1995 to the numerous projects it has undertaken. She highlighted the commission’s role in providing arts experiences for residents, enhancing the community’s appeal to visitors, and contributing to Lake Country’s economic growth.

She also noted that the PAAC started the tradition of commissioning local artists to paint portraits of Lake Country mayors.

To wrap up the tribute, Ireland playfully presented McCoubrey with a simplistically drawn self-portrait.



About the Author: Gary Barnes

Journalist and broadcaster for three decades.
Read more