Board of Directors


Diane Gendron - President

Diane Gendron is a long-time resident of the Township of Langley who leads a vibrant and community-focused life. Deeply connected to her family, friends, and beloved cats, Diane enjoys gardening and traveling to visit loved ones when not actively engaged in community service.


A lifelong performer, Diane’s passion for the arts began at the age of three, singing during her mother’s annual piano recitals in Langley. These events, which showcased over 40 of her mother's music students each year, sparked a lasting love for music and the performing arts. To this day, she cherishes reconnecting with individuals who were once part of those early recitals. Over the years, Diane has remained active in the arts through community theatre across British Columbia, as well as modeling and music. She currently sings and plays bass guitar in the four-piece rock band.


Professionally, Diane enjoyed a dynamic career with BC Transit from 1979 to 1995. During this time, she was involved in several landmark initiatives, including the launch of SkyTrain for Expo 1986 and commemorative events for BC’s transit centenary. In 1997, she transitioned to the architecture sector, where she managed communications for the Architectural Institute of British Columbia.


Diane has also made significant contributions to the local arts community. She was a founding board member of Bard in the Valley, where she served as co-producer and vice president for the organization’s first two years before taking on the roles of president and producer through 2019. Additionally, she has served as both president and director of the Langley Arts Council and continues to lend her expertise to support its organizational development and strategic growth.


Alana Evans - Vice President
Alana Evans is an Emily Carr University Graduate with a BFA in Fine Art and is an expressionistic landscape oil painter. Currently inspired by her nostalgia for the BC terrain and its environment, it moves Alana to capture the lakes, mountains, flora, and the ever-changing skies. She is a professional architectural and design sales representative running Canada for a multinational corporation, and she utilizes her corporate professionalism to assist with her role as a current board member. Alana has lived in Langley for 9 years and she is passionate about encouraging the further development of the artistic community in the Fraser Valley thru the Langley Arts Council.


Yasir Ali - Treasurer

Born and raised in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Yasir’s journey with art started as an exploratory process of understanding the real through the abstract. His work is aimed at exploring fragments that reflect the state of change that we are constantly in whether dictated by nature, human action, or a combination of both.

Having an engineering background rooted in processes and systems, Yasir has been working in the Design-Build industry in BC for over 10 years and has worked in residential, tech, commercial, institutional, and healthcare construction sectors. He currently runs a construction department called Self Perform Operations at Turner Construction. In his spare time, he enjoys painting at his art studio and co-parenting two young cats with his wife.


Suzanne Erickson - Director

Suzanne Erickson is a multi-discipline artist and professional engraver whose work synthesizes ideas and techniques developed over a long and varied career in art. Suzanne started a successful business working with high-level fashion and fragrance companies, engraving perfume, and cosmetic products. With a continued interest in sculptural art and fascinated by the natural beauty, and historical importance of gourds, Suzanne has found a new medium in one of the world's earliest cultivated plants. The masterful carving, painting, weaving, pyrography, and embellishment found in her work, recalls an earlier time when these objects were treasured as possessions of noble people who were deeply connected to the earth.


Freda Lombard - Director

Freda's artistic journey began in 2009 when she moved to Canada from South Africa, receiving art supplies that same year. She has evolved into an accomplished 'fun art/paint night' instructor and a prolific creator of captivating works that eloquently convey narratives through a captivating palette of colours.

As a Certified Therapeutic Arts Practitioner (CTAP) accredited by CIIAT, Freda adeptly conducts therapeutic art sessions for individuals and small groups, focusing on personal development, emotional well-being, and self-awareness. She's also known for crafting team-building art workshops. Her artistry, a fusion of creativity and therapeutic insights, reflects her belief in the profound potential of art.

Throughout her time living in the lower-mainland Freda has supported the Arts Council as a volunteer, member of staff, and as a member of the Board of Directors. Freda is passionate about sharing her passion for arts and culture and connecting people within the community. 


David Williams - Director

Dave Williams is a dedicated educator with 35 years of experience, having served as an elementary and secondary school teacher, technology coordinator, and school administrator. He holds a master’s degree in technology studies in education, specializing in new technology.


In addition to his educational career, Dave is passionate about painting and theatre. He primarily works with oils and acrylics, often in larger formats. His love for theatre has evolved from spectator to active participant, taking on roles as an actor, set constructor, designer, producer, and director.


Dave has been a long-time leader at the Langley Players Drama Club, serving as both director and president. He played a key role in the successful amalgamation with Surrey Little Theatre, forming Langley Little Theatre, where he currently serves as president. Dave is passionate about the arts within the Langleys, supporting the arts infrastructure in the community, and creating robust arts and cultural space. 


Reza Norozy 

Reza Norozy is a seasoned executive and operations leader with over two decades of global experience in construction and development. Currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at Prism Construction Ltd., Reza plays a pivotal role in overseeing daily operations and guiding the company’s strategic direction across Canada.


Throughout his career, Reza has successfully led multinational teams in the delivery of high-value developments, collectively exceeding billions of dollars in project value. His leadership philosophy centers on pushing boundaries, building collaborative cultures, and delivering excellence at scale.

Reza holds MSc degrees in Engineering and Design and Management as well as an MBA. He has further sharpened his governance and leadership acumen through earning the ICD.D designation.


Outside of work, Reza pursues a range of sports, including golf, skiing, sailing, and rowing, which reflect his love of discipline, focus, and challenge. He also enjoys travelling, dining with friends, and immersing himself in diverse cultures, enriching both his personal life and professional perspective.


Reza is deeply committed to civic engagement and community building. He serves on the Board of the Kiwanis Club of Vancouver and is a member of the Regional and Civic Affairs Committee at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.

Langley Arts Council Staff

Claire Sarfeld - Executive Director
Nicole Hutton - Office Manager & Bookings Coordinator 

Mimi Soo - Arts Coordinator  

Mini Claire - Curator and Gallery Coordinator

Zoe Graham - Gallery Assistant 

Joel Libin - Building Maintenance