Board of Directors

Dr. Cheryl Atkins, Chair

For years, nay, decades, Cheryl buried her creative needs and focused on a pragmatic life. After a PhD and years spent working in the forest products industry, she finally indulged in a pursuit of photography. Formal training came from the wonderful Burwell School of Photography in Edmonton, Alberta. The vision came from who knows where.

She has always been drawn to architectural and minimal photos. After a lifetime of chasing pragmatic work across Canada, she now calls Diligent River home and, in the words of LM Montgomery, “Here I stay”

Alan Norsworthy, Vice Chair

Alan Norsworthy is an experienced photographer with a career spanning too many years to count. In England, he was a technical photographer who used black and white film and worked in a traditional darkroom.

Alan has won numerous awards for his work which can be found all across Canada, the US, and Europe.

After many years of traveling, Alan settled in the Atlantic Provinces and made Parrsboro, Nova Scotia his home. He continues to seek out new images and finds inspiration as he walks the fields/trails and beaches that he loves.

Janet Doble, Director(Projects Committee)

Since moving to Nova Scotia in 1993, Janet has always been active in the arts community. While living in Halifax she was involved with numerous arts organizations and air projects. Her passion for promoting community arts has found a new outlet since moving to Parrsboro in 2017. Her latest project has been to help create the Creative Works Gallery.

Stephanie Machel, Director (PIPAF)

David Beattie, Treasurer

David Beattie is our entrepreneur extraordinaire. He’s committed not only to Parrsboro Creative but also the Board of Trade and several other key community initiatives. A thoughtful member of the Parrsboro Creative board, we often turn to David for business-based advice.

Delwyn Klassen, Director

Delwyn has been involved in the arts in a variety of capacities from displays of his own work to organizing group shows, professional picture framing, teaching, graphic design and engraving. He is most interested in fostering community involvement and education initiatives.

Dr. Paul Aitken, Director

Dr. Paul A. Aitken is Emeritus Director of Music of the Cathedral of the Rockies in Boise, Idaho. Upon his retirement from the Cathedral in 2020, Paul (and his wife, MacKenzie), purchased the Maple Inn Parrsboro and have been actively running their B&B alongside his professional music career.

Information about his life and work is available through www.paulaitkenmusic.com or at www.mapleinn.ca.

Wilson Aitken, Director

Wilson Aitken, a classically trained singer and performer, is currently a member of a competitive barbershop group. He also works as the Event Coordinator at the Parrsboro Creative office, where he is dedicated to organizing events that enhance the visibility of artists within the community.

Our Team