LOUD Art’s Philosophy is derived from the young founder of our organization- Tara Vahab. Tara has been practicing visual arts for almost her entire life and received her first artistic award at the age of 9. She is interested in all forms of art and creativity and has been practicing music, dance, drama and culinary in different stages of her life.

She does not only believe but is aware that creative practices are one of the most effective and easy ways of preventive treatments, regulating emotions and maintenance of balance in life. Her desire to help other, passion for creativity and learning new skills has lead her to do an extensive research on human psychology and psychoanalysis in order to find out the true purpose of arts and creativity. She is documenting results of her researches in her upcoming book ” Self-Therapy Through Art & Creativity”. Tara received her BFA from University of Calgary in 2015 not too long after which LOUD Art was founded. Her ultimate goal is to extend LOUD Art Society into an art and creativity centre where easy and affordable hands on experience access to practicing any form of art is given to public.

Tom Beckedorf, a native Calgarian, has always had a deep-rooted connection to his hometown. His journey began in the sandbox, where he first discovered his passion for design, construction, architecture, and the arts. From those early days of building sandcastles, Tom’s path led him to a fulfilling career as an architectural designer and custom home builder. Along the way, he became a shareholder and vice president of multiple construction-related firms before transitioning into the role of a Realtor.

Today, Tom finds immense joy in helping others shape their dreams and visions, acting as the architect of their aspirations. His career has been driven by this profound passion, which extends into his personal life, where he shares his life with his wife Brenda and their six blended children. Tom possesses a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of human interactions, allowing him to cultivate strong relationships and employ solution-oriented approaches to problem-solving. These qualities have proven invaluable in his role as a Director of the LOUD Art Society, where he continues to make a meaningful impact.

Tom has completed terms as a director with EMMA House and the Canadian Centre for Men and Families (CCMF) Alberta along with participating as a volunteer in many charitable events.

Bonnie Kowaliuk is an eclectic mindfulness coach and transformational leadership consultant focusing on the mental health and well being of men and families. She has a background designation as a registered social worker, accredited music therapist and business leadership consultant, who over the course of the past 10 years has been exploring brain-based approaches to learning, transformational leadership, health and wellness.

She recently completed her designation as a Fellow of the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music which employs music assisted mindfulness and psychotherapeutic approach to help address a range of issues from mental health and wellness to optimal learning and performance. Bonnie is a coactive certified coach and has a certification in mindfulness via Royal Roads & as well as a certification in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. As a lifelong learner & change catalyst, she hopes to aspire growth, change and evolution in others and in organizations through her own example and her love to learn, live authentically and discover her true self.

Victor has over a decade of experience in business and financial strategy with demonstrated expertise in growth strategies, process improvements, and systems optimization. Born in India, he finished his college education there before moving to the Illinois, USA where he completed his MBA degree. Currently serving as a Business Development Manager at TNC Publishing Group in Calgary, he excels in B2B sales, relationship building, and client retention. Previously, as a Business Partner at IBT Institute, he significantly increased sales and developed strong customer relationships.

In the non-profit sector, Victor’s career includes key leadership roles with the United Nations Development Program, Breakthrough Trust, Emmanuel Hospital Association, and World Vision. His financial acumen and strategic direction have consistently driven organizational success to bring about transformation in the lives of people. He continues to be a part of that transformational work at the Loud Art Society. He is fascinated by the innovative approach of the organization in using art to address mental health disorders.

Cameron Farn is a Canadian based artist. He was born in Calgary Alberta. As a veteran creative director and designer, in public art and specialty fabrication, collaboration with other creatives have nurtured exploration into various artistic disciplines. As a multi-disciplinary and media artist, Cameron’s work continues to be explorative in its conception and design. He has worked as welder, drafter and industrial painter. A commercial sculptor, illustrator, concept designer and an FX and prop sculptor for film and television. He refers to these past experiences as “skill hording.” But, at the center of the maelstrom of creativity is a bipolar, ADHD and thought disorder. It causes time slips, spinning letters and numbers and the pushes and pulls of wild creativity followed by fatigue and eventual physical crashes. He has described his mind as being, “a beautiful mess to play in and on occasion, drown in.” For years he harnessed his mercurial nature and creative energy to assist other artists in the pursuit of their own visions, and now to explore more deeply, his own.

“In my figurative work it is thoughts of connectivity, potential as form, and the effects of an object on an observer which are at the core of my designs. Each object is a capsule of potentiality, existing as both motion and solidity, a universe of possibilities, a choice, a pause to question what is. In essence they are each a chrysalis waiting for a moment of decision. Ones thoughts and ideas, following an interaction with any art object, is potentially a rebirth…and I think, this is where their purpose lies.”

“Story has always been the driver behind each conceptual design or fabrication whether they are creatures or characters, or designs destined for legacy materials like bronze and steel or print and digital media. My hope is that my work and the stories they represent provide a moment of joy, fright or fascination and give the viewer an opportunity to consider the way they think about the world.”

“Most importantly I am proud to be an active board member of the Loud Art Society. An organization dedicated to communicating the importance of mental health awareness and education. Loud Art Society develops and delivers programming which connects those living with mental illness and their support teams to a life filled with the craft of art making.”

Elise Steffen is a dynamic financial professional with over a decade of experience across wealth management, advertising, and the oil and gas industry. Known for her expertise in accounting, finance, and process improvement, she also holds an Art Business certificate from Christie’s Gallery in New York, reflecting her passion for the intersection of finance and the arts. Elise is particularly interested in art as an investment and views it as a profound medium for human connection to something beyond our existence. She believes art provides a unique avenue for the expression of the soul. As a Board Member for the Loud Art Society, a nonprofit supporting mental health through art, Elise combines her professional skills with her deep appreciation for creativity and community.

Victor Quach currently serves as the Treasurer on the LOUD Art Society board of directors. He earned his Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from Haskayne School of Business at UofC. Victor believes people seek out art to escape from the difficulties of life. Music and art provide escapism and beauty but also understanding and enlightenment. Therefore, people creating art, not only express their feelings and difficulties but also create a sense of satisfaction for themselves and for others.Victor enjoys learning about cooking, gardening and recently 3d printing. Although he is not very artsy, he is glad that he can help with his skill set and drive the organization forward.

Elazar is a UX Researcher by profession, an artist, and a student of meditation. He began his mental health journey when he stumbled into a kundalini yoga class and fell in love with yoga and the mindfulness arts. He later received his meditation teacher training certificate from the Nefesh Haya School of Meditation in Israel.”

As a practicing artist for over 20 years, his work expresses his love for human connection, mindfulness and nature. For Elazar, the inward journey during a meditation and painting session in nature is a beautiful experience which brings him fully into the here and now, accepting the present and all that it offers.

His passion for mindfulness and mental health also helped him grow in his role as a UX Researcher. He meditates daily as a way to stay centered with the high stress demands of the tech industry.