Meet The Team
Sharon Smith
Senior Art Consultant, Artist in Residence - Whistler Fairmont
Sharon Smith graduated with distinction from San Francisco's Academy of Art College in 1988. Upon graduation, she was honoured to show in the annual New York Society of Illustrators Show. Returning to her home in Vancouver, Sharon promptly attained representation in communication arts, working for ten years in the industry. She has carried on her passion for painting while raising her family in Whistler, participating in numerous group shows and workshops during this time.
A treasured addition to the Whistler Mountain Galleries' team since July 2010, Sharon's extensive art and illustration background bring valued expertise to our discerning clientele.
Jacqueline de Grave
Art Consultant, Artist in Residence - Jasper Fairmont
Jacqueline joined the Mountain Galleries Jasper team in 2019 from Toronto, Ontario after receiving her BA Honours Degree in History and minoring in Museum and Gallery Curation. When in Toronto, Jacqueline devoted her time to working and volunteering within art organizations including volunteering at the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Gardiner Museum and on Canadian Film sets.
An avid hiker, Jacqueline continues to enjoy her time out West; tackling new trails and taking in the beauty the Rocky Mountains have to offer.
Jacqueline’s affinity for the arts is best represented by the following;
“For the arts epitomize, intensify and clarify the experience of beauty for us as nothing else can.” - Lawren Harris, Group of Seven
Holly Wardle
Art Consultant - Whistler Fairmont
Holly, originally from the UK, is a distinguished art consultant renowned for her expertise with Mountain Galleries. With a discerning eye and a passion for both contemporary and classical art, she bridges the gap between artists and art enthusiasts, helping them discover and appreciate pieces that resonate deeply. Her British roots bring a unique perspective to the gallery, infusing a blend of European sensibilities with local aesthetics, ensuring that every curated piece stands out in its own right.
Talia Malkowich
Art Consultant - Whistler Fairmont
Talia graduated from Emily Carr University in 2021 with a Bachelor's degree in Fine Art, majoring in Visual Art. While specializing in painting, Talia's passion for creativity extends to all forms of art.
After graduating, she returned to her home town of Pemberton, British Columbia, where she focussed on her art and adventuring in the beautiful nature that she was surrounded by. Talia always finds herself diving into new projects that challenge her creativity.
Dominique Schmaltz
Store Lead - Senior Art Consultant - Banff Fairmont
Dominique was born and raised in Banff, and she has a deep appreciation and passion for this vibrant town. The Banff community and the mountains bring immense joy to her life. Dominique loves the various ways artists express nature through their works and finds it captivating to be in the gallery, witnessing how these creations impact those who come to experience them.Working part-time at the gallery, while being a full-time parent and volunteer, Dominique keeps herself busy.
On her days off, she can be found atop Tunnel, at the ski hill, on the river, or simply going for a walk with Daisy the dog.
Dominique received a BA in English Literature and History from Bishop's University, a BHSc in Addictions Counseling at the University of Lethbridge, and studied Education at the University of Calgary.
Alexander Jones
Art Consultant - Banff Fairmont
Alexander Jones is an Australian-born landscape photographer who is currently based in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. His photography showcases the beauty of the region he calls home, having fallen in love with it upon his first sighting in February 2013, from a Greyhound motor coach in Banff National Park. Considering the Canadian Rockies to be as far away from his birthplace as possible, Jones finds great joy in capturing the breathtaking landscapes, crystal blue lakes, and striking glaciers.
Jones' passion for the natural world extends to capturing images of man-made structures like freight locomotives in these settings, adding an intriguing contrast to his work. Though his initial background was in video editing, Jones found the prospect of exploring the world through landscape photography irresistible, and this field has since become his perfect fit. His work frequently exhibits this unique blend of nature and machinery.
Khalil Martin
Art Consultant - Banff Fairmont
Khalil has always had an interest in taking pictures as a child, with cameras being integrated into smartphones more and more. But he didn't fully pursue photography until 2017 when he bought his first DSLR camera. He had no idea what settings to use or how to edit the photos. Eventually, he started getting the hang of it, and over time going out to take pictures became his favourite thing to do with any spare time that he had.
Now, photography has taken Khalil all across the country to this lovely town in the mountains. He's excited for the future and to turn his hobby into a profession.
Nicole Lockley
Art Consultant - Jasper Fairmont
Nicole is an artist and interior designer who graduated with high honors from the New York School of Interior Design (NYSID) in 2022. Shortly after, she earned third place in the Oil Painters of America student competition for one of her original works. Nicole primarily works in oil painting, drawing inspiration from the techniques of the old masters.
Having lived in various countries, Nicole is fascinated by the unique vernacular expressions in art and architecture across different cultures. Her passion for art galleries deepened during her time at the Frick Collection in New York City. Now based in Jasper, she continues to paint in her home studio, often joined by her two dogs.
Jane Barette-Duckworth
Remote Art Consultant - Off Piste Fine Arts
Originally from Montreal, Jane studied Studio Arts in CEGEP and continued taking art history courses throughout her Bachelor's degree at McGill University. Since graduating, she's spent time painting at the Montreal Art Centre and travelling, by doing painting workaways.
Naturally drawn to art, Jane has joined our team eager to be more involved in the art world and learn from those in it.
"Art, to me, is another way to connect and communicate; one that breaks down barriers, speaks to a greater audience and inspires absctract and critical thinking.”
Rachel Hesketh
Senior Art Consultant - Victoria Fairmont
Rachel brings over seven years of experience in art galleries and community events, combining a passion for art with a talent for fostering meaningful connections. She has a natural ability to manage logistics, sales, and client care, always prioritizing exceptional service and attention to detail.
Rachel’s enthusiasm for creating vibrant cultural spaces shines through in her work, and her communications background ensures our gallery’s message resonates with our community.
Meaghan Crow
Art Consultant - Victoria Fairmont
Meaghan Crow is a visual artist and art consultant with a passion for connecting people with original works of art. She holds a BFA with Honours in Visual Arts from the University of Victoria, where she focused on acrylic painting and art education.
With hands-on experience in gallery curation, art sales, and social media management, Meaghan brings a well-rounded skill set to the Mountain Galleries team. When she’s not in the gallery, she’s creating her own artwork or teaching painting in her local community.
Shannon McLachlan
Supervisor Art Handler - Whistler Fairmont
Shannon McLachlan is a British multidisciplinary designer and artist with a focus on social issues and sustainability. He studied Product Design at Bournemouth University in the United Kingdom and received a Dyson Bursary for his final year project. After moving to Austria to work for a design consultancy focusing on sports products, he shifted to a more artistic practice.
He studied Design Investigations at the University of Applied Arts and began exhibiting projects both collaboratively and independently. He has recently moved to Squamish, Canada and is developing his own artistic practice whilst working for Off Piste Fine Arts as a Supervisor Art Handler.
Rudolf Makumba Nkongho Akwo
Art Handler - Whistler Fairmont
Rudolf Makumba Nkongho Akwo holds an LLB in Law from the University of Yaoundé, Cameroon, earned in 2010. He volunteered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Buea, Cameroon and began his law practice in 2016.
Passionate about the arts, Rudolf relocated to Canada in 2022 and now works as an art handler in Whistler, combining his appreciation for art with his meticulous approach to handling and caring for artworks.
Jake Edwards
Art Handler - Whistler Fairmont
Jake Edwards is a seasoned Set Decoration professional who has worked in the film industry since 2019. Based in London for much of his early career, Jake began working across fashion and photography in 2015, making the move to film & TV a few years later.
He studied at Goldsmiths, University of London, where he developed a strong foundation in visual culture and creative expression. After several years in the fast-paced London scene, Jake relocated to the West Coast to pursue a more active lifestyle.
Marlese Sketchley
Regional Sales Manager - Whistler Fairmont
Marlese is the dynamic Regional Sales Manager at Mountain Galleries. Originally from Houston, BC, she's made Whistler her home for the past decade. Her diverse 14-year background spans from fast fashion to outdoor sports apparel, showcasing her adeptness at visual merchandising and product selection.
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for the art industry, Marlese is a valuable addition to the Mountain Galleries team.
Tara Wolters-Smythe
Off Piste Fine Arts. COO
Tara grew up on Vancouver Island before heading to Vancouver to attend Business School. Missing the small-town feel, she later relocated to Squamish and joined Whistler Contemporary Gallery as our Business Manager.
With over 20 years of experience in luxury retail, distribution, and management, Tara brings a wealth of knowledge and is excited to be charting a new path in the art world.
Ann Priftis
Off Piste Fine Arts. CEO
With over 28 years of experience in the fine art industry, Ann has held roles in commercial galleries, auction houses, art startups, and major tech companies - including Amazon. Now based in Seattle, WA, she originally hails from the East Coast of the U.S.
Ann’s passion for art has led her to explore inspiring art destinations around the world.
Along the way, she’s built lasting relationships with artists, collectors, and industry peers - connections she deeply values. Through her work with Off Piste, she continues to nurture and grow this vibrant network.