PAINTER8 is a not-for-profit arts society registered in the province of British Columbia.

The name Painter8 was selected in homage to Canada's past art movements (Group of Seven, Regina Five, Painters Eleven). The '8' or infinity loop, connotes the continuum of Canada's past, present, and future visual art talent.

Each artist of PAINTER8 brings forth their own unique views and experiences to create a lively and diverse appreciation and conversation about where art can lead. There is within it a sampling of colour theory, form, philosophy, debate, and study.

Originally, PAINTER8 provided an opportunity for each artist to share ideas, thoughts and musings about art forms such as music, visual arts, film or theatre. It has evolved into a highly motivating, project based springboard for it’s members to directly challenge and problem solve specific concepts and ideas. Whether abstract, figurative or conceptual, members of Painter8 aim to establish a group dialogue and challenge each other as artists both in theory and in form.

PAINTER8 has a dynamic evolving platform of founding artists and guest artists across Canada supported by their Board of Directors . Painter8 has exhibited in Vancouver, Edmonton, Miami, and New York.

GOVERNANCE

Mission

The Painter8 Arts Society is an artist collective, dedicated to upholding and advancing contemporary painting by showcasing the work of Canadian artists in galleries, public venues, and alternative spaces. Through exhibitions and community engagement, we foster artistic innovation, dialogue, and accessibility to visual art, ensuring painting remains a vital force in the cultural landscape.

Vision

By hosting projects that draw public attention to contemporary painting and make it accessible to a wide audience, artists gain visibility and opportunity. As painters achieve wider recognition, build confidence, and grow artistically, the profession of painting is strengthened. This ensures that contemporary painting continues to thrive— documenting visual history, shaping identity, and bringing forward new expressions of culture.

Painter8 Arts Society is a member of Arts BC and BC Alliance For Arts and Culture

PAINTER8 Arts Society Board Directors are Chrissy Cheung, K R Mastine and Judith Macalino.

Chrissy Cheung founded Painter8 to foster meaningful connections among artists, curators, and audiences. As the director of Painter8 Arts Society she represents the collective, building a strong platform for contemporary art.

As an internationally recognized fine artist and skilled coordinator, Chrissy has led the Painter8 art movement since its inception, guiding it through numerous milestones, including incorporating  Painter8 Arts Society with BC Societies, coordinating the society’s first international exhibition in Miami, and adapting to an online show during COVID-19. She oversees all aspects of project execution, from planning and venue coordination to logistics. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University from 2000.

K R Mastine brings over 30 years of expertise in the film industry to the Painter8 Arts Society. He is committed to supporting the artists Painter8 collaborates with, by providing opportunities for artists to connect and develop their skills in a peer-reviewed environment.

Russell holds a BA in Photography from Champlain College in Quebec City and is a seasoned professional in the Motion Picture industry, specializing in scenic art and paint coordination. He has worked with renowned production companies including Paramount Pictures, MGM, Twentieth Century Fox, Disney, and Netflix.

Judith Macalino is passionate about supporting contemporary artists by ensuring financial stability for Painter8. Her goal is to develop long-term funding strategies that allow the organization to expand its programs and artist opportunities. She places a strong emphasis on fiscal accountability and effective governance models, to ensure the success and sustainability of the society.

A graduate of the SME Board Governance Program at the Alberta School of Business, University of Alberta, Judith has gained invaluable experience serving on both for-profit and not-for-profit boards, bringing leadership and participating in major transformations.

Judith is the former founder, CEO, and board chair of a private manufacturing company, where she led the business for 18 years. Under her leadership, the company expanded from a local producer to a national supplier, before being successfully sold.

image by Craig Talbot