ArtZone Sun Peaks welcomes new president after seven years

After seven years as president of ArtZone Sun Peaks, Marj Knive has stepped down, opening the role to KJ Miller.

During her time as president, some of Knive’s most memorable projects included multiple public art initiatives, such as the flags along the Valley Trail and artwork featured on the lift passes. 

She also ushered the ArtZone film festival to life, which she described as her “passion project.” 

She has guided ArtZone as it grew from displaying artwork in offices at Tourism Sun Peaks to featuring art at Vertical Cafe and eventually placing a piano in the village.

“We’ve all had this place to display art, which has been just so appreciated and such a special combination of cooperation throughout the village,” Knive said. 

A seven-year legacy

For Knive, the decision to step away came down to giving ArtZone an opportunity for new ideas and leadership alongside her relocation out of Sun Peaks.

“I think it’s time to have some new life and some new focus and new ideas to come into the organization,” Knive said. “Anybody leading an organization can only lead it for so long before it kind of stagnates, and you need fresh ideas. It was time for us to have a new leader and a new vibe”

Reflecting on her time heading the organization, Knive said everyone was always open and willing to try all sorts of different things, creating a strong sense of community for ArtZone.

“It was just a time of real growth and joy and friendship. It was great,” Knive said. 

KJ Miller takes the reins

Miller arrived in Sun Peaks in 2016 “as a wide eyed, full-of-enthusiasm snowboard instructor.” he told SPIN. 

“I decided to call [Sun Peaks] home. I was captured by the amazing town that we have, the community, supportive and vibrant, and I decided that this would be a great place to set up camp. Thankfully, I was received and welcomed with open arms,” he said.

Miller was personally invited to take on the presidency and said he was initially hesitant about stepping into the role.

“These are some very big boots to fill,” he said.

Miller has been a member with ArtZone for five years and has been involved in running workshops for filmmaking and photography. His own experience as a photographer and filmmaker has also shaped his vision for the organization.

He started a photography and film business, KJ Miller Media, which has grown within the Sun Peaks community and helped him recognize the perspective he could bring to ArtZone.

“Ultimitaly ArtZone thrives because of our volunteers and our members, which have been built up over those seven years, and I think that’s one of the most important things I’d like to carry forward into the future and build upon in a positive way,” Miller said.

One of Miller’s goals is to expand ArtZone’s membership.

He also hopes to find ways to recognize and incentivize the organization’s volunteers.

“[Our volunteers] do such a wonderful job, and without them, I think we would struggle to facilitate any of the shows or events that we do manage to put on,” Miller said. 

Miller’s vision for ArtZone includes having a more expansive capability to include different types of art depending on demand and to extend accessibility. With a vested interest in filmmaking and photography, he would like to incorporate those aspects of visual art to be more consistent in the program.

“I would love to see the arts and crafts become more accessible, and maybe offer a platform for artists and filmmakers and creatives to show off their skills that might otherwise not be there,” Miller said. 

As Miller takes over the presidency, he said his goal is not to replace what has already been built, but to continue growing it.