Cultural Values (Paint the Town Symposium, 2025 - Annapolis Royal)
Cultural Values: Art, Creativity and Economic Activity
66 Victoria St., Annapolis Royal – Legion/Community Centre
Creative communities are an asset, which fuel activity and attract attention. Just as entrepreneurial skill can nourish an enduring artistic career, businesses can benefit from the power of creativity and culture. Join us for this discussion on how regional development can be catalyzed by the mutual interests of local artists and businesses.
- Moderator:
Christopher Webb (Herring Cove) - Artist / Owner, Pavia Gallery – Espresso Bar & Café
- Panelists:
Wade Cleveland (Yarmouth) – Musician / Radio Host / Podcast / Communications Coordinator, Western Regional Enterprise Network / Town Councillor
Dawn Oman (Bridgetown) - Artist / Dawn Oman Art
Erin Welch (Bear River) – Owner, Sissiboo Coffee Roasters Gallery
Jon Welch (Bear River) – Owner, Sissiboo Coffee Roasters Gallery / Councillor, County of Annapolis
Artist Profile - Christopher Webb
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Christopher Webb is a multidisciplinary visual artist and entrepreneur based in Herring Cove, Nova Scotia. His photorealistic paintings, inspired by his Italian heritage, reflect on themes of migration, belonging, and the cultural narratives that shape memory and identity. Webb is the co-founder and director of PAVIA Gallery ~ Espresso Bar & Café, an hybrid space that brings together contemporary art, exceptional food, and community engagement. Through PAVIA, he has curated exhibitions, launched an artist residency program, and helped create meaningful connections with the broader arts community.
Webb’s work has been exhibited in Canada and internationally, including an award-winning show in Venice, Italy. His paintings are held in public collections, such as the Nova Scotia Art Bank and the Comune di Valenzano. A guest lecturer at universities and art institutions, he is passionate about demonstrating how creative practices and entrepreneurship can enrich communities while building cultural capital.
(Photo credit: Wiekbke Schroeder)
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Artist Profile - Wade Cleveland
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Wade has more than 40 years of experience in Communications and over 45 years singing in local bands, which is just a friendly way of saying, “he’s been around awhile.” A long-time radio personality in Yarmouth, he currently hosts shows in both New England and Cape Breton. He recently wrapped a successful podcast, Ignited, which celebrated rural Nova Scotia’s entrepreneurs and changemakers, and he’s already at work on a new one.
Wade serves on Yarmouth Town Council and chairs the Planning Advisory Committee. He’s a past chair of both the Mariners Centre Management Board and Yarmouth & Acadian Shores Tourism Association, and in 2023, received the Community Impact Award at the Yarmouth Business Awards. He currently works in Economic Development with the Western Regional
Enterprise Network.
When he’s not working, you’ll find Wade singing, hosting Yarmouth Mariners games, or enjoying time with his two granddaughters—usually with a mic close by.
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Artist Profile - Dawn Oman
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Dawn Oman is a distinguished artist of Métis descent. Born in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, she is recognized for her vibrant and expressive paintings. Her artwork often features themes of nature and spirituality, reflecting her Indigenous heritage. Oman’s distinctive style, characterized by bold colors and fluid lines, has garnered acclaim both nationally and internationally. Her contributions to the art world highlight the richness of Indigenous culture and she continues to inspire many through her creative expressions and commitment to preserving and celebrating Indigenous culture.
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Artist Profile - Jon + Erin Welch
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Jon Welch is the founder and roaster behind Sissiboo Coffee Roaster Ltd., a community-rooted business with locations in Bear River and Annapolis Royal. In addition to running the business, Jon serves as a municipal councillor for the County of Annapolis, where he champions rural development, accessibility, and the arts. His work blends a deep commitment to community with hands-on creativity and sustainable business practices.
Erin Welch is co-owner of Sissiboo Coffee which has given her experience in business as well as arts programming. For the past 15 years, she has curated art shows at both Sissiboo Coffee Bars, offering local artists of many different mediums 3 month shows in both Bear River and Annapolis Royal. Erin is passionate about fostering creative spaces where art, local business, and community intersect.
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