Elizabeth began her career in arts administration and communications with two different nonprofit arts organizations, St. Thomas Art Public Art Centre and later Scarborough Arts. Working on staff at these dynamic, community-minded organizations shaped her view of nonprofit arts as an essential, inclusive community service.

Elizabeth is currently studying Nonprofit Management at X University, Toronto.

Previously Elizabeth worked as a reporter and photographer for a variety of news and magazine publications, interviewing everyone from award-winning pig farmers to the Premier of Ontario… sometimes in a single day!

Since moving to Bruce County 12 years ago, and while raising her young children, Elizabeth has focused on independent freelance writing, and serving the community through numerous projects and organizations including Women’s House Serving Bruce & Grey, Alzheimer’s Society of Grey Bruce, and helping to found the Saugeen Shores Refugee Fund. Elizabeth served on the Southampton Arts Centre Board of Directors from 2019 until 2021.

As an artist, Elizabeth enjoys experimenting with traditional pinhole photography techniques along with her partner Mickaël. The pair have held solo and group exhibitions in Southampton and Toronto, and were awarded “Best Figurative Image” in The Dark Room 3.0 CONTACT Photography Exhibition at 918 Bathurst. Their work has also appeared in Don’t Take Pictures and FStop Magazine.

In her free time Elizabeth works toward her reading goal of 70+ books annually, and is always appreciative of excellent book recommendations.

Karen Friis recently sold Southampton’s Duffy’s Fish & Chips to pursue a more art inspired life.  She has since found a home at Southampton Arts.

Karen graduated Fashion Design from the Academy of Design in Toronto in 2005.   She opened a successful collective shop for Toronto designers, and artists, in the popular Queen West area. 

After a couple of years in Queen West she found her way to the beautiful shores of Lake Huron.

After 12 years the pandemic took its natural toll on her restaurant business and she found the transition from restaurant owner/operator to gallery manager a natural one.   Her background working with designers and artists makes this position ideal. Add to that her decades of experience in business management makes this a perfect match.

Karen Friis now serves as Operations Manager of Southampton Arts.  She is thrilled at this exciting opportunity.   Karen says “I’m honoured and humbled by the amazing artists in our community. It’s a privilege to be surrounded by their work every day.”

“It’s my intention to continue the fine work of previous management and to also implement new ideas and more inclusive community oriented  projects.” 

“Come see what’s new at the Art Gallery, it’s always changing, or register for one of our many expertly taught art classes, in so many interesting mediums.”