Kaitlyn Karns

Kaitlyn Karns (M.Ed) is a class of 2020 graduate from the University of Windsor’s Masters of Education program with a concentration in Curriculum Theory and Development. During her time at the Faculty of Education, she completed a thesis focusing on the pathways of creative arts undergrads and their transitions into higher education. She is very passionate about higher education, the creative arts, student transition and recruitment, and using the arts to educate students of all ages in an innovative way.

Kaitlyn is currently the Executive Director of the Ford City BIA as well as the Administrative & Outreach Coordinator at the Arts Council Windsor & Region. In addition to her professional work, she has had the pleasure of working with community groups and small businesses within the local creative arts community to help with marketing and production purposes. Kaitlyn is also an active member of Windsor-Essex’s creative arts community and has been seen on stages across Windsor-Essex and the province.

Kaitlyn’s research is published through both ProQuest and ERIC and is available for public use. You can find her Masters of Education thesis here.  

How long have you been a part of ACWR?

Almost 1 year! Since September of 2020.

What made you want to get involved with ACWR?

When I saw the initial job positing, I thought it was the perfect opportunity for me to be involved in the arts community while also having the ability to share my experiences and knowledge post-grad to connect with artists in our community.

Are you an artist? Can you tell us about your work?

I am a musician, specifically a vocalist. I teach private voice and piano lessons and I am very involved in the local theatre/ music scene. Over the past year, I have also taken up film photography, specially 35mm.

Do you have a favourite local artist, arts collective/organization, mural, art space, or creative project in the Windsor region?

I love WIFF Alley and all of the many other murals around the city! I also have to give a shout out to Phog Lounge for being a hub for musicians and other artists to share their work with our community.

How has the pandemic changed the way you work?

I have found that since the pandemic, I have taken less time to focus on my own personal practice in music. The pandemic kind of took away all motivation to create since I don’t have anything to personally work towards. However, I was able to explore other creative outlets and refine my skills taking 35mm photos.

What inspires you?

Seeing the creative work of others who are close to me. I also am really inspired by community arts projects that help to better our communities through the arts.

What do you want people to know about ACWR?

I want people to know that ACWR is a place for all disciplines of artists and that we are here to support any artist from the Windsor and region.

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