Yvonne Monestier

Director, Fine Arts Division

Yvonne Monestier is Director of Fine Art & Strategic Partnerships at Waddington’s. Yvonne is responsible for leading the strategic direction of the Fine Art division of Waddington’s which comprises Canadian, Contemporary, Inuit, International and Discovery Art. As an experienced and passionate arts practitioner, her expertise is in curatorial studies, strategic planning, business development and project management. Prior to joining the Waddington’s team in late 2019, Monestier managed the City of Mississauga Public Art Program for over ten years where she was responsible for all aspects of planning and commissioning art on public and private lands, with a focus on contemporary Canadian artists. Monestier developed Mississauga’s inaugural public art policy and master plan which led to a city-wide public art program. Monestier has managed program budgets and curated numerous permanent and ephemeral art projects and exhibitions. Prior to joining the public sector, Monestier worked as an independent curator and art consultant in New York City with prominent galleries and collectors including the likes of Nyehaus, New Art Dealers Alliance (NADA) and the National Arts Club. Monestier holds an Honours B.A. from the University of Toronto and a Master’s degree in Art Business from the Sotheby’s Institute, New York. You can follow her adventures online at @y.monestier on Instagram or @YMonestier on Twitter.

Ellie Muir

Manager

Joining Waddington’s in 2012 with more than a decade of experience delivering excellent client service in hospitality, banking and professional association roles, Ellie Muir worked closely with senior Fine Art and Decorative Arts specialists before taking a leadership position in the Consignments & Appraisals department. In this role, Ellie oversaw the assessment and sale of many important estates and corporate collections. She maintained membership in the International Society of Appraisers from 2015-2020.

Having grown up on Lake of the Woods, her appreciation for Canadian Fine Art and the Canadian landscape began at a very young age. Ellie has a passion for Canadian history, and holds a B.A. from the University of Toronto in this subject. These interests inform her research and give her an advantage when putting consignments in context within both the artists’ lifetimes and Canadian art history.

As the Manager of the Canadian Fine Art department, Ellie brings her passion and experience to the organization and promotion of the online auctions and bi-annual live auctions. Ellie enjoys meeting clients to discuss their needs and provide honest advice. She regularly travels across Canada representing Waddington’s.

Kristin Vance

Associate Specialist

As the Associate Specialist of Contemporary Art at Waddington’s, Kristin Vance’s responsibilities include research, cataloguing, auction planning and client services associated with our Contemporary Art auctions. Prior to joining the Waddington’s team in 2010, Kristin resided in the United States, working primarily in the museum industry as an Exhibitions and Special Projects Coordinator and Curatorial Assistant. Kristin holds a Masters of Art degree in Art History with a focus on modern and contemporary art as well a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Intermedia Sculpture. Her interest and experience in art history combined with her own studio practice gives Kristin a multi-layered approach to her work and enhances her relationships with clients.

Nicole Schembre

Consignment Coordinator

Nicole Schembre has over a decade of experience in various corners of the art world. She graduated with an Honours degree in Art History from Queen’s University, where she completed an internship at the Agnes Etherington Arts Centre, and studied art in Venice, Italy. She went on to work at one of Canada’s leading commercial art galleries, which included representing the gallery at various international art fairs. Nicole has taught courses in Art History and the History of Furniture at Conestoga College. Delving into another aspect of the art industry, Nicole worked for the museum industry’s leading collections management software company.

Nicole is currently the Consignment Coordinator for the Canadian Fine Art and Inuit Art departments, working with consignors and buyers to guide them through the auction process. She is deeply involved in organizing the Canadian Fine Art auctions, and revels in the artworks that come through Waddington’s.

In addition to being active in the arts community, she serves on the Art Gala Selection Committee for Swim Drink Fish.

Alec Kerr

Consignment Coordinator

Alec Kerr’s immersion in the world of international art was born out of several years studying and working abroad. He holds a BA (Honours) from the University of Edinburgh, with a focus on the early-20th century European avant-garde, and continued his studies with an MA in History of Art from University College London, completing his dissertation on post-internet video practice. Outside of academia Alec built a background in the private art sector with several volunteer positions in London institutions, as well as an internship with the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice. Since returning to Canada three years ago Alec has been busy immersing himself in Toronto’s vibrant art scene. He joined Waddington’s International Art department in 2018.