Celebrating Creativity, Community, and Local Talent
Waterloo Region, ON — August 25, 2025 — Living Local Magazine is proud to announce the launch of a
dedicated Arts & Culture section, designed to shine a spotlight on the vibrant creative scene in our region. This
exciting new feature will showcase the diverse arts, music, theatre, and cultural experiences available to residents
and the thousands of university students who call our community home.
“At Living Local, we believe that arts and culture are the heartbeat of a thriving community,” says Trina Stewart,
Co-Owner and Editor of Living Local Magazine. “By highlighting the talent and creativity that surrounds us, we
hope to inspire residents and students alike to engage, explore, and support our local cultural scene.”
The Arts & Culture section will be led by two editors whose careers and passions are deeply rooted in creativity:
Helen Fidler and Betty Anne Keller.
Helen Fidler is a third-generation artist and Realtor whose award-winning real estate career is just one layer of
her story. A woman of faith and mother of three, Helen is also the Ambassador for Indwell in Waterloo Region,
supporting deeply affordable housing. But her story begins with art, having grown up surrounded by creativity,
she has spent decades painting abstracts, hosting art nights, curating exhibitions, and supporting emerging artists.
Her ventures range from co-founding Happy Space Entertainment Inc. to helping launch Hannah’s Bella Bistro,
where the walls became a rotating gallery of Canadian artists. Today, Helen paints from her studio at 44 Gaukel
in Kitchener and continues her mission to champion creativity and culture wherever she goes.
“Art has always been a part of who I am,” says Helen Fidler. “This new Arts & Culture section is about opening
doors, whether to a gallery, a theatre, or an unexpected cultural moment, so our community can experience the
beauty and creativity that already surrounds them.”
Joining her is Betty Anne Keller, whose career has been devoted to the arts in Waterloo Region and beyond. A
music promoter in the 1970s and ’80s, Betty Anne presented international artists and later founded the summer
School for the Performing Arts for teens at the Centre in the Square. As Arts Manager for the City of Waterloo,
she served as President of the Creative Cities Network of Canada (2008–2011) and has worked with renowned
Canadian musicians such as Rita MacNeil, the Rankin Family, and Loreena McKennitt. In 2022, she produced
the documentary Rock This Town, highlighting the region’s music legacy. She remains a tireless advocate for arts
and culture.
Together, Helen and Betty Anne bring a powerful blend of passion, expertise, and lived experience to Living Local
Magazine’s new Arts & Culture section. Readers can look forward to rich storytelling, local spotlights, and insider
recommendations in every issue.
The Arts & Culture section will debut in the upcoming issue of Living Local Magazine, available in print and
online. Businesses, event organizers, and artists interested in being featured are encouraged to connect with the
magazine’s editorial team.
About Living Local Magazine
Living Local Magazine is a lifestyle publication dedicated to celebrating the people, businesses, and stories that
make Waterloo Region and Wellington County unique. Proudly women-owned, the magazine blends local insights,
inspiring features, and community connection in every issue.
Media Contacts:
Trina Stewart
Co-owner Living Local Magazine
226-898-4414
[email protected]
Alissa McGill
Co-owner Living Local Magazine
519-569-0779
[email protected]
Trina Stewart is the Editor and Publisher of Living Local Magazine. Originally from Cambridge, Ontario, Trina loves exploring the area and embracing the activities, events, and local businesses.
