Ellie Muir

Specialist

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.

Kendra Popelas

Consignment Specialist

Kendra has worked with public institutions, private galleries, and organizations including Art Toronto and the Canadian Museum Association in her role as Manager of Appraisal Services for the Art Dealers Association of Canada. Kendra has an MA, Art Business, Sotheby’s Institute of Art, London, UK, and a BFA, Criticism and Curatorial Practice, Ontario College of Art & Design University, Toronto.

Yvonne Monestier

Director, Fine Arts Division (On Leave December 2021 - January 2023)

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, 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.