Paul Deacon - Patron

I originate from Dartmouth in Devon where my father was a fisherman and mother a part time artist and raised in Dartmouth and Sligo, Ireland respectively throughout my younger years. I joined the Merchant Navy in 1974 where I worked my way up to mate and relief master on small ships trading around Europe and North West Africa. From there I joined the Prison Service before immigrating to New Zealand in 1995 with my family and now recently retired after working the last 25 years in youth services.

I’m one of New Zealand’s leading marine artists specialising in traditional oil painting and a member of the ASMA (Australian Society of Marine Artists) and the NZAFA (New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts). I have a Post Graduate Diploma in Business but more importantly offer the TAFG my years of experience nudging around the fringes of the art world having had my artwork accepted and rejected countless times.

Lewis Della Bosca - Founder and Committee Member

Lewis Della Bosca in partnership with his wife Glenys, own and operate Impressions Picture Framers and Art Supplies in Richmond, and have been involved with the annual award as instigators and  principal sponsors since its inception in 2006. Lewis had a vision of a national award located in the Tasman District, so in 2016 he invited Graeme Stradling and Glenys Forbes, both Ruby Coast artists to become involved. While maintaining a close connection with the awards as Patron and as a sponsor, Lewis would like to see the now Tasman National Art Awards further develop into a significant event to showcase Tasman and NZ art and artists.

Anna Pickersgill-Brown - Chairperson

Having lived in the Tasman region since 2016, I count myself blessed to live in this area which I find, as an artist and a woman of faith, so inspiring. 

I count it a privilege to be a committee member of the Tasman Art Focus  Group.

I am also a member of Nelson Suter Art Society, Motueka Art Group, Art Group Nelson and Mapua Art group.

I love to paint and draw, having done so since finger painting at kindergarten… (I still love finger painting!)

I bring a wealth of financial, creative and administrative experience to this group having done all of these roles in my journey thus far.

Kaye Farrer - Treasurer

Nelson is my home and has been forever.  I have had many overseas holidays and seen many parts of the world but I always love to come home to this wonderful region and all it has to offer. 

I am a part-time artist but my passion for art and craft has been lifelong. I have a motto where if someone else can do it, I can too. This has led me down various avenues including, lead lighting, mixed media and sculpting but I always come back to my true love of drawing and painting.   

I am a member of the Nelson Suter Art Society and was their treasurer for 2 years prior to joining the TNAA team.  

There is an extraordinary amount of time and effort that goes into making this event the success that it is and I welcome the opportunity to be a part of that.   

Jill Richards - Registrar

Having been brought up in Nelson, after 40 years I am very happy to be back living here again and more importantly being part of the artistic community that is thriving in the region. I recently left the Collective Gallery Wall to Wall and retired as Exhibitions Officer for the Suter Art Society, so am ready to give my time to the new role as Registrar for the Tasman National Art Awards and looking forward to it continuing to grow as a national competition.

My work mainly centres around monoprinting, collaged monoprints and I am exploring the joys of encaustic as well.

Teaching techniques has become a new-found love of mine – running classes for up to 12 participants on monoprinting, exploring background techniques (rust dyeing, using resists and discharge dyeing) and creating collage elements using a multitude of mediums.

Exhibiting in the Christchurch, Queenstown and Wellington Art Shows as well as local exhibitions run by the Nelson Suter Art Society and Art Group Nelson, gives me a great opportunity to engage with the public about my art processes. I particularly enjoy the feedback I receive and exchange of ideas. Always trying new ideas and developing old ones – it is my ‘happy place!’

Glenis Ambrose - Sponsorship and Promotion

Having worked for many years in the corporate world as Head of Human Resources for a large multinational company I have vast experience in all streams of employment relations and management.

I chose early retirement and took the opportunity to delve into new hobbies and outdoor interests. I have always loved colour and was drawn to exploring a variety of arts and crafts with my passion now being painting.  Over the years I have worked in a number of mediums including oils, acrylics and mixed media. My love of colour comes through in my art.

I have valued having the time to do volunteer work which  has included being the Workshop Coordinator and Treasurer of Art Group Nelson, a committee member of the Nelson Suter Art Society and Sponsorship and Promotion of the Tasman National Art Awards

Since moving to  Nelson I  relish the wide variety of arts, galleries and outdoor activities that Nelson and the South Island has to offer.

Sue Birchfield - Social Media

I was born in Nelson, raised a family here and am now pursuing my creative dreams. I’m a member of The Wall to Wall Art Gallery and I’m really excited to be involved with the Tasman Art Awards. I love plein air painting and also teaching people how to start their creative journeys.    

Paul Nankivell - Operations

I’ve taken on the role of Treasurer for the Tasman Art Focus Group. I’ve been a resident of Mapua for 20 years and I’ve also been a committee member for the Mapua and Districts Business Association. I have recently retired from my construction business and am able to devote more time to my photography and artwork.

Nolene McMaster - Committee Member

Although I live Taupo, it’s been my absolute pleasure to have been involved in the Tasman National Art Awards for the last 3 years as a volunteer.  I fly to Nelson each year to help with the setup of the awards and attend the Awards night.  

It’s always a highlight on my calendar and as an artist I always am inspired by the variety and quality of the works selected. My own work is Original Floral Realism in Oils. I love the variety of colours and textures of flowers and that keeps me challenged in my art practice. 

Last year to extend myself, I took on producing the very generous catalogue and have agreed to produce it again this year.  I look forward to being inspired and delighted by the wonderful art. 

Juliana Trolove - Committee Member

What a privilege to be involved in the TNAA as a volunteer.
I was trained in graphic design and jewellery hopefully I can be of some assistance if not just a great tea maker!
My own practice is one of oil painting with a palette knife and crazy ceramic sculptures. 
I love learning and being involved in the wider art community so it will be fun to see the artists who enter their works for the TNAA with such a variety and skills it will be inspiring.

Philippa Eberlein - Committee Member

Originally from England, I have lived in Nelson for the last 20 years. I have always had an interest in art and crafts, gaining knowledge from viewing European and US Galleries on my travels and admiring the grand masters. I paint abstract works, often with an environmental theme, in acrylics and mixed media. After a 30 year break, I am working with clay again.

I am a life member of The Nelson Suter Art Society and Art Group Nelson after serving seven and 12 years respectively on their committees. I am looking forward to working with a new team at TNAA.

Barbara Franklet - Committee Member

A practicing artist for thirty years, I am delighted to be a volunteer for the TNAA. I've worked in various mediums and styles ranging from illustration to abstract mixed media. I am originally from the USA, but have made Tasman my home since 2008. I've been involved with the New Zealand Art Show, Christchurch Art Show and numerous other events, I also have various gallery representation.

Most days you can find me working at my boutique gallery Mockingbird Studio in the Nelson CBD.