A new board will be selected during the 2008 Annual General Meeting to be held on Tuesday 24 March 2009 at 6pm. Nominations are now closed and the list of nominees can be found in this article...

The Amended Rules passed at the Special General Meeting on 27 January 2009 have been registered by the Department of Justice and Attorney-General and have effect from 19 February 2009.

Roles of our board of management which can be found here

Please see the list of Nominees below:

Executive Committee:

Edmond, Brian (nominated for President)

I am a solicitor with over 19 years experience and am currently working at Boulton Cleary & Kern, acting for people injured due to the negligence of others. I have also worked as a professional actor and director in Brisbane, and ran my own theatre company. I feel that I have a unique blend of commercial ‘real world’ experience, as well as a genuine insight into the difficulties and hurdles faced by Arts practitioners.

I have been an Ordinary Member over the previous year, and consider that my skills and experience have been of value to the Management Committee. I have been instrumental in registration of the amendments to Umbrella’s Rules, have attended all Management Committee meetings, have attended most exhibition openings, and have no axe to grind or faction to support but, rather, am committed to facilitating Umbrella continuing to thrive and prosper as a leading arts organisation in North Queensland.

Nominated by: Lynn Scott-Cumming

Seconded by: Shane Keen

Barton, Robert (nominated for Treasurer)

A former Director of Umbrella Studio, from 1989 to 2002, with over 25 years experience in the cultural industries.

For the past 3 years, I have acted as Treasurer for Umbrella Studio. I am keen to again offer my experience and expertise in support of Umbrella Studio’s future direction as a progressive and innovative contemporary visual arts organisation.

Nominated by: Gail Mabo

Seconded by: Aaron Ashley

Jill O’Sullivan (nominated for Secretary)

My experiences as a professional practising visual artist combined with involvement with State and regional art organisations will, I feel, be of distinct use for this organisation. I do have a good knowledge of Committee structures and the duties and responsibilities pertaining to serving on a committee, demonstrated by serving as:

• North Western Queensland representative for Queensland Artworkers Alliance, 1993-1996,
• Flying Arts Mount Isa representative 1992-1996,
• RADF Mount Isa committee during that period too.
• President of the Mount Isa Visual Arts Society 1995-6
• Vice President of the Mount Isa branch of the Queensland Arts Council 1993-4

During this period, in conjunction with a fellow artist, I developed Stack Arts, an experimental and contemporary art group in the North-West. I also worked with community groups in various fields. Since coming to Townsville in 1997, my involvement with art committees and groups has included:

'

• Serving on the Umbrella Studio Board for two separate terms of two years and two of those as President.
• Curating exhibitions and developing regional practices in Innisfail, Mackay and Mount Isa.
• Co-ordinating and curating several exhibitions at James Cook University Vincent Gallery
• Serving as a member of Public Art selection committees for Thuringowa City Council
• Working with youth groups at several Townsville schools and Bowen High School on various projects
• Working with Indigenous youth in Cammoweal and Mount Isa on art projects

If elected, I will, to the very best of my ability, be committed to the Board, members and the continued development of Umbrella’s profile as a contemporary Art space.

Nominated by: Lynn Scott-Cumming

Seconded by: Shane Keen

Mabo, Gail (nominated for Vice President)

I am the daughter of Eddie ‘Koiki’ Mabo, who was a political activist, land rights campaigner and father. Being the fourth child of Edward and Boneta Mabo, I was born in Townsville, but my family comes from Mer (Murray Island) in the Torres Strait. We are from the Paidram Clan and my totem is the shark.

On leaving high school, I joined the Aboriginal and Islander Dance Theatre from 1984 to 1987. I’ve appeared in short films and plays such as Jack Davis’ No Sugar and Jimmy Chi’s Bran Nue Dae, and the TV series RAN.

After graduating from TAFE in 2007 with a National Award for Achievement in Visual Arts, I’ve had solo and group exhibitions including Doodle Dreaming at the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery in June 2007.

I am the Artistic Director of The Mabo Dance Company, and have toured nationally and internationally as a dancer and choreographer with the Aboriginal and Islander Dance Theatre, taking dance to many remote Indigenous communities. I’ve been a dancer and choreographer for more than 30 years, and was one of seven Queensland artists invited to perform at the prestigious Australian Performing Arts Market in Adelaide in February 2008.

I’ve been a member of Umbrella Studio for two years, serving on the Board for 2008, and if re-elected, I would utilise my National networks to facilitate multi-cultural collaborations.

Nominated by: Aaron Ashley

Seconded by: Lynn Scott-Cumming

Ordinary Members

Ashley, Bernadette (nominated for Ordinary Member)

A former journalist, I completed a degree in Visual Art at James Cook University and now have my own freelance writing and art practice in Townsville, mainly focused on arts reviews and profiles for local and national publications.

In eight years in Townsville, I have developed contacts in many areas of visual arts, dance, music, media, and arts administration. I’ve exhibited at Umbrella several times, attended events, reviewed a number of exhibitions, and regularly liaise with the Director and staff.

I can bring to the Umbrella Board my excellent communication skills - written, visual and verbal; and high level interpersonal skills developed in a wide variety of work and social situations. I have a Certificate IV in Business (Small Business Management, 2008) through NEIS (New Enterprise Incentive Scheme) who have mentored my business start up phase.

My Committee experience includes periods as President and Vice President on school councils in Victoria, and publicity and fundraising for the JCU 2006 art graduates’ exhibition.

Nominated by: Vicki Salisbury

Seconded by: Aaron Ashley

Douglas, Margot (nominated for Ordinary Member)

My nomination as Board Member for Umbrella brings benefit of previous Board/Committee experiences in Arts industry, including regional Board Member for Craft Queensland (Artisan) – 6years / Qld Arts Council / RADF Committee.

My arts practice as contemporary jeweller/silversmith has a regional, national and international profile, which has been a self sustaining practice for 15 years. I also have extensive event facilitation, business administration and accounting experience.

As a Board Member, I believe these experiences can contribute to the continued growth of both Umbrella’s organisation and its members.

Nominated by: Jan Hynes

Seconded by: Alison McDonald

Gartrell, Ray (nominated for Ordinary Member)

I have a sporting background and have played Cricket and Tennis at representative level. I am a past President of Suburban Parks Cricket Club, and was a long serving member of the Committee for Townsville Cricket. I am a qualified Cricket Coach and have been a selector for regional sporting teams. My service to the community has extended to Pimlico State High School P&C and my local Neighbourhood Watch program. I am currently Chairman of the Pimlico High Jubilee Committee. I hold qualifications in HR Management (Diploma of Business) and am working toward completing my Master of Business Administration at James Cook University. I’ve worked for Qld Rail and, prior to my appointment as a Councillor to Townsville City Council, held the position of Human Resources Manager for Queensland Country Credit Union Ltd.

Nominated by: Gail Mabo

Seconded by: Jill O’Sullivan

Hill, Emma (nominated for Ordinary Member)

I am a young, local, emerging artist, very in touch with key stakeholders in local schools, galleries, the university and the wider community. I have industry experience in both Council-run and local galleries, and I’m very committed to professional development and regularly attend local and regional opportunities.

I started our working as a volunteer at the regional galleries, and went from there to running workshops and other work. I am deeply passionate about the growth and promotion of fine art in our region.

Nominated by: Lynn Scott-Cumming

Seconded by: Shane Keen

Howard, Amanda (nominated for Ordinary Member)

I have completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts and a Graduate Bachelor of Education. I majored in print making, however in my spare time I use acrylic, spray paint and mixed media to create my artworks. I have a passion for teaching art and have been doing so for five and a half years. Three and a half of those years have been within the education system and I began teaching out of school art at the Blue Art Shop. Although I still teach in both areas, my after school class has moved to a different venue. The reason I teach art is to assist students to express themselves creatively, and taking youth teams to galleries is a great benefit to them, as it inspires and widens horizons.

My main passion (if elected onto the Board) would be engaging youth and students within the arts. Therefore exposing them to this exhibition space and connecting all ages to events, artistic opportunities and submersing them into the arts culture. We need to engage our students and youth into the world of art whilst at school. This way, when they are thinking about creative futures, they are more aware and inclined to visit galleries as a form of entertainment and inspiration, therefore triggering creative motives to one day create and display their own work.

Nominated by: Vicki Salisbury

Seconded by: Lynn Scott-Cumming

Hutchison, Clive (nominated for Ordinary Member)

My interest in wishing to re-nominate for the Board of Umbrella Studio stems from an increasing involvement in the creative arts scene beyond the university, where I am employed as a Senior Lecturer in the School of Creative Arts, and out into the community. I believe that I bring the following knowledge and skills to the Board:

• Long-term enthusiasm for, and involvement with, the creative arts as a high school teacher, university lecturer, and creative arts practitioner, for the past ten years in Townsville.
• The ability to plan strategically, set goals, chart new directions.
• Business experience as a past small business proprietor.
• Experience in the integration of new technologies both in contemporary art practice and also as an adjunct to presentations and communication; live and online.
• My personal style is collaborative, problem solving, goal oriented, and based on a foundation of ethical conduct.

My involvement with Umbrella Studio has grown over recent times. I took up membership over 2 years ago, serving on the Board in 2008 as Secretary. Since joining Umbrella, I have participated in voluntary exhibition set up (IASKA Exhibition) and have played a part as consultant to the Exhibition Planning and Selection sub-committee. An extension of this involvement is the authoring of a presentation to guide applicants in their exhibition submissions to Umbrella.

If re-elected to the Board, I once again undertake to bring positive enthusiasm to the position.

Nominated by: Lynn Scott-Cumming

Seconded by: Shane Keen

Lloyd-Smith, Kalven (nominated for Ordinary Member)

I am an emerging artist with a Degree in Visual Arts, and was awarded Third Place in the Strand Emphemera 2007. I have considerable administration ability, and have been involved with Umbrella Studio for many years in various capacities.

As a committed member, I have voluntarily assisted in installation and dismantling of exhibitions, have been engaged as a Workshop Facilitator for youth projects, and have curated student exhibitions at Umbrella.

I was Deacon of the Townsville Baptist Church, and have served on the Boards of both the Queensland Youth Council and the Open Youth Project.

I am keen to offer my experience and skills to the 2009 Board of Management, and to share my vision for the growth of the Arts in Townsville and North Queensland.

Nominated by: Aaron Ashley

Seconded by: Lynn Scott-Cumming

McDonald, Alison (nominated for Ordinary Member)

I come from a family of artists in Victoria and completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts (Hons) at James Cook University, where I majored in painting and sculpture.

I have extensive knowledge of internal workings of Umbrella Studio, as I was previously employed there as a Gallery Officer for two and a half years on a casual basis.

I am a professional and independent artist/sculptor in North Queensland, and am employed as a teacher and facilitator.

I believe that my previous Committee and facilitation experience, coupled with my financial and administrative skills, would make me a valuable asset to the Board of Management.

Nominated by: Margot Douglas

Seconded by: Pia Armitage

Scott-Cumming, Lynn (nominated for Ordinary Member)

I have been a practicing artist for over 30 years, have a Master of Creative Arts and a Bachelor of Visual Arts.

I’ve been Vice President of Writers In Townsville for many years, have served on the Townsville RADF Committee, and on the steering committee for ‘Write Up North’ writers’ festival. I’ve also served on numerous other Committees around the city, including being President of the Townsville Art Society.

I’m a long standing member of Umbrella Studio, and have volunteered in many capacities over the years. I’ve attended courses on Risk Management for Artists, community consultation and information technology.

If elected to the 2009 Board, I look forward to assisting in the advancement of contemporary art in the region.

Nominated by: Graeme Buckley

Seconded by: Aaron Ashley

Smith, Selena (nominated for Ordinary Member)

I have always applied my passion for creativity into every employment position or training I’ve been in. From Horticulture to Hospitality, I’ve always taken on a creative role, from window displays to murals for the local kindergarten. Art was always part of my life. Balancing a Defence Force family life, work and study commitments are second nature to me, a mature age student.

I have a Certificate IV in Horticulture from the Ballarat School of Mines in 1996, and a Diploma of Visual Arts from the Barrier Reef TAFE 2006. I won the Part time student award BRIT 2006, Regional Vocational Student of the Year, and QLD Vocational Student of the Year 2007. I was also the Australian Vocational Student of the Year 2007, and I judged at the 2008 Training Awards on the Vocational Panel.

I have links to the cultural community through expos and public art, children’s classes and exhibiting and selling art in QLD, South Australia and the ACT. I had media interviews and my first solo exhibition in January 2009

I have extensive experience in the management of Retail Stores, and believe these managerial and administration skills would be beneficial to the Board, if I were elected.

I’ve been involved with Umbrella Studio for a few years now, not only as a member, but as an exhibiting artist and an enthusiastic volunteer whenever required. I’m a fun-loving person, can make fair and unbiased judgments on policy, and am very dedicated to the arts.

Nominated by: Anthony Edwards

Seconded by: Lynn Scott-Cumming

Wildeheart, Mandy (Nominated for Ordinary Member)

I believe I would bring a broad base of knowledge and skills to the Committee as I have had a varied career in the arts and in the work force. The following dot points provide a brief summary of qualifications, demonstrated skills, and details of positions I have held over the last ten years:

• Artist and writer (predominately freelance journalism)
• Tertiary degrees in teaching (secondary schools), freelance journalism, and Fine Art
• Currently studying IT certificate subjects
• Queensland Writers Centre Regional Liaison Officer
• Flying Arts Centre representative - former
• Townsville City Council Cultural Development Project Officer - former
• Townsville City Council RADF administrator - former
• Pinnacles Gallery Education Officer - former
• Thuringowa RADF committee member - former
• Townsville Bulletin columnist - Gallery Reviewer - former

Nominated by: Lynn Scott-Cumming

Seconded by: Vicki Salisbury

Print