We have a dedicated and committed Board of Trustees and volunteer committee who manage NAC. The committee members organise the workshops, exhibitions, and presentations. They also manage the financial affairs, which includes applying for funding and gaining sponsorships.
Each member of the team is unique, in terms of strengths, work (and life!) experience, and expertise. But one thing they all have in common, is a passion and dedication to the running of NAC. No job is too menial, no one person more important, and nothing is too much work when it comes to making NAC the best it can be in providing the community with a safe, inclusive, and welcoming place for all things art—where art is for all.
We are also supported by a host of wonderful volunteers, who help keep our centres running!
Steve (Wilkie) Wilkinson
Chair & Treasurer
Acrylics Club, Watercolour Club and All Media Club Leader
In August 2020, Steve took on the role of Chair and Treasurer. Since then, he has led the growth and development of NAC, making it the valued community asset it is today.
Steve’s drive and determination for growth and development has been evidenced through his academic and business accomplishments. He gained a Master’s degree at Cambridge University (Part 1 in Engineering, Part 2 in Business Studies) which has underpinned his 40+ years in the aerospace and military sectors.
Steve’s skills and experience in strategy and planning, functional and line management, focus on customer service, along with his passion for, and experience in, teaching others, plays a key role in his success in growing and developing NAC into the organisation it is today.
The life of a chair is not always what one may think it is. On one day, you might find Steve at a desk, working on applications for funding, contracting with tutors and writing the many reports and financial statements needed to run the place. On another day, he could be seen meeting with various stakeholders, local traders, or potential funders. Or….it wouldn’t be unusual to see him fixing a toilet, replacing worn flooring, digging out a drain, or building a partition wall! The life of a chair at NAC really does take a unique set of skills and is certainly not a boring one!
Sue Andrew
Vice-Chair & Administration
As Vice-Chair and Trustee for Administration and Exhibitions, Sue stands in for Steve when he’s unavailable. She is responsible for leading the curating team and the related administration for the exhibitions.
Sue’s educational certifications and qualifications ranges from a TP5 to Diploma in Business and Administration and have formed the foundation for her career.
Most of Sue’s working life was spent in a huge variety of administration and finance roles in organisations ranging from the Ministry of Defence and culminating as Administration Manager at a nationwide charity which, alongside her support to the Director, was running their bulk oil buying scheme for homes across Northumberland.
Sue’s expertise and experience in planning and organising events plays an important role in NAC fund raising activities. As we find it ever more important to develop more self-sufficiency, her strength in this area becomes even more valuable.
Sue is passionate about all arts, and her involvement has ranged from performing in an operatic group to painting eggs, to training youth leaders, to offer arts to young people, and to designing, building and painting theatre sets.
Sue looks after our hanging committee, who are responsible for co-ordination and changing our regular exhibitions.
Volunteering with NAC has given Sue the opportunity to support a valuable resource in using her skills and interests to help others find the enjoyment and wellbeing through the arts
Sue Case
Craft Club
Sue is our longest-standing volunteer and Trustee. She has been the primary lead for creating, organising and running the Children’s Art Group. Sue is also the lead for the centre’s craft group, and if she isn’t running these two groups, she can be seen helping out when and wherever needed!
When it comes to working with the traders in Newbiggin, Sue is the ‘go to’ person. She plays an active part in helping to organise and run the town’s events and festivals. She is well-known and loved by many members of the community—her work with the children, especially in involving them in the festive celebrations has been exceptional.
Sue’s background involved working for the NHS in Devon and Cornwall, and in mental health units in Yorkshire. Her success has been down to her interpersonal skills, compassion, and ‘can do’ attitude. For Sue, anything and everything is possible!
Blending her creativity with her dedication to community services has allowed Sue to enrich the lives around her through both healthcare and the arts, and the people of Newbiggin can attest to that!
Valerie Hearn
People and Marketing
Valerie holds a BA (Hons) and Master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Alberta (Canada) and PTTLS (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector).
With over 30 years’ experience in senior roles across the public and private sectors in both Canada and the UK, Valerie brings a strong track record in organisational development. She has successfully led strategic projects in organisational design, change management, workforce planning, and leadership development.
Though she had never explored art before, Valerie discovered her passion seven years ago after attending an NAC watercolour course—and she has never looked back since! Now an active participant in a variety of ongoing classes and clubs, Valerie is also our Trustee leading on all people-focused areas, including recruitment, communications, and engagement. She is the creative force behind our posters, marketing, and monthly newsletters.
Sue Parker
Internships and Watercolours
Originally trained as a teacher, Susan’s background is in textiles. She taught dressmaking and textiles in local adult education classes for many years and ran her own craft business designing and making children’s clothing, selling at fairs and giving demonstrations.
After retraining, she went on to work for many years as an NHS office manager, coordinating services, supporting medical teams, and leading projects. She’s highly organised, great with people, and knows how to get things done.
A lifelong love of painting led her back to art in retirement. After passing the Newbiggin Arts Centre Front Street studio many times, she finally joined a Saturday workshop — and was instantly hooked. She now describes the art centre as her happy place.
Susan is always ready to roll up her sleeves and get stuck in — especially when practical help is needed — and we’re so pleased she’s joined us… though she may not fully realise what she’s let herself in for!
April Dobson
Wellbeing
April had a long career as a specialist in dementia care which she studied at Worcester University, going on to develop national, award-winning programmes designed to enhance the lives of people living with dementia and their loved ones, many based around creative arts, and horticultural therapy. She was privileged to witness the joy of creating and sense of achievement people gained through these activities.
April is also a qualified management coach and mentor and particularly enjoyed training and coaching teams of professional carers to deliver excellence in dementia care.
After re-locating to Northumberland in 2021 so that her husband could ‘return to his roots’ following retirement, April fell in love with the area and discovered the Jewel in the crown; The Newbiggin Arts Centre. A welcoming place, full of warmth and possibilities. April describes herself as an adventurous beginner having enjoyed the various classes and workshops she’s attended and particularly loves mixed media, texture, and collage.
Having gained so much from the Arts Centre she felt it was time to try and give something back, hence joining the team as a Trustee and is looking forward to working alongside and supporting the team who work so hard behind the scenes. She says, “As a Trustee, my focus will be on exploring how the Arts Centre can further support the wellbeing of our community, especially those who are caring for others.”
Wendy Storey
Studio Manager
As our Studio Manager, Wendy is our only paid member of the team, although her commitment and generous contribution of time make her every bit a volunteer at heart.
Thanks to the National Lottery funding, we were able to recruit for a part-time Studio Manager—and after a rigorous selection process, we were lucky to welcome Wendy aboard.
With a strong background in finance, administration, and team leadership across both public and private sectors, from day one, Wendy went about creating new systems and processes for all of our operations, helping us to be more efficient and effective. Wendy now oversees the centres’ daily operation. From working with tutors and learners, to managing registrations, creating and updating databases, balancing the accounts, and overall office administration, Wendy keeps everything running smoothly.
Wendy is the face of NAC and has built strong relationships with everyone—from class participants to tutors and visitors. She’s even rolled up her sleeves to help paint one of our studios! Quite simply, we couldn’t’ function without her!
We are also supported by a host of wonderful volunteers, who help keep our centres running!