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 TNAA 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.

Philippa Eberlein - Chair and Sponsorship

I am proud to have been asked to take on the role of chairperson for the Tasman National Art Awards.

I am a life member of the Nelson Suter Art Society having served seven years as treasurer and President. I am also a life member of Art Group Nelson serving 12 years as treasurer and exhibition organiser. Here is a new challenge.

I have lived in Nelson, which has a great vibrancy for the arts, for 20years. The perfect place for the national art awards to be held.

I have gained knowledge of the arts through travelling and visiting many wonderful galleries. I paint in acrylic and mixed media with an abstract theme.

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 was a collective member of Wall to Wall Art Gallery in Nelson for 9 years and have now joined the newly opened collective Mapua Gallery.  As a past Exhibitions Officer for the Nelson Suter Art Society and Art Group Nelson, I am commencing my third year as Registrar for the Tasman National Art Awards and looking forward to it continuing to grow as a national competition.

My work focuses mainly on encaustic, monoprinting and collage.

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!’

Karin Gembus - Secretary, Social Media

I am an avid traveler who has visited 40 countries. I love to paint the colours that I see and feel during every single journey. I’ve called Nelson home since moving here permanently in 2016. I am also an active artist member and on the committees for Nelson Suter Art Society and Art Group Nelson.

Wai Choong - Treasurer

It is a privilege to be associated with a group of passionate art patrons within the TNAA, as their treasurer. I am a recently retired chartered accountant. I enjoy the arts and learning new skills. In my spare time, I volunteer for a couple of other public service organisations and try to keep my garden growing.

Paul Nankivell - Operations

I have run the operations of the TNAA since it moved to Mapua in 2018. I’ve been a resident of Mapua for 28 years and have 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.

Juliana Trolove - Advertising and Promotions

What a privilege to be involved in the TNAA as a volunteer. I was trained in graphic design and have gone on to paint and sculpt.

This year I am helping produce the catalogue and entice some lovely people to advertise within it so it can continue to be a local and national showpiece.

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 is always inspiring.

Francie Heathfield - Committee Member

I’ve called Nelson home since late 2009 and quickly became immersed in its vibrant art community. I began painting in 2010, drawn to texture, depth, and the quiet stories that emerge through layered surfaces. As a member of the Art@203 Collective and part of the Art Group Nelson and Nelson Suter Art Society, I valued contributing to the creative energy of our region. This year, I feel a natural pull toward pottery — extending my love of texture and form into three-dimensional work shaped by hand and earth. Art, for me, is an evolving journey of exploration and expression.