Artists Open Studio Whanganui Trust is Settling Down

The Artists Open Studio Whanganui Trust is ‘making home’ at the community art centre 19 Taupo Quay. Perfectly timed, Serena Seigenthaler-Brown comes on board as Arts Facilitator for this annual event, she will be at the new office Fridays 2pm to 6pm and Saturdays 9am to 1pm. Part of the success of the 2015 event was being able to connect with the organisation in person. The Trust plans to build on this by consolidating their storage into this office space and becoming more visible all year round.

Much of the work involved in the annual Open Studios event happens behind the scenes unpaid. The Trustees put in hours of work; which begins in July leading to the event in March and carries on into June processing feedback from studios and visitors then reporting to major funders.

For 2016 the AOSW Trust has contracted Serena Seigenthaler-Brown in a part time, paid position for 30 weeks. She brings diverse skill and a bucket full of enthusiasm; her background includes graphic gesign and a focus on the arts, culture and heritage sector. She has the perfect balance of creativity and organisation skills. Being a graphic designer by profession her key strengths include marketing and branding.

Enaj Lee continues as Trustee and Chairman of the AOSW Trust for 2016, this will be the sixth Open Studios she has worked on as a volunteer. She brings management skills including qualifications in Finance, Sales & Marketing, Recruitment, and Graphic Design. She also has a decade of experience working with City Councils throughout New Zealand. Enaj is an artist & Business Owner and she will be participating in 2016.

Jacqueline Brand-Holt is Trustee and new Treasurer for 2016, she brings more than 10 years experience working for non-profit sector. Jacqueline is as an Artist; her background is working in community education, working as an Expressive Therapist, being Community Advocate for the arts in South Auckland and being Student Representative through her tertiary studies in Johannesburg South Africa.

Ivan Vostinar Trustee is a local Artist and business owner who is very active in the Progress Castlecliff community. Ivan has years of experience with non profits and advocacy; he has served on Student Union and Wellington Potters Society. Ivan has a passion for sustainability he and brings a rationalism to the AOSW Trust that is contemporary and welcome.

Clayton Bunker is hands on as Trustee for the AOSW Trust with many years previously involved in the local sporting non-profit sector. Clayton’s son Geoffrey Bunker is a glass artist and Clayton is keen to support the AOSW Trust because he feels that this is an important local Whanganui event.

Rick Baum is a local musician who moved with his family to Whanganui because of Open Studios event which they visited in the early 2000’s. Rick is Trustee and Secretary with networking skills and dextrous typing abilities, probably from his piano playing.

ENDS