President: Julie Martin

Vice President: Sharryn Ryan

Secretary: Mike Mitchell-Allam

Treasurer: Jocelyn Street

Committee Members: Mark Higginson, Richard Moon and Susanne Hosking

COMMITTEE MEMBERS BIOGRAPHIES

Julie Martin

Julie has a background in psychology and health research. She re-invented herself as a professional photographer specialising in fine art and portrait photography. For some years she has photographed Weddings and the occasional commitment ceremony.  Exhibiting in bentART over the last four years  has given her added confidence to have her own solo exhibitions (2 in the last year). She is also involved with other community organisations in the Blue Mountains.

As President, engaging in discussion with the membership and other stakeholders regarding future directions for bentART is a high priority.  Julie is looking forward to being part of the new MC and working constructively with all the committee, other members and friends of bentART.  She is  also looking forward to being part of a fun & fantastic 6th  annual bentART Exhibition over the June long weekend.

Sharryn Ryan

Sharryn Ryan is a lawyer and writer who lives with her partner and son at Wentworth Falls.  She has extensive experience in managerial roles across various state government agencies as a trainer and a lawyer, and is a LEADR trained conciliator and mediator.  She currently works as a Member of a state government Tribunal, presiding over consumer law disputes.  She has been involved in various community organisations both as a member and on management committees, and, with her partner, is a first soprano with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir.

Sharryn first became interested in bentART five years ago when her son’s art teacher, Tracey Allen, curated the first Bent Art exhibition.  Since then she has watched it grow in terms of size and professionalism.  As a keen supporter of the arts and creativity generally, as well as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex issues, Sharryn is pleased to be involved in the next phase of bentART’s development.   Going forward, Sharryn is keen to see the governance issues of bentART addressed.

Mike Mitchell_Allam

Mike’s background is in public health management. He has experience as secretary and chair on numerous committees over many years, and is focused on working with other committee members to best meet the collective needs of stakeholders such as sponsors, artists, and people who purchase from the annual bentART event.

Mike has previously been the major sponsor of bentART, and as an avid collector has also supported bentART through purchasing from previous exhibitions. He has a keen interest in Artists from the local GLBTQ community, and recognises a perspective he feels is specific and unique to artists who are connected with the Blue Mountains.

Mike is keen to source more active involvement from other local community organisations and businesses, in the interest of continuing and improving the provision of this invaluable canvas on which local GLBTQ talent can be displayed for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Jocelyn Street

Jocelyn has been a regular Bent Art photographic exhibitor since the first Bent Art in 2005.  Jocelyn was also involved in the first Management Committee for bentART and has acted as Treasurer since the incorporation of bentART in 2008.

As Treasurer, Jocelyn wants to ensure that bentART continues to maintain its healthy financial position, its strong community focus and its support for both emerging and established GLTBQ artists.  In her spare time, Jocelyn is a Chartered Accountant who works in the Financial Services industry.

Richard Moon

Richard has lived and worked in the Mountains for about 15 years now and is proud to be a part of the gay community here. Richard currently works as a Chef/Trainer at the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School. Having been impressed by the last 5 years of bentART, Richard is keen to do what he can to keep it going and improving in the future.

Susanne Hosking

Susanne is a long term resident of the Blue Mountains, having lived here for the last 30 years, 20 of which she ran an Antique Shop in Leura Mall.  She is also in her second term as a committee member for the Three Sisters Social Group, the longest running Gay and Lesbian group in the Mountains.  She has a great love of all forms of art and a admiration for those who can create such beauty.  With her retail experience and contacts Suzanne has a great deal to offer bentART as an organisation.

Mark Higginson

Mark is a recent addition to life in the Mountains, having just moved up from Sydney one year ago.  He still works down in the city as a Director for a internet media research company and is still coming to terms with the commute.  After attending bentART last year, Mark was keen to help out in any way he could and bring his extensive experience in marketing and online media to help with the continued success of BentArt.  He also writes in his spare time.