Allison McSparron-Edwards has lived in Paignton for the past five years and works as a full time oil painter and art instructor (especially portraiture and life drawing). Prior to that she worked mainly in London as a director for numerous creative agencies utilising her skills as a Chartered Accountant and a Business Psychologist.
Kate has spent her career in the cultural sector, striving to create the conditions in which artists and makers can thrive.
She is the former Head of Business at The Box Plymouth and was previously Chief Executive of Torbay Culture. She also worked at Manchester City Galleries for many years, culminating as Deputy Director.
Kate now works as a consultant, helping cultural and heritage organisations to meet their business objectives.
Based in South Devon, Rachel O’Connell is a multi-media artist, educator and advocate for sustainable craft. With over 30 years’ experience in marbling – an endangered heritage practice – she combines traditional techniques with a contemporary design approach across paper, textiles and leather.
Through her brand ROCWORX®, Rachel champions reuse and collaboration, working with organisations to repurpose materials. Alongside her practice, she teaches widely across the UK, sharing skills and supporting the next generation of makers.
Gill has a varied background in art education, having taught drawing, art, design and fibre craft for 18 years as an FE teacher and Lead Tutor. She qualified with ‘A’ Level Art and Design, BA, Australian Art History, and Fine Art University of Plymouth. She furthered her professional development with some of the best art schools in the country, including: London Fine Art Studios, Newlyn School of Art, Winslow Art Center, and Will Kemp Art School.
I am a contemporary artist interested in the natural world, I make mixed media paintings. My passion and intention for DAN members is to facilitate good quality and exciting exhibiting opportunities for all.
Sue is a practicing traditional printmaker living in Brixham. This followed her retirement in 2015 after 35 years working in local government cultural services across the south of England. Sue is passionate in helping with the continued development of the arts sector in the South West.
Laura is a Devon-based artist and former nurse. Having lived in several countries, she has developed a deep appreciation for cultural narratives and has particularly valued exploring First Nations art and its connection to land, story, and identity. These experiences continue to inform her creative perspective.
Laura runs creative workshops from her studio, creating welcoming spaces where individuals can explore their own artistic voice with confidence. As a Director of the Devon Artist Network, she is committed to fostering connection, professional development, and inclusive opportunities for artists at all stages of their careers.
Kate Eldridge is a lifelong a lifelong creative, wildlife and travel enthusiast, entrepreneur and events manager. Her mixed media artwork features ‘painting with wool’ fibre art and often incorporates earth pigments, found items, and recycled or handmade textiles.
Kate had been a Devon Artist Network member since 2020 and has run a craft supplies retail shop in Devon since 2009 where she regularly delivers a range of workshops and has numerous published beadwork designs.
Kate is passionate about supporting and connecting artists from across the region and at all stages in their career, and keen to help raise the profile of the arts in the southwest.
Art, artists and widening access to culture have been central to my career. With a background in arts administration and curation, I have worked with a wide range of artists, communities and organisations across the UK and internationally, championing and profiling diverse practitioners from the region.
I founded dRawing_space to encourage access to the arts, creating an open and inclusive platform for participation. Alongside this, I maintain my own art practice and have exhibited nationally, including selection for the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize, and will exhibit in Rome later this year.
Email: infodevonartistnetwork.co.uk
Gillian Taylor is a freelance PR and marketing consultant, working with arts and cultural organisations in SW England and nationally. She helps to raise profiles by telling compelling stories about the power of the arts. She also provides training for cultural organisations in a range of topics including media interview techniques and smartphone video creation.
Gillian is also a paper artist, using her interest in the way we communicate to inspire her work. She has been taking photos of the sky every day since the beginning of lockdown in 2020.