Jo McQuoid’s journey began in West Auckland, and then moved to the Hibiscus Coast, where she dedicated 30 years to registered nursing in the community.

She began her painting journey, when her 2 boys were in middle school. Between work and whānau commitments, Jo recognised that she desperately needed to set aside a morning a week to embrace and lean into her artistic side, in which she found an outlet of expression, joy and essential self care. A community of like-minded, inspirational artists at Estuary Arts in Orewa, provided encouragement and critique, as they shared their joint passion.

Now residing between Whangaparaoa and Aotea/Great Barrier Island, Jo is able to showcase her multifaceted talents and compassionate spirit through her role in event management and arts development for Orama.

Murray Leslie is a skilled and versatile artist who graduated with a diploma in art, craft, and design, specialising in ceramics and bronze casting.

With a passion for exploring various forms of artistic expression, Murray’s work is defined by his deep understanding of materials and techniques. His mastery of ceramics and bronze casting allows him to transform raw materials into captivating works of art, each piece reflecting both technical expertise and creative vision. 

In addition to his specialisation, Murray is highly experienced in graphite pencil drawing, focusing on detailed portraits and wildlife.

Art Sozo facilitator and mix-media artist

Treena has a passion for bringing freedom and connection to God through Art.  This led her to undertake Art Sozo training from Gail Spooner the Pastoral Counselor at Bethel Transformation Center and founder of Art Sozo.

Treena has run and helped facilitate a number of creative and well-being workshops throughout New Zealand and Australia and was the founder of the Beautiful Courageous You and Be You Women events that have been held in New Zealand and Australia

Born to US-Canadian parents, Mary immigrated to Aotearoa New Zealand when she was six years old. She completed her BFA from Columbia, Chicago, later migrating to California where she lived, worked and painted for some time. The events of 2020 spurred a desire to return home to Aotearoa, where she now resides permanently. 

E mihi ana ia ki ngā mana whenua. Mary believes it right to acknowledge her place in Aotearoa is upheld by her commitment to te Tiriti o Waitangi and sustained through the friendship of many.

Her work carefully considers the role and responsibility of the ‘witness,’ and explores what it means to invoke memory, serve, and tend to the dynamic nature of the whenua, both land and body, with generational vision.