Eila Vinwynn

I came in to NAS when Mel Macmillan was Director and she showed me the spaces, which then were all the smaller rooms, ex-tafe gyprocking practice spaces. I said I would love to move in but I would need a larger, higher space, probably out in the (then) open public area and probably two spaces!! Mel took it to the Board and they agreed so I set up using my large canvases to form walls, about where the storage is outside Cals studio.

I had a super productive year there, winning the painting section of the NEAP prize and was involved in about four or five group shows both in Sydney and Newcastle. That was 2019.

Early in 2020 I had a car accident and covid hit. Phew. I got together a solo exhibition that was held at the Owens Collective but my ability to paint was curbed for quite a while. Towards the end of 2021 I got the job at Ninuku Arts and so was out of town (and therefore the studio) for over two years, effectively - just coming in when I was in town, and of course to organise and facilitate the amazing Artists Residency Ninuku participated in, in partnership with NAS. That was a privilege, and I think brought a valuable contribution to the Space. Now I am back and working again and having moved to the old gallery space, I am truly fortunate to have such an awesome space to create, meet and be a part of the tenacious and rich history of NAS.