Kate has been painting for over 35 years and now shares her talents with over 50 students weekly in her studio, Tinkat Alley Art Studio.

Kate has been awarded numerous awards throughout her career. She is a Life Member of the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Art Society, serving many years as President and on Committee. She was also one of the founders of the Open Studio weekend now a permanent fixture on the Lake Macquarie Council’s Calendar.

Many Artists have benefited from the knowledge, enthusiasm, generosity and mentoring of this amazing Artist. Kate has provided the tools and knowledge for many local artists to venture into their own art careers.

Denise Painter’s creative journey commenced in 1993 when she decided that she would be a ‘stay at home mum’. Denise began to explore creative possibilities. She enrolled in various courses such as Colour and Design and Graphic Design, and, later on Visual Arts at TAFE.

Over the last 25 years she have developed a unique style and now loves to create works using Collage and Mixed Media techniques. Denise’s works are handcrafted or created using digital techniques. She loves to explore the possibilities of the abstract and the surreal using colour as an integral part of the piece.

Einstein is quoted as saying “Creativity is contagious, pass it on”. In 2019, She moved from Sydney to Toronto Lake Macquarie where she has her Studio YouCreate Studio & Gallery and where she holds workshops and classes. More recently, Denise has accepted the post of Art Director for Wangi Lions Dobell Art & Craft Festival for 2024.

Denise has developed a unique style using paper, paint and mixed media. Her designs are either on stretched canvas, wood, ceramics or textiles. Her designs are licensed by Lala Land and Blue Island Press.