Our Team

  • Aniquah Stevenson

    Co-Head Tutor

    I graduated from Melbourne University in 2014 with a Fine Arts degree. Following that, I worked for Blue Dog Glass, an artisan kiln-formed glass studio in Melbourne. After an artist residency on the North Island of Aotearoa, I travelled the South Island and eventually settled in Nelson.

    I previously worked as a coordinator for Neighbourhood Support for 5 years and have a strong interest in community resilience. I have a passion for community development and believe the arts play an important role in creating a whole society. Magenta is a soft-landing place for many people in our community and I look forward to seeing it grow.

  • Maia Hegglun

    Co-Head Tutor

    Tena koutou katoa

    Ko Maia Hegglun ahau.

    I was fortunate to grow up carving and making in my dad’s workshop, he was a bone and stone carver.

    I enjoy playing music and carving stone and I willingly explore anything! I have always valued creative expression and I seek it in all areas of life.

    I don’t delineate between art and craft. There is an endless range of “could be, would be and should be’s” that will haunt a finished piece. I find that, when I focus on the exploratory creative process being authentic, the results look after themselves.

    I am happy to be a part of the Magenta whānau, removing barriers, providing access and developing community.

    Mauri ora

    https://www.maiart.online

  • Fiona Griffiths

    Tutor
    I graduated from NMIT 1999 , with a Visual Arts Diploma, and in 2000 joined Mint Workshop and Gallery in Hardy st Nelson working with other local Jewellers. I sold work to various galleries around New Zealand and in the Nelson Market.

    I have also worked at Victory School in refugee childcare.

    I have been at Magenta for 4 years and love the people I meet and work with. Magenta provides a place for art practice and experience and a friendly non judgemental place which accepts people's diverse needs and where sometimes, simply a cuppa and a quiet conversation can mean a lot.

  • Marina McPherson

    Tutor

    I am Magenta’s newest tutor, I graduated from NMIT in 2001 with a Diploma in Visual Arts specialising in Mixed Media Textiles.

    I really enjoy hand sewn embroidery and find it calming and therapeutic.

    I have lived experience of mental health issues and like to encourage others to come to Magenta to socialise with others and have their creativity valued.

  • Amy Crawford

    Tutor

    Born on the wild West Coast with creativity in my soul, my passion and career has always revolved around textile art. I've been a self employed artist for 18yrs and been a part of the Nelson Market for many years. I enjoy working at Magenta with the talented staff alongside the talented artists, it's a place I feel very passionate about and grateful to be working with those in the community who also are passionate about the arts.

  • Maria Anderson

    Maria Anderson

    Outreach Coordinator

    I graduated from ARA with a diploma in Craft Design, followed by a Post Grad in Marketing from NMIT. I have been living in Whakatū for the past 20 years, working across many of our cultural institutions and involved in may of our signature events. I spent a rewarding decade with Nelson City Council reinvigorating Founders Heritage Park and working for 18 months with their Arts and Heritage portfolio.

    I am currently sitting on the board of Arts Council Nelson working at a governance level to transition this organisation into a Regional Arts Development Agency, I also have the pleasure of coordinating the volunteers and enhancing accessibility for Nelson Arts Festival.

    My main contract is my role here at Magenta Creative Space where I work hard to make stuff happen!

  • Christine Abernethy

    Relief Tutor

    Making, creating and doing are central in my life. I love to be able to express myself through arts and crafts. I paint in pastel and have participated in many workshops to develop my skills. I also have practical experience of many crafts particularly textiles. Previously an Occupational therapist and have had a long career working in Mental health. Working alongside the Magenta artists is enjoyable and rewarding.

  • Barbara Franklet

    Relief Tutor
    Barbara's art career spans over twenty -five years. Since moving to Nelson, she has opened Mockingbird Studio her boutique gallery/studio. She loves relieving at Magenta and is inspired by the commitment and enthusiasm of her fellow artists!

Board members

  • Juliette Fox

    Before becoming a trustee Juliette was manager of the Magenta studio for 12 years. Juliette has a strong belief in the value of art access to foster meaning, community and purpose in people lives.

    Juliette trained as an occupational therapist working in mental health and later graduated from the NMIT Visual Art and Design Programme. She is also very active in the NZ Argentine Tango dance community and is a long time director of the NZ Tango Festival held annually in Wellington.

    She is currently located in Wellington working in the film industry.

  • Annabel Norman

    Chairperson

  • Alysse Lyon

    Treasurer

  • Angela Saunders

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  • Matty Anderson

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