Introducing your
2026 CAS Committee
Alena Norman (Aly)
Innovative products strategist and leadership coach, passionate about connecting and nurturing creative souls. Originally from Russia, lived in the US, Europe and Singapore, have been calling Australia home since 2013. A happy wife of an awesome kiwi and a blessed mum of two boys. Excited to be contributing to CAS’ well-being and collaborating with our phenomenal artist community in taking our society into the centenary and beyond.
email: admin@cairnsartsociety.com.auPresident 
Suzanne Shannon (Sue)
My art journey began early, drawing with my father at the kitchen table – dad in pen and ink, me with chalk and crayons. Formal training was at the North Adelaide School of Art in the 1980’s in textiles. I now also work in acrylic and mixed medium painting. In arts administration, I served on the Cardwell Shire RADF committee for many years and was a founding member of the Mission Arts Community Arts Centre and their secretary for many years. My CAS journey began by joining the committee in 2024, when my husband Bill and I moved from Mission Beach to Cairns. I have very much enjoyed and valued meeting and working with CAS members since then, and am committed to CAS surviving, growing and thriving.
email: info@cairnsartsociety.com.au
Vice President
Marita D'Arcy
Marita D'Arcy I have a passion for communication and connection with a bent for the arts.
I strive to move myself in order to get the most out living.
Being on the CAS Committee fullfills the need to contribute and connect to the community, it helps improve my admin/computer skills, but mostly it keeps me informed and in touch with like minded people. This CAS committee is the one to be a part of, inspired by and become friends with.Minutes Secretary
Judy Holzheimer
Treasurer After relocating from Rockhampton to Cairns in 2015, I rekindled my love of painting. I became a member of Cairns Art Society and the DGO gallery. The gallery members were warm and welcoming. Pat Wilson became a friend and encouraged me to help with the DFO Gallery. I offered to do the books of account. I had previously been a secondary mathematics teacher who also taught bookkeeping. I studied Business at CQ University in the early 1980’s. In December 2025, I was asked to become treasurer of CAS, and this became official at our AGM in April 2026. I am looking forward to being of service to CAS in the years ahead.
Mark Williams
Media/Publicity
Belinda Mangano
SecretaryI have been a member of CAS for over twenty years.
I initially joined to connect with other artists and like minded people, by attending the fabulous Art Escape workshops that CAS was organising.
By being on the CAS Committee I aim to contribute to the team so our art society can continue to provide great connections among the artists and and the art community of North Queensland.
Lisa Chirio
CommunicationsCaring and creative are personal traits that have been prominent throughout my life and I've been blessed to be able to combine them in carving out a career that came from misfortune. When chronic illness ended my long career as a nurse and university educator, I exchanged my scrubs for a smock and leaned into art to find solace and support my wellbeing. This then lead me to pursue further study in art therapy, mindfulness and life coaching. Six years ago I opened my Edmonton studio for kids and adults to connect weekly and create soulful mixed media art journal projects themed around personal growth, mindset and self kindness. I also facilitate local corporate and organisation wellbeing workshops. Emailinfo@cairnsartsociety.com.au
Jody Lewis
CAS Memberships & NewsletterI have been a member of the Cairns Arts Society (CAS) for eight years. My motivation for joining was to showcase my artwork and connect with other artists.Throughout my membership, I have actively participated in various events such as Artists of the North, Annual Art Exhibitions, and Art Escape. These events have provided opportunities to share my work and foster relationships within the artistic community. Over time, I have served in multiple committee positions within CAS.
My current CAS Committee role I’m aiming to provide a primary link between CAS and its wonderful members, connecting like-minded Cairns Artist and the wider communities together.
info@cairnsartsociety.com.au
Janice O'Neill
CAS Gallery DFO Cordinator & Liason