The Fishslab Gallery is made up of a group of volunteers that have worked together as a team over the years to keep the art gallery running as a non-profit organisation here in Whitstable. You can find some info about our committee members below.
Barbara Drinkwater (Chair)
I have always enjoyed art, both as a student and in my career in education. In my retirement it has been a privilege to work with other artists to promote an affordable place for artists to exhibit their work. I have been involved in the Fishslab project almost from its beginning 15 years ago.
The Fishslab is a wonderful gallery to exhibit in and I have loved being involved in seeing it progress from a rather tired looking exhibiting area to the attractive space it is now. We have an amazing enthusiastic committee who make the gallery a worthwhile place to visit.
Cathy McTurk (Changeover & Maintenance)
As a founding member of the Fishslab Gallery I have had the pleasure of working with a terrific team, and of seeing the gallery take its place as a valuable contribution to Whitstable’s art scene. I am responsible for general maintenance of the gallery, with a trusted electrician, plumber and our brilliant handyman, Mark who decorates the gallery annually. Our star cleaner, Valerie is a gem too. I also have the responsibility of ‘changeover’ along with Kev, our artist in residence, to greet the new weekly exhibitors and to show them how the gallery operates.
Amanda Tennant (Bookings Secretary & Deputy Treasurer)
I’ve been a member of the committee since 2018 and have been a Whitstable resident since 2015. I’m the bookings secretary which means when (if!) you get through on 1 August it’s me you talk to. I’m also the Deputy Treasurer.
Cara MacNally (Social Media & Website Manager)
I joined the Fishslab committee as Social Media & Website Manager during the pandemic, I started the Instagram page for the gallery which is now thriving. I also contribute to the Facebook page and the website alongside Jaz!
I took a short break from my role to focus on my professional practice as a documentary photographer. I am so grateful to the Fishslab gallery as this is where I held my first solo exhibition ‘Dimentcato in Italy’ in 2021 which gave me the confidence and boost to continue as a creative.
Maxine Russo (Vice Chair)
Hi I’m Maxine and I am the Vice Chair. I have lived in Whitstable since 2021 and have previous committee experience when I helped on school and church committees before moving here. Before taking semi retirement I was an Office Manager in an independent school and prior to that worked as a Personal Assistant to senior directors in financial institutions in the City. I am currently doing a part time Art History and Visual Culture degree and enjoying living by the sea.
Jaz Bushell (Website & Social Media)
I moved to Whitstable 3 years ago to pursue a different life after running a successful painted backdrop and draping company for 30 years.
In January 2023 after having an exhibition at the Fishslab Gallery I joined their committee as a volunteer. Being on the committee has given me a chance to work with a terrific team, and be part of a gallery that has become a staple in the Whitstable’s art scene.
Kim Salisbury (Treasurer)
My name is Kim Salisbury and I am the Treasurer for the Fishslab gallery. I have lived most of my life in Kent but lived the first 12 years in Germany, Kenya and other parts of the UK as my father was serving in the British Army. In my working life I was the manager of a Mediation service and a Restorative Justice practitioner. I moved to Whitstable with my husband a few years ago and have enjoyed being party of this vibrant community, especially being involved with the Fishslab as it has
awakened my interest in art, ceramics, textiles etc. A few years ago, I ticked off one from my bucketlist and visited Monet’s Garden in Giverny. It didn’t disappoint.
Karen Wynyard (Secretary)
After 2 years at what was Harrow School of Art I left to work in London. From London I went to Nottinghamshire to train as a teacher; specialising in English, Education and Art.
After 25 years teaching I retired and lived in Canterbury where I started painting again.
Seven years ago I moved to Whitstable to live among the community of artists and build a studio to continue painting. In May 2022 after having exhibitions at the FishSlab gallery I joined their committee as a volunteer. Being on the committee has been both challenging and enjoyable.
Richard Rodgers (Trustee)
At the beginning of 2024, I was invited to become a Trustee for The Fishslab Gallery. Being semi retried I was more than happy to accept.
My past is rooted in the retail music business. I have owned and operated successful Record Shops in the Kent area for over 30 years.
I grew up in Canterbury and have lived in Whitstable since 2006.
Linda Karlsen
After living in London for thirty years I retired and moved to Whitstable where I was able to do much more artwork. I have shown my work at the Horsebridge and Fishslab Gallery in Whitstable and at the Mall Galleries in London.
I grew up in Warrington and started my art career at the local Art School when I was 14. I studied at Nottingham Art School and gained a First-Class Honours Degree in Fine Art in 1971. I completed an MA in 1985 at the Institute of Education where I produced several etchings which were based on the impact of Power Stations in the landscape.
The medium of my work varies according to the idea. I mainly work with political themes including a series based on Hogarth’s Rake’s Progress to depict the life and times of Jeffrey Epstein.
Carol Dale
‘I am delighted to join the committee and have been a fan of the gallery for many years. I enjoy the variety of the exhibitions, being able to see the art up close, and the ability to meet the artists to talk. I’ve worked in Healthcare in a variety of roles over the years and I hope I can bring some of that experience to the team. I am mostly retired but with energy for new ventures and new skills’.