Mel Sprenkeler
Event Co-ordinator
Melanie Sprenkeler is a Sunshine Coast artist working across ceramics and functional object‑making. With foundations in visual arts, ceramics and furniture design, her practice is guided by material curiosity, quiet forms and the tactile rhythms of hand‑built work. Alongside her studio practice, Melanie contributes to the region’s creative landscape through delivery community‑driven festivals and cultural projects.
Traci Booker
ACI President
Traci is a Sunshine Coast–based multidisciplinary artist whose creative foundations began in textiles with various craft disciplines and fashion. Her practice now spans drawing, painting, and resin work. She is passionate about building a supportive, inclusive creative community. Traci also brings over 25 years of senior leadership and governance experience to her role as President.
Jen Braithwaite
ACI Vice President
Jen holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts & Visual Culture and has been a driving force at ACI for over five years. Her roles include Newsletter Editor, Exhibitions and Open Studios Coordinator, and three terms managing Sculpture on the Edge. Now serving as Vice President, Jen champions arts growth and community connection.
Peter Annand
ACI Treasurer
Peter served as chairman and non-executive director for a range of major organisations, including Sunsuper, Suncorp and Medibank Private. A man of many interests, Peter completed a Master of Visual Art at Griffith University in 2012 and exhibited his work regularly between 2006 and 2013, while also chairing the Queensland Centre for Photography.
Ian Braithwaite
ACI Secretary &
OSSC Web Co-ordinator
Ian is retired after 47 years in Telstra in a technical design & compliance role. He holds a Cert 4 in Project Management and has been a Health & Safety Rep. He has been a secretary on a number of not-for-profit organisations.
Tara Ahern
Marketing Co-ordinator
Tara Ahern is a multifaceted artist and educator whose work spans ceramics, sculpture, and drawing. Rooted in a deep connection to nature, storytelling, and personal transformation, her creations often explore themes of resilience, synergy, and renewal.
Cheryl Thomson
ACI Membership &
Resource Co-ordinator
Cheryl is passionate about protecting the environment, music and creativity so these elements come together in her artwork – recycling guitar strings that would otherwise go to landfill.
Karan Gerard
Area Co-ordinator
Coastal Caloundra
Karan works with watercolours. She emphasizes emotion through colour and paints on rice paper using wax as a resist with interesting results. The effects are whimsical and at times magical.
Sharon Hegarty
Area Co-ordinator
Coastal Central 1
Sharon is absolutely passionate about art, design & all things Sunshine Coast. Always up for a chat! She loves experimenting with clay.
Rod Arnold
Area Co-ordinator
Coastal Central 2
Rod Arnold, a self-taught artist whose creative journey spans over several decades, with a growing intensity in recent years as he deepens his commitment to his craft. Works created in oil or acrylic.
Narelle Mulrooney
Area Co-ordinator
Coastal Northern
Narelle Mulrooney is a Sunshine Coast artist working from Mudjimba Beach Art Studio. Her multidisciplinary practice explores nature through colour and form, with a focus on sustainable materials.
Sarah Sculley
Area Co-ordinator
Hinterland Foothills
Sarah Sculley is a mural artist, creative business coach and educator based on the Sunshine Coast. She creates vibrant, joyful artworks and supports artists to build sustainable businesses.
Kathryn Barnes
Area Co-ordinator
Hinterland Maleny 1
Kathryn has been the co-ordinator at ACI's Art Space in Montville.
Jean Bennett
Area Co-ordinator
Hinterland Maleny 2
Art is integral in Jean's life, making images, and sculpting has become a way of exploring many curiosities and experiences encountered in her life journey.
Margie Lipscombe
Area Co-ordinator
Hinterland Montville
Margie has been a long time member of ACI serving on the committee for 10 years and as Exhibitions Coordinator for 4 years. On retirement from her role as International Student Manager at Sunshine Coast TAFE, she undertook 3 years of full time study completing dual Diplomas in Photography and Graphic Design.
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Sarah Sigley
Area Co-ordinator
Hinterland Kenilworth
Sarah is the President of the Kenilworth Art Council and has organised Artsfest, Kenilworth Family Fun Day and more recently Curated Plate events. Drawing in graphite and drafting short stories deepens her creative pulse giving her energy to dive deeper.