Paul Searson – Trustee

Trustee since February 2024, Fellow of the Nottingham Society of Artists since June 2021

I've been a dedicated sketcher since childhood, with a passion for oil painting that began at 11 and continues today. Growing up in Torquay, I gained early success through commissions and local sales. My first job was in theatre set design, building and painting large-scale scenery—experience that honed my skills in composition, scale, and improvisation. I later moved to London to work as a signwriter, which in those days was hand painted using enamels. I produced pub signs, murals, shopfronts, and window displays. Though painting for pleasure took a back seat, my creative drive remained constant. After relocating to the Midlands, I rebuilt my signwriting business from scratch, and it thrives to this day. I joined the Nottingham Society of Artists not just to exhibit but to engage with its vibrant community—it’s become an essential part of my life.

Appointed Trustee in 2024, I bring practical skills and a hands-on approach to the Board. I maintain close oversight of the building, respond promptly to maintenance and emergency needs, and regularly contribute signage and graphics. I’m known within the Society as someone who gets things done—efficiently, reliably, and without fuss.

Carole Ellis (Carole Patrick on official documents) – Trustee

Trustee since February 2024, Fellow of the Nottingham Society of Artists since June 2023

I bring extensive expertise in governance, communications, and strategic delivery. My career spans local government, financial consultancy, media management, and engineering directorship—demonstrating my resilience, adaptability, and leadership. I have managed staffing policy at Kent County Council and led funding and communications for crime reduction initiatives at City of York Council. As Communications Manager, I liaised with central government, coordinated ministerial visits, managed high-profile launches, and regularly appeared in the local press and on radio.

Earlier in my career, I was a top-performing financial consultant. I’m now Co-Director of a private medical practice, overseeing both operations and financial management. My commercial insight is matched by a strong creative presence: my Breast or Beast collection—funded by Arts Council England—earned a permanent gallery at Nottingham City Hospital and led to my selection for a national CRUK advertising campaign, aired on Sky TV.

I am confident, articulate, and results-driven—valued for my energy, determination, clarity of thought, and ability to get things done.

Paul Sunderland - Trustee

Trustee since June 2025, Membership Secretary, Lead of ‘Appreciating the Artist’ group.

I am an artist based in Nottingham, with a lifelong passion for creative expression. At 18, I left school to serve a two-year mission for my church in Scotland. On my return, I was accepted to art college but chose instead to pursue a career in the voluntary sector and later as a community mental health nurse—roles that enabled me to provide stability for my family while continuing to accept art commissions.

With over 40 years of committee and governance experience, I was appointed Bishop of my local church in 2006, a position I held until ill health forced my release five years later. I now serve as Executive Secretary to my current Bishop.

Since retiring from mental health care at 55, I’ve focused on advancing my art practice, despite the ongoing challenges of a serious congenital heart condition. A year after retiring, I was honoured to exhibit at the Royal Academy’s 250th Summer Exhibition, sharing wall space with leading artists including David Hockney and Grayson Perry. I also exhibit annually in Spot the Artist in St Ives and the Secret Art Sale in Twickenham.

Louise Miller - Trustee

Trustee since June 2025, co-treasurer support since April 2024

I am a former chartered management accountant with over 20 years of senior financial management experience across a wide range of industries. I’ve worked for diverse organisations, including well-known names such as Boots, Barratt Developments, RICS, and Sainsbury’s. Alongside my professional career, I’ve always been committed to volunteering for community and not-for-profit organisations—including spending 18 months in sub-Saharan Africa developing enterprise skills in a post-conflict zone.

I earned a BSc (Hons) in Accounting and Financial Management from Loughborough University before qualifying as a chartered management accountant. Later, I studied with the Open College of the Arts and rediscovered my childhood passion for painting and drawing. This foundation—analytical, commercial, and creative—has shaped my varied and rewarding career.

I am now a professional artist and activity instructor.

Kate Fletcher - Trustee

Trustee since February 2024, Joint Treasurer of the Nottingham Society of Artists

As Treasurer, I bring a wealth of experience, technical expertise, and steady leadership. Over a 37-year career in IT, I’ve designed complex database and information systems for major organisations including HSBC, Peugeot, the NHS, and Boots—giving me a sharp eye for structure, accountability, and detail.

I’ve also played key roles in four successful family-run businesses, developing a practical understanding of financial management and strategic planning. My community involvement includes organising the Nottingham Cartoon Festival and co-running Nottingham Café Scientifique, reflecting my commitment to local culture and public engagement.

I’m a trusted mentor, known for my integrity, dependability, and collaborative spirit—qualities that underpin my role in safeguarding the Society’s finances and supporting its long-term vision. My blend of corporate rigour, entrepreneurial experience, and local initiative makes me a proud and effective member of the Board.

Jon Shepherd - Trustee

Trustee since July 2025, Fellow of the Nottingham Society of Artists since June 2025

I originally trained as a professional photographer, and my career spans nearly five decades in design, publicity, and visual communication. I began in the photographic archives of Essex County Council before becoming Publicity Officer for the development of South Woodham Ferrers, promoting the new town through targeted media.

I went on to lead publicity, exhibitions, and press advertising for a multinational gas safety company based at Stansted Airport, maintaining corporate design standards across both UK and US operations. I later ran a busy graphic design studio within a printing company in Chelmsford, and for 24 years I managed my own business, TCE Design, serving a wide range of SME clients across the country. My services included brochures, exhibition stands, photography, and websites. I also worked freelance in London for major brands such as Guinness, Bacardi, and several national newspapers.

Now retired, I’m pursuing my passion for art and music. I’m a member of Arnold Art Society and a Fellow of the Nottingham Society of Artists. As a Trustee, I bring extensive experience from the private sector, along with graphic design expertise—contributing both creatively and strategically to the Society’s development.

Jane Sirkett

Trustee since April 2017, Chair of Board of Trustees