Staff | Kaimahi

  • Jessica Pearless was appointed to the role of Co-Director of Northart Gallery in February 2020. A North Shore local, she graduated from Elam School of Fine Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2003, then returned to complete her Master of Fine Arts (Honours) in 2011 as a University Graduate Scholar. Alongside her role at Northart, Jessica is a practicing Visual Artist and Director of Paragon Matter Art Services.

    Jessica has worked in management roles in the art sector in New Zealand at leading dealer galleries, auction houses, and non profit organisations for over twenty years. She has received multiple awards in her career thus far, including University of Auckland Alumni Leadership Scholarship (2019), Merit Award, Molly Morpeth Canaday Art Award (2015), Merit Award, New Zealand Painting and Printmaking Award (2013 & 2014) and Women of Influence Finalist, Arts Category (2014). In November of 2020, Jessica was named as an Influencer in the University of Auckland’s 40 Under 40 inspiring alumni.

    Jessica has a particular interest in art education, artist mentoring, advocacy and professional practice in the visual arts.

  • Jonathan Organ was appointed to the role of Co-Director of Northart Gallery in February 2020. Jonathan graduated in 2001 with a Master of Fine Arts (First Class Honours) from the University of Auckland. He is a practicing visual artist with works in major public and private art collections in New Zealand and internationally. 

    Alongside his role as Northart's Co-Director, Jonathan is a Director of Paragon Matter, an art services agency located in Auckland specialising in valuations and exhibitions. Working in the creative arts industry for over twenty five years, he has held senior management positions at Webb's, Brick Bay Sculpture Trail and Maheke Exhibition Galleries.

    Jonathan has a particular interest in curating, artist management, sculpture, painting and photography. Jonathan is deeply passionate about working with artists and is committed to supporting the practices of New Zealand contemporary artists.

  • Sam Barnard

    Gallery Assistant - Publicity | Kaiāwhina Huarewa

    Sam Barnard is a second year student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Auckland, majoring in Art History and Communications. Sam has a particular interest in modern feminist art, how art can be a reflection of the times we live in, and can be used as a powerful tool for social commentary to capture the spirit of an era.

    publicity@northart.co.nz

  • Bridget Griffin

    Lead Gallery Assistant | Kaiāwhina

    Bridget Griffin has recently become the lead gallery assistant at Northart. Bridget has a strong appreciation for community and values community spaces, where all are welcome to connect. Bridget has previously volunteered at RM gallery & project space, she graduated from Whitecliffe in 2022 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. 

    Bridget is a practising visual artist, her current practice revolves around the exploration of discarded objects. The mixed media works speak to the ideas of value, consumerism, serendipity, and assemblage. 

    staff@northart.co.nz

  • Carolyn Pomeroy

    Gallery Assistant - Educator | Kaitohu Toi

    Carolyn aims to create a safe artistic learning environment where manuhiri (guests) have the freedom to create without judgement. Northart offers the rare opportunity for people to work alongside and learn from exhibiting artists. Carolyn guides this process, hoping our visitors are inspired to further unfold their creativity when they leave. Children, adults who have never thought of themselves as artists, and those with more experience are all welcome. Ideas are brewing to bring more activities to the learning space.

    Carolyn loves working with clay, finding it the most versatile and satisfying medium. She is also exploring acrylic abstract painting. Her corporate training is in adult learning and her wide experience working with children and teens includes setting up and running Splash Children's Art Gallery. Familiar with the not for profit sector, Carolyn was Vice Chair of the Rose Centre Board for some time, and recently finished her 15th (and final) season as Summer Events Coordinator for Devonport Peninsula Trust. She can also be found instructing after school art, and works part time at Paradox Books in Devonport.

    educator@northart.co.nz