For many Friendly Bay Islander readers, the name Beth Leach will be familiar. She appeared on the cover of the April edition, celebrating the joint exhibition ‘Two Painters and a Potter’; a showcase of the talent, imagination and creative spirit flourishing across our island community.
Now, Beth is taking on a different creative role after being elected President of the Macleay Island Arts Complex (MIAC) in a landslide vote, leading a newly elected committee into what she describes as an exciting new chapter.
Creativity has long been at the heart of Beth’s life. An emerging artist and writer, she grew up playing musical instruments and performing on stage before channelling that same creative energy into building two successful businesses.
“I’ve always lived with an abundance mentality,” Beth said. “Whether it’s through art, writing or business, creating has always been at the centre of what I do.”
After a period of significant change at MIAC, Beth says the new committee’s focus is clear: restoring creativity, connection and community to the heart of the organisation.
“It feels like we’ve opened the doors and let the art back in,” she said.
“This moment is about turning the page toward what MIAC has always been about; creativity, community and connection.”
Joining Beth on the new committee are Vice President Paul Hollingdale, Secretary Sharon Zaucer and Treasurer Susan Tobin, bringing together experience in governance, hospitality, education and finance, along with a shared passion for the arts and the island community.
Beth’s path to the presidency began through her involvement as an artist.
“I didn’t set out to become President,” she said.
“My interest grew out of organising a group exhibition here and seeing just how much talent and heart this community has. I realised how much this place means to people, and I felt compelled to help protect and grow it.”
For Beth, MIAC is far more than a gallery. She envisions it as a creative hub that embraces visual arts, pottery, music, performance, storytelling and spoken word while celebrating First Nations culture, supporting youth programs and welcoming artists at every stage of their creative journey.
“The more voices, stories and creative mediums we embrace, the richer our community becomes,” she said.
Her vision is ambitious, yet firmly grounded in community; a vibrant calendar of exhibitions and events, and a welcoming space where everyone feels they belong, whether they identify as an artist or simply enjoy being surrounded by creativity.
“I want people to walk through the doors and feel there’s a place for whatever kind of creativity moves them,” Beth said.
One of the committee’s immediate priorities is rebuilding MIAC’s volunteer network. The cafe, long an important social meeting place within the complex, is expected to return in a volunteer led format. To help make that happen, MIAC will host a Volunteer Sign On Day on 2nd August.
“Art brings people in, but a gathering space is often what turns a visit into a regular habit,” Beth said.
Looking ahead, Beth hopes MIAC will become recognised as the creative heartbeat of the island, where established artists, emerging creatives and the wider community come together.
“Everyone who has poured time into MIAC in the past deserves to see their contribution respected, while we also make room for fresh energy and new ideas,” she said.
Her invitation to the community is simple.
“Join our membership, visit the gallery, take a class, or simply come and say hello,” Beth said.
“MIAC only works when the whole community feels it belongs to them, and this chapter is about openness and making everyone feel welcome.”
The building may be relatively new, but MIAC’s foundations were laid more than 55 years ago by people who believed art could connect a community. That belief still hangs on the walls.
Beth knows this isn’t about starting over. It’s about picking up the brush where others left it and adding a few bold new strokes to a story that belongs to everyone.
