Sam Burke, Chair

My background is as a Project Manager & Supplier/Service Manager in the corporate world.

Now I create glass art, inspired by my love of the natural world. I love to create pieces that evoke fond memories of adventures to favourite places. Creating art makes me happy and I love being part of the art community, especially here at Visual Images Group.

I am co-founder & Chair of the ‘Made in Stony Association (MIS)’. MIS is a non profit membership association, run by volunteers, to support artists & artisans of Stony Stratford.

I have exhibited at the Gawcott Church exhibition, as part of Bucks Art Weeks, since 2019.

Paola Aldus, Co-Ordinator

I was Head of Art at St. Teresa’s Catholic Independent School, where I shared my passion and love of art with children aged between 4-11 years. Previous to this I was a Store Manager in Windsor, and Heathrow Terminal Two for the international fashion brand Bally of Switzerland. Until February 2019, with my husband Steven, I ran Risborough Gallery, an established family framing and fine art business in Princes Risborough for over 35 years. I organised many successful art events at the gallery and held a range of very successful art shows throughout the academic year at St. Teresa’s School. Bucks Art Weeks has been a very important fixture in my family calendar for many, many years.

David Archer, Secretary

I would not consider myself an artist, rather, a maker. I like to create items from materials that have outlived their original purpose or are destined to be thrown away.

I started doing this as a hobby 6 years ago, having retired from a 30-year career in the Fire Service which was followed by 4 years running a pub/restaurant. During the past 6 years I have learned a lot about developing and selling products, not least of which is the fact that ‘profit’ can be measured in a variety of ways that are not always financial.

I spent 5 years as Secretary to the group ‘Made in Stony’ which enjoyed success in providing a platform for local artists and artisans to bring products to market within their locality. Taking on the role of Secretary to the Visual Images Group represents continued progression for me in an environment that I really enjoy.

Jay Nolan-Latchford, Social Media Coordinator

My first childhood memories are of drawing, making, painting and crafting. I always knew I’d be an artist. After leaving school I studied illustration at my local college followed by a Graphic Design and Printmaking degree in Brighton. I worked for several years as a freelance designer in London before relocating to Bucks and establishing my own design company.

In recent years I’ve returned to my first love of painting and illustration. My range of watercolour, ink and mixed media art with their distinctive nature themes and bright colour palettes aim to be joyful. I love the outdoor life and have made my home on a houseboat moored on the Grand Union canal surrounded by the countryside.

I’m keen to pass on my skills and having undertaken a teaching qualification I began hosting workshops for adults several years ago.

I’m passionate about art for well-being and love working with people from all different fields. Being involved with groups of creatives and like minded people is both fulfilling and part of an artists journey. VIG has such an important role to play in our community.

Sarah Allen, Relationships Coordinator

During a fast paced career in technology and business consulting, art remained my touchstone and I found myself filling holidays with courses and spare time making and sketching. 

Priorities changed and I took a career break to dedicate time to developing skills and concepts that had been running around my head unanswered. 

Time overseas and raising a family did not diminish my instinct to create, and Sculptureintheround is my studio where I create sculptures, exploring many different techniques and run workshops and 1:1s on some of these practices. I have exhibited here and alongside other local artists.

Peter Hawkes, Directory Editor

I studied Typography & Graphic Communication at the University of Reading in the 1980s and for the last 35 years have run a graphic design and publishing business that specialises in local history books and visitor guides. In 2022 I established The Good Earth Gallery in Chesham, supporting local artists by displaying paintings, prints, glass art, ceramics, wood turning, jewellery and hand-made gifts. My true passion is gardening and I run two allotments – one a mini orchard, the other a bee garden – where creativity truly comes alive with nature leading the way.

Mia Babb, Committee Member

After completing an Art Foundation Course at High Wycombe College in 1985 I took a year out to earn some money for University but the lure of financial gain meant I never continued my art studies. During a varied career I constantly tried new methods and media in my spare time and also completed a BA in Art History through the Open University.

After suffering a stroke during brain surgery I turned to Pen & Ink to re-train my right arm which had been temporarily paralysed. Involvement at a local art show, where I helped to organise as well as exhibit, gave me the confidence to not only display more but also to set up my own Fine Art (Giclée) printing studio providing services to artists and photographers. Just being able to discuss art with so many people is a joy!

Pen & Ink (normally including gold leaf) is still my favourite medium and I get completely lost in capturing detail. I also love coloured pencil and pastels, especially when doing commissions, and still experiment whenever possible with different media.

Sarah Cripps, Communication Co-ordinator

I studied at the universities of Manchester and London and have a Master’s in Victorian Studies. I love the portraits of Cezanne, Van Gogh and Munch and the way that oil paint’s vibrant colours and texture can express a mood and capture a moment.

I worked in marketing and fundraising in London for over 20 years, but I ‘retired’ to go back to art just before lockdown and have been painting professionally since then. I like to focus on portraits but I enjoy a challenge and will try most subjects. When I’m not painting I’m also a dog walker so there are plenty of dogs in my portfolio too!