Meet Our Team

Laura is responsible for leading the artistic and business development at VAA. Laura has been working in the Fine Arts sector since 2012 and is a founder of the VAA. Presently, Director of the Visual Art Open Prize, the Professional Artist Award and the International Exhibition and Scholarship Prize. Laura has a wealth of experience in managing relationships with artists and understanding their needs. Laura has an extensive network including arts organisations, galleries, publishers and commercial partners. Laura has helped hundreds of artists figure out how to thrive at all stages of their fine art careers. Prior to working in the arts industry, Laura was a solicitor specialising in Employment Law for over 15 years.

Shirley-Ann, founder of VAA, is a seasoned arts director and curator with over 20 years of experience working with creatives. She is the co-author of the internationally bestselling art business books ‘Good Art Does Not Sell Itself’ and ‘Securing Representation.’ Her passion for global artist outreach and discovering new talent is evident in her curated exhibitions, which have been showcased on BBC, Sky News, and International New York Times. Shirley-Ann leads the Visual Art Open Prize and VAA Artist of the Year Awards, driving the VAA CPD & mentorship programme with courses on Art Curation & Exhibition Management, Art Sales Academy, and Artist Momentum. She has previously served on the selection committee for the Other Art Fair London by Saatchi Art and currently hosts the popular new art podcast, Art Insider.

Karen is an Artist Manager, Fine Art Auctioneer and Consultant Expert with a Degree in Fine Art Evaluation, previously working as a Gallery Manager for Blue Dot Art & Whitewall Galleries – in addition to this was she was also a partner of White Rose Publishing. With a successful history working as an Art Broker, having sold pieces for the likes of Banksy, Karen found that she was representing and helping Artists on a regular basis achieve more sales and reaching their goals. Now she has joined forces with The VAA as our Artists Mentor.

Amy Jobes is a contemporary landscape painter based in North Devon. Amy has previously worked with the likes of Echo Beach Gallery, Artists & Illustrators Magazine, and even the VAA as a speaker at our ‘How to Build a Small but Mighty Artist’s List’ Masterclass. She has been a self-employed artist for ten years- taking the leap in 2012. Amy has now joined the Visual Artist Association as an Artist Mentor alongside Karen van Hoey Smith.

Based in South Africa; Louise followed her passion for art early on, attending Art School for 4 years and going on to achieve a degree in education. Louise brings over 8 years’ experience in the art industry, from art auctions all over the world to working with one of the largest publishers in the UK with Whitewall Galleries. Louise has helped clients from all walks of life get happily involved in collecting artwork, from not only the likes of Picasso and Miro, but also exciting up-and-comers at all stages in their art careers.

Max Kelly assists in the management of the company’s marketing and communications such as social media, emails, and more. He has a degree in Philosophy, Ethics and Religion from the University of Chester, and a background in various marketing and communications roles. Max has a personal interest in art, and often spends his free time practicing digital art and creative writing.