Recently featured on the Palmy Venues & Events Facebook page in a profile written by Casey-Lee Persson.

Meet Vonnie – one of the passionate volunteers helping bring the Manawatū Art Expo to life.

For nearly two decades, Vonnie has been one of the dedicated volunteers behind the Manawatū Art Expo. A Life Member of the Feilding & District Art Society, she's been involved since the very first Expo and next year she'll celebrate her 20th year with the event, alongside the 20th anniversary of the Manawatū Art Expo itself. While many people would call it volunteering, Vonnie has a different way of describing it." I call it doing exactly what I love to do." "When we started, we didn't have many artists. Next year will be my 20th year, and it's amazing to see how much it's grown. This year we have around 100 artists exhibiting. Some have their own exhibition spaces, while others are part of the general exhibition with up to five original works. It's become this massive event we put on every year. It's wonderful – like a party."

Today, artists travel from as far north as Auckland and as far south as Christchurch to exhibit at the Expo, making it one of the region's largest celebrations of original New Zealand art. Supporting artists has always been at the heart of Vonnie's journey. Alongside exhibiting her own work, she taught art at Awapuni College before becoming the Central Region Art Advisor for Massey University in Palmerston North.

"The Feilding Art Society has been one of the movers and shakers for art in Manawatū because we encourage established artists while supporting and nurturing emerging artists. So many artists create beautiful work at home and leave it there. We help people realise their work is worth seeing. "This year, Vonnie is part of the organising team, working directly with artists by inviting them to exhibit, organising guest artists, visiting artists as they prepare their work and making sure they're feeling confident ahead of opening night.

One of the most rewarding parts of her role is encouraging first-time exhibitors. "Sometimes people put their name down, but as the event gets closer they lose confidence. I like to encourage them to come anyway because once they've done it once, they'll often do it again. That's the old teacher in me." Beyond working with artists, Vonnie helps organise the many little details that make the Expo such a memorable experience. "It's all the little things that make the event lovely. We wear white gloves when taking artwork off the walls for buyers. We want the experience to be as professional as possible."

One of the features that sets the Manawatū Art Expo apart is its unique benefactor programme, with this year's exhibition once again featuring an extraordinary collection of original Salvador Dalí etchings alongside exceptional New Zealand artists. Opening night will also have a playful twist. "Some of the organising team will be wearing Salvador Dalí masks to make the evening a bit more interesting and help bring the event to life."

As an artist herself, Vonnie draws inspiration from the landscapes she knows and loves. "I'm a landscape artist and I revere the Manawatū. I'll drive around the Manawatū and Rangitīkei, set up my chair somewhere and paint en plein air. Even looking down Turitea Valley towards the sea at sunset is just gorgeous. It's a very special place." While creating her own artwork is a passion, one of Vonnie's favourite parts of the Expo is seeing what everyone else has created. "Every year I look forward to it. I love seeing what everyone has created, catching up with artists and enjoying the camaraderie. The atmosphere is fabulous." For Vonnie, that's what makes original art so special. "Original works really show how we all perceive the world differently. Every artist has their own way of seeing things."

As the Manawatū Art Expo prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary next year, Vonnie is incredibly proud of what it has become. "No one ever dreamed it would still be going after 20 years. Seeing how much it's grown and the community it's built is something I'm really proud of. I hope it continues well beyond my years." For anyone who hasn't visited before, she has one simple invitation. "Come and enjoy the wonderful variety of artworks and the personalities behind them. Meet the artists, enjoy the atmosphere and discover something that speaks to you. Whether you're buying your first piece or simply coming to be inspired, there's something here for everyone.