Menu
Log in


Log In

Board of Directors 2023


Liz Haywood-Sullivan, President

Liz is a representational artist specializing in pastel landscapes. Dedicated to working in the pastel medium since 1996, she teaches nationally and internationally, and is a sought after judge and demonstrator for pastel societies and arts organizations around the world. Liz served on the NRAS Board of Directors from 2000 to 2011. She is a President Emerita of the International Association of Pastel Societies (2013-2017) and is the author of the popular book Painting Brilliant Skies and Water in Pastel. Her pastel paintings have won numerous awards, have been featured in many books and magazine articles, and they have appeared in national, international and museum exhibitions worldwide. Liz lives in Marshfield Hills with her husband, J Michael Sullivan, and two standard poodles. LizHaywoodSullivan.com 

Amy F. Stern, Vice President

Amy and her husband, Steve, moved to Marshfield five years ago and immediately joined NRAS after learning about this unique and wonderful community organization. After volunteering to help at the Festival of the Arts and attending many art openings and events, Amy was excited to join the Board in 2019. Amy has spent 25+ years working to improve health services in the U.S. and international health sectors with an expertise in quality improvement methodologies and measurement. For the past 12 years, Amy has worked globally leading multi-disciplinary technical teams to support projects to sustainably strengthen systems and improve services in infectious diseases such as HIV and TB, primary care, and maternal and child health at all levels of the system in East and Southern Africa. Amy has volunteered at a range of non-profit organizations and served on the board for Maryland-based Mobile Medical Care, an organization that provides health care for uninsured and vulnerable populations. Amy holds a master’s degree in Health Science from Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health and a BA in Communications/Psychology from McDaniel College. Amy is married with twin 24-year boys and loves to spend time with family and friends, travel, cook and read.

Phyllis Wenzel, Clerk

Phyllis and her husband, Bill, own and operate Image Resolutions in Norwell, MA, a full-service printing company which has been servicing local businesses and artists since 1991. Phyllis oversees the financial and day-to-day operations of the business. She previously held marketing and administrative positions for both Haemonetics Corporation and The Flatley Company, both located in Braintree. She has served as a member of the Board and past-Treasurer for the Norwell Chamber of Commerce, and as a Board Member for the Massachusetts Educational Foundation, which offered scholarships for women in transition. Phyllis enjoys gardening, painting and taking classes and workshops at NRAS. She holds a B.S. Degree in Business from The State University of New York.

Kristen Evan, Treasurer

Kristen Evan moved to Marshfield in 2019, after living in Needham, MA, for 20 years, and fell in love with the community. After attending the Festival of the Arts for the first time in 2022, Kristen became a NRAS member and began looking for ways to become involved with the wonderful organization. Kristen joined the Board as Treasurer in 2023, which is a natural fit, given her 25+ years as a financial professional. Currently, Kristen works as a credit risk analytics executive at TD Bank, N.A., with a focus on Credit Risk Reporting and analytics, Basel Ongoing Compliance, Override and Replication Testing and Governance and Control. Kristen holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Delaware and a J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Kristen is mother to 2 young-adult sons and spends free hours hiking and running with her partner, Tim. While Kristen is not an artist, she is excited to join the NRAS Board and hopes to make meaningful contributions to the organization.

Maureen Smith, Executive Director

Maureen is delighted to join the North River Arts “family”.  She has always believed that participation in or appreciation of the arts is essential to a thriving community. Maureen has lived in Marshfield for nearly 30 years. Growing up in Westwood, MA, she spent every summer is this beautiful seaside community. Maureen is the former President of Laboure College in Milton and has spent the past 5 years consulting with non-profits.  She has assisted organizations in focusing on creatively and collaboratively addressing strategic challenges and opportunities. Maureen is currently serving on the Board of Trustees of Fontbonne Academy in Milton and is a former Board Chair of Special Olympics Massachusetts.

Julia Driscoll, Programs and Marketing Manager

Julia grew up in Norwell, MA and graduated from Lesley University College of Art and Design with a B.F.A. in Design. She has primarily worked as a Graphic Designer for the past several years in various industries, from advertising to commercial real estate. In 2019, Julia created and launched “Wicked Women Makers Market”, a local artisan fair and marketplace. Julia now resides in Kingston, MA with her husband and spends most of her free time sewing, painting and collecting vintage clothing.

Kate Anderson is an art consultant, educator and advisor to artists. Since 2004, Kate has been thoughtfully curating artwork programs for her clients in business, healthcare, institutional, and private settings throughout the US and beyond. Kate's career has given her in-depth awareness of the art business world and what it takes for artists to stand out and succeed. Throughout her years as an art consultant, she has participated on panels for arts organizations and conferences, attended countless portfolio reviews and open studios; she has found that her expertise and professional experience provide valuable insights to artists. With a deep passion for supporting artists and helping them flourish and share their work with the world, she offers advisory service to artists one-on-one and in group settings.

Kate has consulted and curated artwork programs for countless businesses and institutions such as The Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard Law School, General Catalyst Partners, KPMG, Grant Thornton, Encore Casino, Atrius Healthcare, Reliant Medical Centers, as well as many of Boston's Luxury real estate developers and interior designers. She is a graduate of Colby-Sawyer College in 2003 with a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art.  Kate coaches girls' youth soccer and teaches youth art programs at North River Arts Society. In her free time, she continues to paint at her home in Marshfield, Massachusetts, where she lives with her husband, two young daughters, and dog George Bailey.

Mike DiRado was born in a small, hill town in Abruzzo Italy.  Mike remembers creating art throughout his childhood, but believes it became a passion during high school. Mike received his BFA from Massachusetts College of Art & Design. While at Mass Art he studied painting with George Nick, Paul Celli, Rob Moore and Richard Yarde. They, along with other professors and the many artists he has met along the way, contributed to his development as an artist. Mike moved to New York City in 1983 where he lived and worked for 10 years. While in NYC, Mike worked as a studio assistant for the artist Al Held. He also completed graduate work in Art Education at Pratt Institute. Eventually Mike, his wife and growing family returned to Massachusetts and settled in Scituate, MA. Upon his return to Massachusetts, Mike began a 29-year long teaching career. First as a teacher in Boston and then in Abington, Mike taught art K-12, but most of his career focused on middle school grades. He eventually became the Director of Art (K-12) for the Abington Public Schools until his retirement in 2020. During both Mike's career as a teacher and as a director, he has been a passionate advocate for quality, innovative art education programs in K-12 schools.  Retirement provided Mike with the gift of time, and he will use this additional time to finally explore artistic ideas that were paused as he gave attention to his family and teaching career. Mike is also looking forward to exploring new directions in his own work and remaining active in art educational advocacy groups.

Mary Anne McAuliffe has been a student member for over 20 years.  Raised in New Hampshire she is a long time Hingham resident. Her background includes a BA from Regis College and an MBA from Boston College.  She has worked as a CPA in public accounting and financial services in Boston and New York. Her clients have included not-for-profits, colleges and universities and financial firms.  She has worked as a financial consultant for a women’s shelter, a Greek American college and local CPA firms.  Her volunteer activities have included serving as treasurer of a music parents’ organization, member of the financial committee for her parish, income tax preparer at senior center and cancer society driver.  She looks forward to contributing to this wonderful arts organization.

Allison (Aly) Arnone has spent most of her career as an educator and higher education administrator.  She has designed liberal arts, business, and vocational curriculum as well as taught classes for traditional students, vocational trades, and corporate education.  Aly has worked with many community organizations advocating for educational opportunities for non-traditional students and has been an advocate for continuing education for adults to better manage careers and overcome socioeconomic challenges.  Her career has included being an owner of two small businesses and she is currently a Senior Compliance Analyst with a west coast based financial services firm.  Aly’s appreciation for the creative arts began when she was a child and spent many memorable moments at her mom’s art studio. She is very excited to be joining North River Arts and engaging with the artist community. Marshfield has been her home since 2014.

Lawrence Ryan grew up in Gloucester Massachusetts, his interest in the arts were inspired by the ocean-bounded landscape of the North Shore and his exposure to the works of Homer, Hopper and Sargent. He attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, receiving his BFA in Art and Design with a minor in Art History. After graduation he moved to Boston and began his career at a small design firm.  For the past 24 years, he has been at MFS Investment Management as the firm’s space planner and designer, a position that has taken him around the world building out office spaces in Europe, Asia and South America. Larry spent many years as an adjunct professor at Newbury College in Boston, teaching drawing, AutoCAD and other courses in the college’s Interior Design Program. He has also freelanced as a design consultant for private home renovations and additions.

During these years, Larry has continued to paint in different mediums, producing works for charity auctions, private commissions and purely for the love of the art, documenting the landscapes of his life and the many trips he has taken with his family. Given his belief in the importance of art for everyone, joining the North River Arts Society and serving on its board are a natural progression. He looks forward to advancing the Society’s mission and supporting its activities.

Larry has lived in Scituate, Massachusetts for over 30 years with his wife Michelle and four daughters.  

157 Old Main Street
Marshfield Hills, MA 02051
P.O. Box 307

781 837 8091
NorthRiverArts@gmail.com

Office Hours
Mondays - Thursdays, 9am-1pm

North River Arts Society follows the Marshfield Public Schools holiday and cancellation policy.

Connect With Us

© Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved North River Arts Society North River Arts Society is a 501(c)6 nonprofit organization. NRAS Privacy & Safety Policy