2011 DACE would like to extend a warm welcome to Lesley Hunter, our  Guest Judge for 2011.

Art has been a part of Lesley's life from the time she could hold pencil. Born in England and raised in New Zealand, Lesley's schooling years were spent constantly drawing and sketching.

Lesley was bitten by the travel bug travel bug after high school and the call of the unknown took her away from New Zealand-and the art world for a time. She never returned to New Zealand, but art was a passion that would not be denied. "I genuinely believe that true artists-as with most creative types-are born, not made," says Lesley.

In 1998, after giving birth to her 3rd child, Lesley found her love for art renewed. She started taking oil painting classes to get herself "back into it".

"At that time, I found the Melbourne and Bayside gallery scene quite frustrating. There was an underlying perception that art was for the rich, and I found many galleries to be very intimidating and unfriendly. There was a culture of what I call 'The Emperor's New Clothes Syndrome'-someone telling you something is good, so you have to accept that as truth-that I found highly objectionable. I believe people have to trust their own eye and judgement, and that beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

In a bid to "bring art to the people" Lesley opened Suburban 312 Gallery in August 2003. Her philosophy is still the same today as it was the day she opened her doors: "Everyone should put some art in their life".

"Suburban prides itself on being a 'people friendly' gallery with a warm, casual, relaxed atmosphere. I like to show works that enlighten and inspire, make people happy, and make the space they live in a better place---through some fabulous and talented artists."

Located in New Street, Brighton, Suburban showcases an eclectic mix of contemporary works from established and emerging Australian artists, and regularly holds exhibitions in the gallery and its 5 street-frontage windows. For more information on Suburban 312 Gallery, visit www.suburban312.com.au.