Our Board

Creative Director
Sharon was trained in fashion and textiles and worked in the industry for 15 years, directing shows and exhibitions at national level before setting up her own business as a knitwear designer. Her love of three dimensional fabrics and form led her naturally towards carnival In 2005, with business partner Jill Wade Smith, she established MAS FUSION as the regions No 1 touring costume band and has presented high quality costumes and performance work all over the UK and beyond, including Brighton and Luton Carnivals, Thames Festival, Notting Hill Splash, and internationally at Nice, Viareggio and Bielefeld.
Sharon was artistic director for the highly acclaimed EUROPA touring show produced for the Opening of the UK Centre for Carnival Arts in 2009 and in 2010/11 she directed the Opening Ceremony for the Nat West International Island Games.
Sharon joined Shademakers in 2011 as assistant artist and became creative director in 2012

Director
Sandy was born and brought up in London. She attained a BSc (hons) in Psychology and an MA in Communications in Computing, going on to complete a number of qualifications in teaching and family support. Sandy worked for many years in the voluntary sector, alongside multi-disciplinary teams from health and education. On moving to the Isle of Wight, she set up her own business as a film maker, producing and creating short films and being a founder member of the Isle of Wight International Film Festival. Her film work led to an interest in participative evaluation and public participation. She has worked and continues to work in research and is involved in Public and Patient participation in applied health research.
Sandy has been involved in carnival for the past 15years, making costume, leading community groups and performing with her own children, friends and later on an active member of Shademakers.She has now developed a portfolio career with interests in health, community and the arts.

Artistic Director
Paul McLaren was born in North Manchester, 1961. He is a BA honours graduate in Fine Art from Exeter College of Art and Design. Since leaving college in 1984 he has developed a career as an artist being a founder member of the artist run organisation A.F.T.E.R until he founded Shademakers Carnival Club in 1991.
As designer, maker and Artistic Director he has travelled and exhibited work extensively. In 1993 Shademakers established a base in Bielefeld, Germany and created the Carnival der Kulturen event, which in 2016 celebrated its 20th anniversary. He has attended Notting Hill Carnival since 1992 and won various awards including Best Band of the Year with Shademakers. King of Notting Hill Carnival, Individual Masquerader of the Year, San Fernando, Trinidad and finalist in the National Carnival finals, Port of Spain.
In 2011 Paul relocated to the Isle of Wight, and participated in the Island Games with Shademakers. In 2012 the island based Shademakers participated in the Cultural Olympics, becoming part of the opening and closing events of the celebration.

Vice Chair/Director
Martin was born and educated and trained on the Isle of Wight, is married and has three adult sons. He gained City and Guilds qualification in his chosen profession as Carpenter and Joiner, developing his own business, until taking a major management role in the family Hotel chain company. As a lifelong participant in the local Carnivals on the Island Martin has since taken active interest in committee membership of Ryde Carnival Committee and as Chairman at various intervals. He is an active board member of Shademakers and performs at regular events. He plays an important role in Shademakers production as Technical and Structural engineer.

Director
Joe received his Master’s in Playwriting at the University of Manchester and has a degree in Theatre Practice: Creative Producing at London South Bank University. He is a theatre maker and playwright and is the Artistic Director of Horse Box Theatre. Recently, he has produced a number of productions at Department including Ryde Boy and Frankenstein: The Creation of a Monster. He was a Drama Teacher on the Isle of Wight for a number of years and then became the first Artistic Director of Skye Bridge Studios in the Highlands of Scotland. In 2021, he won the Audience Choice Award at Ventnor Fringe Festival for his comedy show ‘The People’s Republic of the Isle of Wight. He is a theatre critic and columnist for the Isle of Wight County Press. Joe joined the Shademakers team in 2022 as one of the Movement Directors for the Platinum Jubilee Pageant and is very excited about working with the team as we transform the former Elizabeth Packs building into an arts and cultural space.

Director
Is a retired executive office manager who has spent many years working in the emergency services and the Isle of Wight council. Ian is a grandfather whose family represent three generations of active performers within Shademakers. He is an accordion musician and participates in local folklore events with the Wight Belles Morris dancers. His wealth of technical and local knowledge is an important contributing factor to the board and has become a valuable member of the technical and performing team of the group.

Director
Emma has been involved with Shademakers since its inception on the Isle of Wight. She is adept in costume making and has grown in stature as a former recipient of workshop training to delivering workshop courses. She is an active board member and participant in all activities of the group. Her specialist skills in sewing and making in the studio are vital to achieving objectives of the group. In addition, Emma has qualified as a first responder and assists in matters of health and safety to the wellbeing of Shademakers’ members and public.

Director
Amber graduated from Arts University Bournemouth in 2016 with a First Class Honours in Fashion. Her final collection then went onto the catwalk at Graduate Fashion Week and she was nominated for the David Band Textile Award.
Amber moved back to the island after this and started her own business doing sewing and alterations and now specialises as a wedding dress designer.
Amber has always been passionate about sustainability and environmental impact and this is a massive part of the work she does.

OUR BOARD