Riversdale Arts has a new president, with Waimea Plains farmer Kerryn Miller taking over from outgoing president Christine O'Connor.

A chance meeting at a pottery class lead Mrs Miller to becoming a member at Riversdale Arts and said she is excited to take on the role of president.

"I went to a pottery class at Riversdale Arts and found I really enjoyed it. With only being a member for three years I didn't see myself as being President but here we are. We all need to do something that scares us in our lifetime. We have a really great team at Riversdale Arts and an incredible community of volunteers that help [at] exhibition time." 

Mrs Miller said her high school arts teacher had encouraged her to have a go at many different art forms and she holds a particular interest in traditional Maori weaving.

She spent six months researching and watching programmes before spending a further six months of weaving to help produce a korowai and a kakahu for her daughters' primary school graduations. 

Mrs Miller said in taking the role she would like to see more people getting involved with Riversdale Arts, whether it be helping organise major events or taking part in classes throughout the year. 

The club's next big event will be its 46th annual exhibition, a popular showcase on the Southland arts calendar which runs from July 19 to July 28.