Alison Ham has recently retired to Papamoa Beach after farming in the Waikato for many years. She started her arts career as a member of the Lyceum Painting Circle in Morrinsville. After various summer schools at the Waikato Polytechnic Alison started classes with Coromandle artist Paula McNeal and changed from using oils to working with acrylics and mixed media. She prefers semi abstract work, and is currently part of a group of artists working at Hayward Studio Gallery 55.