The Naracoorte Regional Art Gallery has a new chief executive, with Bec Greening appointed to the role.


Ms Greening replaces Lesley Cook who has retired after seven years of organising art at the gallery.


With a strong background in office administration, Ms Greening is hoping her new position will encourage her emerging interest in the study and practice of the arts.


She is currently studying a Diploma of Creative Arts and Health and also working towards certification as an Art Therapist.


Ms Greening became interested in art as therapy when working in the health care sector and saw the benefits of arts of all kinds for dementia patients.


During her studies she said she has become more interested in the creative process of art and hopes to extend her skills while heading up the gallery.


One of her hobbies is photography and as part of her studies she has learned more about this field of the arts.


Ms Greening said she was looking forward to meeting artists and being inspired by them.


She recently met Caroline Johnson whose current exhibition Food for the Soul is showing in the gallery until February 23.


Ms Greening is keen to bring a variety of workshops to the gallery to encourage local artists and expand their skills.


She sees her new job as a challenge and thinks it has come at the right time to expand her own creativity.