WITH more than 20 years experience in the art world, Beatrice Manoukian has big plans for the Highway Gallery.

A professional artist and teacher, Manoukian was recently appointed manager of the gallery by the Waverley Arts Society.

Originally from Armenia, she said she had been interested in art since she was "knee-high".

"I was misdirected into accounting by my parents, but eventually I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to go back into art so I took it."

Manoukian studied fine arts at Monash University and also has a diploma of business studies. She has won several painting competitions and has taught art at local neighbourhood houses.

As director of the Highway Gallery in 2007 and 2008, Manoukian helped to raise its profile, initiating ongoing exhibitions such as Encore and Ceramics Symphony.

"Amazing things have happened since Waverley Arts Society took over the gallery.

"We're really zooming in on community-oriented events."

Art lovers can look forward to a number of exciting events at the gallery, she said.

"We're building a lot of partnerships. There will be more student and neighbourhood house exhibitions."

One of the events will be the collaboration of painters and poets, in which artists will interpret a poem into a painting, Manoukian said.

"Being an artist, I have the advantage of understanding their needs.

"So I aim to create as many opportunities as possible for different artists to participate in new and exciting events."

Manoukian said she wanted to nurture artists as well as promote the arts.

"I will work very hard to make art a focus in Monash."

To contact the Highway Gallery, call 98077261.