LEAH FOX is Director of the Vance Wall Art Education Center and the Yard School of Art at Montclair Art Museum. “My overarching goal is to provide equitable experiences for all by addressing visitors’ varied interests and learning styles, and strengthening people’s understanding of themselves and our world. This includes strong commitment to inclusive experiences that are welcoming to visitors with disabilities.”
CHRIS KACZMAREK – “I’m an artist and educator whose work spans both experimental and traditional practices, including sculpture, site specific installations, performance, video, and solar-powered objects. Recent creative interests have been concerned with the act of walking as a praxis for artistic production, and the shapes in which collective and collaborative settings can be formed to become spaces where imagination and creativity are used in the service of hopeful outcomes. I currently serve as Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Art, and Chair of the Department of Art and Design at Montclair State University.”
SOPHIA KIM – Sophie is a senior at Montclair State University, majoring in art education with a minor in psychology. As a mixed media installation artist, she explores interactive pieces that engage viewers in themes of growth, hope, and healing. She is excited to be a part of the Seeing from Heart project as a documentary committee member.
ANDREA MARSHALL – “My experience in the art world started as a kid who always had a drawing pad and pencil nearby. There was never such a thing as too much paper! Much later, while working at the Morris Museum, I developed the Studio Art program and designed and supervised the museum’s Family Festivals. After earning a degree in Museum Management, I worked for the Montclair State University Galleries as Art Registrar. I now work as Executive Administrator for Studio Montclair. I know this to be true: Art is dialogue, it paves the way to a meeting of the minds, to finding understanding and celebration when mere words won’t do. I am looking forward to seeing people of all stripes connecting through Seeing From The Heart.”
JONATHAN MARSHALL – “I help organize Montclair Mutual Aid projects to build community. Besides my day job as a computer scientist and data scientist, I enjoy graphic design and other forms of visual art making. I’m excited about the potential for Seeing from the Heart to help members of our local community grow feelings of familiarity, trust, and belonging.”
JONATHAN MEJIA is a freelance illustrator and graphic designer in Bloomfield. “I’m a corporate graphic designer by day, a freelance illustrator by night, and an all-day creative fellow. As a freelancer, I’ve done everything from business cards and invitations to travel brochures and children’s book illustrations. I’ve worked on projects for such clients as GAF and the National Hispanic Federation.”
SHANE PAUL NEIL – “I am a writer, photographer, and podcast producer/host. I am also the co-founder of the Montclair Photography Group. MPG cultivates a vibrant community of photographers dedicated to breaking down barriers that hinder access to photography, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, can explore this expressive medium.”
REUBENA SPENCE – “I have a professional and personal passion for graphic design and for art exploration. I am a co-founder and current Chair of the Board of Trustees of Out Montclair, where I also oversee the 50+ age program. Alongside my wife, Madeline Gale, I co-chair the NJPAC LGBTQ+ Advisory Council for Community Engagement. I’m an active Montclair Civil Rights Commissioner, a board member of Montclair Mutual Aid, and a driving proponent of the Newark LGBTQ+ BIPOC Film Festival. I am thrilled about the Seeing from the Heart collaboration project, as it beautifully intertwines two passions dear to me: love for art and dedication to enhancing our diverse community.”
IRA WAGNER is Executive Director of Montclair Art Museum. He seeks to lead MAM to “inspire our community with creative exhibitions and programming and to serve as a place where the arts play a leading role in fighting the injustices in our society.”
KRISTEN ZACHARES founded Eclectic Chic Boutique in 2017 to market and promote the work of artists across New Jersey. She teaches craft classes and creates her own line of crafts, but her true passion lies in helping others and creating a community of creative personalities. She strives to inspire creativity and invites others to do the same.
