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Meet Our Team

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Maddi Andrews (she/her)

Executive Director

Maddi Andrews is an Artist and Art Educator based in Katarokwi-Kingston. She is currently employed as the Executive Director of Modern Fuel Artist-Run Centre, where she seeks to create opportunities for community exchange, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and collective wellness. Maddi completed her Master’s in Art History at Queen’s University in 2021, and previously received her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Art History and a Certificate of International Studies from Queen’s University in 2019.

Contact Maddi

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Em Harmsen (she/her)

Digital Projects Coordinator

Em Harmsen is a Designer and Artist. She has a Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design) from Toronto Metropolitan University and an MA focused on inclusive/accessible design from Queen's University. She is experienced in the areas of design, accessibility, and technology and runs a design studio (emske.ca) where she merges these skills and operates in a way that is inherently inclusive and eco-conscious to create products and provide services to clients. Currently, Em is continuing her studies surrounding user centred design through a PhD with the Cultural Studies department at Queen's. Em lives in Kingston with her husband and dog, where they enjoy working out of their shared downtown studio space.

Contact Em 

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Marcus Young (he/him)

Gallery Administrator

Marcus Young is a scholar and art critic whose research and practice are fuelled by his passion for critical and inclusive art engagement. As Modern Fuel’s Gallery Administrator, he helps lead the centre’s operations and works with artists and community members in strengthening the relationships that foster care for people through art. He is a Doctor of Philosophy student in Cultural Studies at Queen’s University.

Contact Marcus

2024-2025
Board of Directors 

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Elaine Chan-Dow (she/her)

Chair

Elaine Chan-Dow is a Toronto-based interdisciplinary artist and researcher. Her current work explores the intersection of cultural studies, botany, and art. Holding degrees in Urban Geography, Image Arts, and a Master of Fine Art, Chan-Dow's previous work, supported by an SSHRC grant, delved into the connection between objects and remembered history, particularly within the context of cognitive impairments. Her current research and artistic journey focuses on the intricate interplay between art, humanity, and the natural world, conveying a powerful message of biodiversity preservation and environmental sustainability. Her artwork is in institutions and private collections, including a recent installation at Butterfield Park, OCAD University. Chan-Dow's influence extends to her role as an educator within the Faculty of Arts at OCAD University. As she continues to shape the art world, she's concurrently pursuing a doctoral degree in Cultural Studies at Queen's University. She hopes to bring this wealth of knowledge and experience to her Co-Chair and Programming Chair positions at Modern Fuel.

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Grace Dixon (she/her)

Secretary

Grace Dixon is an illustrator, graphic designer and musician with a specific fondness for experimental sound design and artistic collaboration. She has most recently been involved in co-writing an instrumental score for a Toronto-based documentary and finds tremendous beauty and power in pairing sound with visuals. Her visual art practice often includes digital illustrations or textured collage work alongside themes of deconstructing/rediscovering spirituality and leaving space for growth. Grace is honoured to be a part of the Modern Fuel Board and is looking forward to opportunities to contribute to, listen to and support this community. 

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Kyra Safar (she/her)

Co-Chair and Treasurer

Kyra Safar is an economist by trade, but spends much of her free time working with the arts community in Kingston in a variety of capacities, from participating in classes and workshops to coordinating exhibitions and volunteering for boards. She believes strongly in the role of mutual support in art and has loved being part of the community here in Kingston. She is thrilled to be part of the Modern Fuel Board and excited to continue to support emerging and established artists!

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Baraa Abuzayed (she/her)

Board Director

Baraa Abuzayed is a Ph.D. student in Cultural Studies at Queen’s University. Through her artistic practice, she incorporates mixed media installation using textiles and film, where she explores themes of family, home, belongingness, identity, and storytelling. In the past, Baraa has served on several boards in the NGO sector. At Modern Fuel, Baraa hopes to help in the continued support of emerging artists and building community connections!

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Aanchal Juneja (she/her)

Board Director

Aanchal Juneja is a multifaceted creative professional, with experience in social media marketing, copywriting, and brand strategy. Fascinated with the intricacies of the creative process, her passion manifests across art, literature, and the internet. Her interest extends to the digital domain, manifesting in the interplay of visuals, typography, and design. Aanchal has completed her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Literature from the University of Delhi, and Masters in Communications from the Delhi School of Communication before continuing studies in Digital Marketing from St. Lawrence in 2024.

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Sheldon Traviss (he/him)

Board Director

My name is Sheldon Traviss, and I am an artist living in Kingston, Ontario. I grew up in Bancroft, Ontario, before moving to this city 35 years ago. Being of Mohawk descent, I have spent most of my life attempting, as best as I can, to live a traditional life.  That pursuit has guided me over the years. From training as a firekeeper in my youth, through a lifelong passion for Indigenous culinary tradition, community involvement and volunteerism, food sovereignty, and cultural revitalization. My artistic practice includes graphite, digital drawing, modeling, ceramics, and wood sculpture. Those tenets have driven many of my activities and continue to drive me today, currently through the pursuit of cultural revitalization with the creation and use of traditional Haudenosaunee cooking vessels and pottery using locally sourced, self-processed materials.

 

I have recently been honored to join the Board of Modern Fuel. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to the local arts community and support other artists in the region. This new role allows me to bring my non-profit experience from decades of cultural revitalization efforts to the forefront. I am excited about the potential collaborations and initiatives that I can be a part of in this capacity.

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Morgan Wedderspoon (she/her)

Board Director

Morgan Wedderspoon is an artist, educator, and arts administrator who is passionate about art practice in community and its potential for grassroots-led social transformation—both imagining and working toward a more just and livable future for all. She earned a Master of Fine Art in Printmaking from the University of Alberta and holds a Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) from Queen’s University.

About our Board and Committees

 

Modern Fuel is a member-driven organization that consists of a General Assembly, comprised of all members in good standing, and a working, hands-on Board of Directors. As an artist-run at its core, the majority of Modern Fuel’s board must self-identify as artists. The role of the Board of Directors is to provide stewardship, direction, and support to the organization in accordance with Modern Fuel’s vision, mandate, and values. The Board of Directors is elected by our membership at our Annual General Meeting. When necessary, additional Board Directors are recruited throughout the year, and join the Board in interim positions until they can be legally elected at the next AGM. 

 

Our Board of Directors is a working board, in every sense of the way. Along with governance matters of ensuring by-laws and budgets are respected, they all play an active role in Modern Fuel’s programming, operations, and fundraising efforts. Directors dedicate 5 - 10 hours of work per month attending meetings, self-guided work, assisting staff, and other tasks as needed. If you are interested in getting involved as a Board Director, feel free to contact us at mfarcbodpres@modernfuel.org.

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