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.

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 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!

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!

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.

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.

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.