staff + board of directors

Stephen Mueller (he/him)
Programming Director

I'm a performance and installation artist, arts worker, and arts educator. I hold an MFA in Visual Arts from the University of Calgary and a BFA in Visual Arts from the University of Windsor. My work has been exhibited in artist-run centres and contemporary art spaces across Canada, including Open Space, Fonderie Darling, Latitude 53, TRUCK Contemporary Art, The New Gallery, Eastern Edge, Forest City Gallery, Katzman Contemporary, DNA Artspace, Artcite Inc. and the Art Gallery of Windsor.
Photo: Justin Elliott.
Q: What is one interesting fact about you that not many people know?
A: I was a competitive figure skater.
Q: Do you have any furry friends at home?
A: Yes, a Chihuahua mix named Monchy.
Q: Recommend a book you’ve read recently.
A: Dear Navigator by Hu Fang.
Q: What album have you been playing on repeat lately?
A: Desolation's Flower by Ragana.
Q: What was the first piece of art that made a significant impact on you?
A: Breathing In, Breathing Out by Marina Abramović and Ulay.
Q: What motivated you to join Artcite?
A: Accessible art spaces that value risk-taking and experimentation are crucial because they encourage and enable artists in their communities to do the same. As an artist with a largely ephemeral practice, artist-run centres are vital. ARCs have taken chances on my concepts and provided me with opportunities to debut long durational works based entirely on written proposals. I wanted to play a role in nurturing that type of community in Windsor, through Artcite.
Q: What excites you most about Artcite’s future?
A: The potential for growth in our new location, expanding our community impact, fostering weird creativity, and exploring new and renewed collaborations.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of being involved with Artcite?
A: As PD, I get to meet and work closely with every artist who exhibits at Artcite. I feel supported every day by a hard-working team of dedicated staff and volunteer Board members, with whom I get to collaborate to provide a valuable service for our local art community. I’m incredibly lucky!

Erin Fyfe (she/her)
President

I'm an artist, educator, and maker. I hold a BFA from the University of Windsor and an MFA from the University of Ottawa. My practice delves into visible and invisible boundaries through landscape paintings, focusing on depicting detachment through nature, allegory, and peripheral spaces. I explore themes of domesticity, fragmentation, community, and solitude in my work.
Photo: Justin Elliott.
Q: If you could instantly learn any new skill, what would it be?
A: Playing the piano. I bought a second-hand piano that's just sitting in my living room, watching and waiting for me to start learning.
Q: Do you have any furry friends at home?
A: Yes, I have two wonderful pets: Willow, my 11-year-old grey tabby cat, and Leo, a 5-year-old brindle American Bully.
Q: What was the first piece of art that made a significant impact on you?
A: One of the first pieces of art that made a significant impact on me was Head of a Harlequin by Picasso. I discovered it as a child in a small corner of the Detroit Institute of Arts, and it immediately stood out to me. The contrasting blue shadowing and rawness of the image were captivating. Over the years, I've returned to it many times, finding comfort in its familiar presence.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of being involved with Artcite?
A: The most rewarding part of being involved with Artcite is the connections with the dedicated staff, board members, and the public who attend our opening, events and workshops. We couldn’t achieve our goals without each other, and the collaborative spirit and shared enthusiasm has created a strong, supportive community that makes it truly meaningful to be part of Artcite.
Q: What excites you most about Artcite’s future?
A: Our upcoming move to Ford City! Our new location promises to energize our programs and community engagement. We’ll be able to expand our reach, connect with more artists, and involve the community in new and dynamic ways. I’m thrilled about the opportunities this move presents for enhancing our visibility and impact in a revitalized area.

Amanda Shallal (she/her)
Vice President

I'm a multidisciplinary artist whose main focus is on painting and digital art. I graduated from the University of Windsor with a BFA[H] and B.Ed. I currently work as a supply teacher in both Windsor and Toronto.
Photo: Justin Elliott.
Q: What is one interesting fact about you that not many people know?
A: I used to live in Japan and I've climbed Mt. Fuji!
Q: Do you have any furry friends at home?
A: I have a Boston Terrier named Wee Baby Buddha. He's not as zen and peaceful as I thought he'd be.
Q: What’s your go-to karaoke song?
A: I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston.
Q: If you could turn one of your hobbies into a career, which one would it be and why?
A: Writing, because I love creating fictional worlds and getting lost in them.
Q: What type of art inspires you the most?
A: I'm most inspired by the classical artists of the Renaissance—the figures, the symbolism, the story-telling, the mathematical compositions—they perfected the art of painting.
Q: How do you incorporate art into your everyday life?
A: I'm a visual learner so I'm always looking for ways to express ideas through art. It especially comes in handy when you're trying to hold the attention of 30 students in a classroom!
Q: What motivated you to join Artcite?
A: I wanted to get more involved in the Windsor art scene and get more serious about becoming a professional artist. Artcite provides me with many opportunities to learn from other members and artists.
Q: What role does Artcite play in supporting local artists?
A: Artcite provides a valuable space for both emerging and seasoned artists. It offers a unique platform for local artists from all walks of life to showcase their work to a broad audience.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of being involved with Artcite?
A: Feeling like you're making a change in your community and that your voice matters.

Emily Conlon (she/her)
Board Member

I’m a multidisciplinary artist and educator. I hold an MFA in Studio Art from the University of Saskatchewan and a BFA Honours in Visual Arts from the University of Windsor. I’m on the board of directors for SK Printmakers and have participated in exhibitions and print exchanges both within Canada and internationally. Most recently, I was an exhibiting artist at Nuit Blanche Saskatoon and the Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design and Space.
Photo: Justin Elliott.
Q: What is one interesting fact about you that not many people know?
A: I’ve played the harp since I was 7 years old!
Q: Do you have any furry friends at home?
A: A very noisy cat named Gigi.
Q: If you could turn one of your hobbies into a career, which one would it be and why?
A: Knitting. I spend too much money on yarn, so it would be nice to make some money in return.
Q: What type of art inspires you the most?
A: Printmaking! As a printmaker myself, I learn a lot by looking at the processes and techniques of other printmakers. It inspires me to push myself.
Q: How do you stay creative and inspired?
A: Surrounding myself with other creative people keeps me inspired and motivated.
Q: What sets Artcite apart from other art organizations?
A: Artcite is run by artists for artists. It offers diverse programming and provides valuable networking opportunities for artists at all stages of their careers. Arts spaces can be intimidating. Artcite does a great job of removing some of the barriers and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Q: What role does Artcite play in supporting local artists?
A: Artcite is a great space for artists to learn, connect, collaborate, and experiment. It plays a crucial role for emerging artists to gain experience and be supported in their growing careers.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of being involved with Artcite?
A: Knowing that I contribute to the professional development of young artists is very rewarding. I've formed many valuable connections with other artists and community members during my time with Artcite and I've learned so much from them!

Sharisse Guyton (she/her)
Treasurer

I'm a local entrepreneur who supports small business owners on their journey to success. I have a B.Comm (Hon) Business-Admin from the UoW and enjoy anything to do with art, music, nature, or food. I have always been passionate about giving back to our community!
Photo: Justin Elliott.
Q: If you could instantly learn any new skill, what would it be?
A: The ability to repair cars.
Q: Do you have any furry friends at home?
A: Three kitties. A mother/son duo and an ungrateful rescue we adore!
Q: If you could choose a movie to represent yourself when meeting someone for the first time, which one would it be?
A: Beauty and the Beast.
Q: Recommend a book you’ve read recently.
A: Powerhouse by Greg Wells, Ph.D.
Q: If you could turn one of your hobbies into a career, which one would it be and why?
A: Camping. I always feel so at peace when out in nature exploring the woods, or out on the water. To be able to do that every day would be pure bliss.
Q: What type of art inspires you the most?
A: Anything that evokes an emotion or makes me think about it.
Q: How do you incorporate art into your everyday life?
A: It's important to me to have pieces of visual art in the areas where I spend most of my time (home and office).
Q: What motivated you to join Artcite?
A: As a person who has a great appreciation for art and the artists who create it, I really wanted to contribute to the art scene in a valuable and effective way. Since I am not an artist myself, being the Treasurer was the perfect fit!
Q: What excites you most about Artcite’s future?
A: The endless possibilities ahead of us. We are a team who is experienced, driven, and passionate about creating a space for artists within our community.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of being involved with Artcite?
A: To be of service to the local art community.

A Jamali Rad (they/them)
Secretary

I’m a writer and artist based on the Traditional Territories of the Attawandaron (Neutral), Anishnaabeg, Haudenosaunee, and Lūnaapéewak Peoples. I’ve published two full-length books of poetry: for love and autonomy (Talonbooks, 2016) and still (Talonbooks, 2021). My most recent works are WHAT I WANT (Model Press, 2022) and No Signal No Noise, which is forthcoming in fall 2024. I co-founded the journal About a Bicycle and the small poetry publisher House House Press.
Photo: Justin Elliott.
Q: If you could instantly learn any new skill, what would it be?
A: How to make a radio.
Q: Do you have any furry friends at home?
A: One furry friend, Hapoo.
Q: What is your go-to karaoke song?
A: Turn Me Loose by Loverboy.
Q: Recommend a book you’ve read recently.
A: Freud and the Non-European by Edward Said.
Q: What type of art inspires you the most?
A: Video-based art and film, as it can incorporate a lot of different ways of presenting a narrative.
Q: How do you stay creative and inspired?
A: I listen to podcasts, read, and I go to exhibitions at Artcite.
Q: What motivated you to join Artcite?
A: I wanted to be part of the community of artists working to create a space in Windsor that is open to art in all its forms, including music, film, and grassroots organizing.
Q: What excites you most about Artcite’s future?
A: I’m excited about Artcite's growth and becoming the place the community wants and needs. I’m excited about having more events and exhibitions and being situated in a lively and creative neighbourhood.
Q: What role does Artcite play in supporting local artists?
A: Artcite is a hub for artists: is has programming for artists to engage with art and other artists. It presents art from all over to Windsor, and is a space where local artists can showcase their work and organize events.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of being involved with Artcite?
A: Being involved with Artcite is rewarding because it has given me the opportunity to support artists in Windsor and ensure Artcite is a thriving creative community space.

Batoolio (she/her/they/them)
Board Member

I'm a Palestinian-Canadian mixed media visual artist and activist, and a two-time recipient (2023, 2024) of the City of Windsor's Arts, Culture and Heritage Fund for my project HeArt from the Streets (formerly Colors of Resilience). In July 2023, I rocked a solo BIPOC residency at Artcite, where I dropped "Lemons", a collection delving into my immigrant family's journey.
Photo: Justin Elliott.
Q: What is your go-to karaoke song?
A: Classically, Valerie by Amy Winehouse. Recently, Good Luck, Babe! by Chappell Roan.
Q: If you could turn one of your hobbies into a career, which one would it be and why?
A: If I could find a way to turn divulging too many personal details to random strangers into a career, that'd be ideal. I believe in the importance of conversation surrounding stigmatized topics to create a more human connection. Also, I just really love to talk.
Q: How do you incorporate art into your everyday life?
A: I see art less as a tangible activity/product and more as a way of living. I do not exist to make art, the way I exist and consume my surroundings is inherently artistic. This is my pretentious way of saying that I practice intention and treat every minute task of the day like it's me painting the next Mona Lisa.
Q: What motivated you to join Artcite?
A: I joined Artcite after my residency because I experienced first-hand the value of having a space like this and the opportunities it grants to artists like me. I wanted to take part in moulding the future of this non-profit, artist-run organization. I've also never had the opportunity to be surrounded by other artists in a working environment and wanted to fulfill that part of my journey as an artist.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of being involved with Artcite?
A: Being able to meet and interact with artists from all sorts of different backgrounds, different mediums and practices, and learning from everyone involved! The learning piece has been the most exciting and rewarding for me, personally.

Meghan Holmes (she/her)
Board Member

Returning to Windsor after a decade in Ottawa, I bring a vibrant passion for community connection to Artcite. Fascinated by the stark beauty of brutalist and biophilic architecture, I’m also interested in the rich art of traditional tattooing. I mix music as a creative outlet and enjoy an eclectic taste in film. Driven by a deep commitment to bringing people together, I’m dedicated to fostering a dynamic and inclusive arts community.
Photo: Justin Elliott.
Q: If you could instantly learn any new skill, what would it be?
A: Sewing!
Q: Do you have any furry friends at home?
A: My Boston Terrier, Rosco Quincy Holmes.
Q: What is your go-to karaoke song?
A: Best Of My Love by The Emotions.
Q: Recommend a book you’ve read recently.
A: Utopia for Realists: How We Can Build the Ideal World by Rutger Bregman.
Q: What type of art inspires you the most?
A: I’m inspired by a blend of traditional and contemporary styles, reflecting both history and innovation. I am deeply moved by traditional tattooing for its rich cultural heritage and personal significance. Brutalist architecture, with its bold, unapologetic forms, and biophilic design, which harmonizes with nature, also intrigue me.
Q: What was the first piece of art that made a significant impact on you?
A: The Lantern Bearers by Maxfield Parrish.
Q: How do you stay creative and inspired?
A: Curating my algorithms!
Q: What motivated you to join Artcite?
A: I wanted to contribute to a dynamic organization that values inclusivity and community connection. Artcite's dedication to promoting contemporary art and supporting artists aligns perfectly with my passion for bringing people together through the arts.
Q: What excites you most about Artcite’s future?
A: The opportunities are endless! Though, the development of our new space has all of my attention.
Q: What role does Artcite play in supporting local artists?
A: We provide ways for artists to contribute beyond exhibitions. Through workshops, networking events, and curated programming, we inspire and connect people.

Niku Koochak (she/her)
Board Member

I’m an interdisciplinary artist with an MFA in Visual Arts from the University of Windsor and a Bachelor in Architecture from the University of Tehran. As a conceptual abstract painter and drawing performer, my artistic exploration delves into the "in-between" spaces of self-discovery. I examine how we alter our daily behaviours in response to social expectations across different environments, including virtual and real interactions, and how these changes influence our identity formation.
Photo: Justin Elliott.
Q: What is one interesting fact about you that not many people know?
A: I climb.
Q: Do you have any furry friends at home?
A: Yes, a Yorkie named Koko.
Q: Recommend a book you’ve read recently.
A: Chronic Conditions by Karen Engle and Conflicted: How Productive Disagreements Lead to Better Outcomes by Ian Leslie.
Q: How do you incorporate art into your everyday life?
A: My art is inspired by my daily thoughts and interactions, and I sketch every day to capture those moments.
Q: What was the first piece of art that made a significant impact on you?
A: Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion by Francis Bacon and Self Portrait as St. Sebastian by Egon Schiele.
Q: How do you stay creative and inspired?
A: By nurturing my inner child and staying connected to nature.
Q: What motivated you to join Artcite?
A: The Board members and the engaging art activities happening there.
Q: What role does Artcite play in supporting local artists?
A: Artcite supports local artists by providing exhibition space, offering free access to exhibitions and events, and creating opportunities for networking and interaction within the art community.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of being involved with Artcite?
A: Gaining insights into the local art community, engaging in problem-solving discussions, meeting great people, and witnessing the tangible results of our collaborative efforts.

Vinnie Rotimi (he/him)
Board Member

I'm a 26-year-old African-Canadian novice film photographer. I find joy in the art of analog photography and have been shooting 35mm film for the past 7 years. With an eye for detail and a love for experimentation, I enjoy exploring various subjects, from landscapes and cityscapes, to portraits and still life. Photography isn’t just a hobby for me; it's a way to encapsulate moments in time and share my unique point of view.
Photo: Justin Elliott.
Q: What is one interesting fact about you that not many people know?
A: I have the same birthday as Ludwig van Beethoven!
Q: Do you have any furry friends at home?
A: Yes, a rabbit named Kiwi!
Q: If you had a pet parrot, what would you teach it to say?
A: Words of affirmation, because hearing them often would be reassuring.
Q: What is your go-to karaoke song?
A: Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder.
Q: If you could turn one of your hobbies into a career, which one would it be and why?
A: I would make a career out of gardening or horticulture. I find it soothing and fun to maintain plants. If I could do that full-time, I would thoroughly enjoy it.
Q: What type of art inspires you the most?
A: I appreciate every artwork, even if it doesn’t resonate with me, because the artist's effort inspires me to create.
Q: What was the first piece of art that made a significant impact on you?
A: Going through my great-grandfather's film collection inspired me to start taking pictures. I was pretty young, but I remember him bringing his camera to family gatherings, and I was fascinated by it.
Q: How do you stay creative and inspired?
A: I actually struggle to create things continuously, but I don't think I lack inspiration. I'm inspired by seeing other people's work or simply by noticing and appreciating something enough to take a picture of it.
Q: What excites you most about Artcite’s future?
A: The opportunities Artcite will have to grow and better support the local creative community.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of being involved with Artcite?
A: Participating in and witnessing the growth of the organization.