Board of Directors

Chandi held leadership positions across South Asia, the Middle East, Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and North America. He has been the President of nine associations, including President/Chairman of HCIMA (now the Institute of Hospitality, UK), with 15,000 members in 104 countries.

Chandi's career spans hotel management, university teaching, college administration, and consulting. He is the author/editor of 24 books and has exhibited his artwork in 18 solo exhibitions. He studied visual arts in Sri Lanka, University of Guyana, Edna Manley College in Jamaica, and George Brown College in Canada. He is currently continuing his studio art studies at Brock University.

His paintings are represented in prestigious collections, including the National Collection of Guyana and King's House in Jamaica.
www.chandij.com

Since 1991, Nancy has been active in photography and painting. Largely self-taught, she also completed a three-week intensive course at the Toronto School of Art.

Nancy works mainly with oil and soft pastel, moving fluidly between the two mediums over the years. Her artwork has been exhibited at the Toronto City Hall Outdoor Art Show, in Key West and Miami, Florida, Boulder and Denver, Colorado, Fountain Hills, Arizona, as well as in the Niagara region and across Ontario. She has held solo exhibitions in Niagara Region at Rodman Hall and The PumpHouse.

Photography has played a significant role in Nancy's creative journey. Her husband, Preston, and her son, David—both photographers—have been a constant source of inspiration and support.

Tamara is a Niagara-based Encaustic artist. Tamara's love of creating art started early with her first exhibition going back to kindergarten when one of her drawings was exhibited at Rodman Hall.

Her love for Encaustics began in 2012 when she was captivated by the organic nature of the medium. Tamara has taken many online Encaustics courses and in 2023 she travelled to Ireland to study Encaustics.

Tamara retired from her corporate position in 2023 and is now pursuing Art as a second career. She exhibits locally and has works in private collections in Canada and the US. Her artwork can be viewed at the Jordan Art Gallery.

Nina is a vibrant artist whose work is a celebration of the places explored, colours and architecture that have inspired her. With a degree in Interior Design and Hotel Management; form, colour and visual aesthetics are narratives that invite viewers into her artistic journey. A vivid fusion of the familiar and the abstract drawn from travel, cultures and nature to evoke moments of Deja vu, encouraging deeper reflection and connection. Beyond the canvas she transforms furniture into artistic conversation pieces and personalize the space.

Showcasing her work in diverse settings, galleries and private collections in Canada, the Caribbean and the Philippians. She continues to actively engage with the local artistic community.

Nina"s motto is: "Life without art is just beige".

Past President

David assumed the presidency of SCAA in 2023, at a time when the association, like many volunteer-led organizations, was still grappling with the impacts of the pandemic, including declining membership and limited finances. One of his first priorities was recruitment. Based on the results of an extensive member survey, he spearheaded the development of a high-quality program that encouraged former members to return and attracted new members.

During his two-years as President, David introduced business-approaches and applied his past leadership experience as President of a photo club in Winnipeg and the Latow Photographers' Guild at the Art Gallery of Burlington.

Now, as Past President with lighter SCAA responsibilities, David is once again dedicating more time to his personal photography practice.

Born in Germany, Brita grew up in France and Quebec, Canada. She studied at Acadia University and the University of Grenoble, where she later taught English. She went on to work as a public relations consultant on a government study of the Canadian film industry. Brita is the author of four health-focused cookbooks, one of which became a national bestseller.

A painter for many years, Brita now creates impressionistic and abstract works distinguished by vibrant acrylics and mixed media. The titles of her paintings often convey a human emotion or a social message.

Brita has served on the SCAA Board for many years. In 2024, she was nominated by the City of St. Catharines for the Established Artist Award.

Beverley is a lifelong resident of St. Catharines, where she has spent most of her life in the beautiful surroundings of the Niagara Region.

She studied Interior Design at Niagara College while experimenting with a wide range of artistic techniques. Over the years, she has developed a strong passion for acrylic and watercolour painting, often incorporating these mediums into creative crafts such as hand-painted stemware.

In addition to her art, Beverley has generously given her time to the community, volunteering with Garden City Productions painting sets, and working as a camera operator for Cogeco Community Channel. She has also contributed to the Optimist Club. Her love of travel, photography, and music continues to inspire her vibrant paintings and musician portraits.

Matthias Bork aka MABO, born and educated in Germany, is a master pastry chef, chocolatier, food stylist, and internationally recognized artist. His culinary career spans top hotels such as the Steigenberger Frankfurt, Mandarin Bangkok, Grand Hotel Stockholm, and Old Stone Inn, Niagara Falls. Well-travelled, he has lived across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, and served in the German Navy.

Painting since the 1970s, MABO became a full-time artist in 2000, selling hundreds of works worldwide, from Australia to Vietnam. His art has earned praise from clients, businesses, and cities like Thorold, as well as an Honorary Doctorate in Visual Arts from Emil Brunner University. Also a writer, he founded a publishing company in 2002 and has published 11 books.

Saleem is a dedicated educator with a passion for both science and language. As a biology and French teacher, he brings a dynamic and interdisciplinary approach to learning, fostering curiosity and global awareness in his students.

Beyond the classroom, Saleem is an avid artist and soccer enthusiast, blending creativity and teamwork into every aspect of his life. He is deeply committed to environmental stewardship, advocating for sustainable practices and eco-friendly living.

Saleem has exhibited his artworks in six exhibitions in Canada and Mauritius, including one solo exhibition. His work reflects a belief in nurturing both minds and the planet, empowering future generations to think critically, act compassionately, and live responsibly.

Bart is an arts writer and independent curator based in Niagara. More information on: bartgazzola.com

Bart is co-editor for Curated, an online arts magazine and the primary writer / researcher for AIH Studios' continuing series Artists You Need to Know. He's published with PhotoED Magazine, Canadian Art, Blackfish Magazine, Magenta Magazine and Galleries West, as well as having worked in several galleries and artist-run spaces in Ontario and Saskatchewan. Since late 2022, Bart has hosted the 5 x 2 Visual Conversations (an informal meeting of visual artists to share their art and ideas) and has been the curator and facilitator of exhibitions at Mahtay Café & Lounge in downtown St. Catharines for three years.

Debra has spent a lifetime working and playing in the arts. She is the Executive Director of the Niagara Falls Art Gallery and previously worked at Rodman Hall Arts Centre and the Oakville Galleries.

Debra received a Bachelor of Arts in art history from the University of Toronto, a Masters in Arts Education and a PhD in the Sociology of Education from Brock University, She also attended Medaille University for Teacher Education.

Debra has served on number of regional Boards of Directors and advisory committees and has presented at education conferences throughout North America. Her publications include numerous articles for academic journals and popular culture magazines, in addition to various education manuals.

Amanda Burk is Chair and Associate Professor, Department of Visual Arts, Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine & Performing Arts at Brock University.

Amanda's studio practice is centred in drawing, and her research interests focus on contemporary Canadian drawing and studio-based pedagogy. Her artwork are in such collections as: the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Cobra to Contemporary (Netherlands), and the City of Toronto. Amanda worked as an Associate Researcher with the NSCAD University Drawing Lab, 2018-2023, and from 2011-2016, she ran Line Gallery in North Bay, producing 25 solo exhibitions.

Amanda received her MFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and her BA with studio specialization from the University of Waterloo.