About Us

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Duvian Montoya is a multifaceted artist and leader, dedicated to fostering connections within the artistic community as the Executive Director of The Norwalk Art Space. His role involves cultivating relationships among artists spanning generations, guiding exhibition direction, and shaping educational programming. In addition, Duvian collaborates with various nonprofit organizations and the Norwalk Public Schools to address curriculum requirements and develop community initiatives. He firmly believes in the power of collective effort to elevate all individuals, thereby building resilient and united communities.

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Beyond his impactful community work, Duvian Montoya is a versatile talent. He wears multiple hats as an Artist, Muralist, Studio Manager, Curator, and Community Organizer. His vibrant paintings, striking murals, and captivating installations grace numerous locations across Connecticut, while they are cherished collections at SONO Collection, Housatonic Community College, The Mattatuck Museum, The City of Norwalk, Westport, New Haven, Disney, and Gulfstream Worldwide. Duvian is also credited with co-founding two prominent Fairfield County Arts organizations: "The Saint Philip Artist Guild" in Norwalk in 2009, and "The Artists Collective of Westport" in 2014.

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

AnnaDea Chavez is dedicated to expanding The Norwalk Art Space's fundraising endeavors and support network. Charged with developing strategic fundraising objectives, she leads the team in crafting a cohesive approach to bolster annual and planned giving, which is vital for sustaining TNAS operations and initiatives. With a wealth of experience garnered from collaborating with diverse nonprofit entities, AnnaDea excels in cultivating donor relationships and securing substantial contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations. Her mission at TNAS extends beyond conventional fundraising; AnnaDea aims to streamline processes, coordinate initiatives, and furnish resources to fortify the fundraising landscape. 

AnnaDea’s artistic journey has been a personal process, enriched by numerous courses taken at local art hubs and online platforms. Rooted in a profound love for art and steeped in the study of Art History, she finds solace in museums and harbors a deep-seated commitment to empowering nonprofits, fostering connections, and nurturing communities.

EDUCATIONAL COORDINATOR

Emily Teall (BFA Cornell University '16, MA Columbia University '18) is a Connecticut-based multimedia artist with particular interests in sculpture and installation art. Her artistic career began with an early-childhood interest in and curiosity about nature. Organic elements continue to drive her artworks. Her current work also draws from experiences with social anxiety and from the role of the body in (particularly a female) identity. Emily has exhibited in a number of group shows in and near her hometown of Riverside, CT; at Cornell University; at Columbia University in a show curated by Gregory Amenoff; in New York City; and in Hudson, NY. She has worked closely with installation artist Angiola Churchill and with painter Christina Burch.

In addition to building a personal artistic practice through art shows and art collective involvement, Emily currently teaches a broad variety of visual art and design courses to 5th-12th grade students at Fusion Academy’s Greenwich campus. She is especially passionate about combining human rights with the arts and with art education; her Master’s thesis, titled “Realizing the Right to Education for NYC’s Homeless Children: Identifying and Removing Barriers” focused on education of homeless youth.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR

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Dale Najarian is an internationally recognised artist working primarily in oils and mixed media. She has a passion for photography, and documenting her experiences is an important part of her creative process as it is a source of inspiration for much of her work. She is also an advocate and philanthropist serving on many non-profit Boards in Fairfield County. 

Dale received her BFA from Moore College of Art & Design and worked for over fifteen years as a Graphic Designer and Art Director in NY, Philadelphia and DC. She was recently awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from Moore for her active role in using art to connect to a larger audience.

EDUCATIONAL DIRECTOR

Darcy Hicks, M.Ed, is an artist, education coach, and teacher of 30 years, certified K-12 by the State of CT. She works together with our Resident Artists to develop a rich curriculum, and to support them as professionals as they share their individual creative practices with Norwalk Youth. Darcy specializes in Visual Literacy, which she helped to develop while working with the Yale Center for British Art. Visual Literacy is a pedagogical approach that uses art as a means to discover and share the authentic voices of students. She is passionate about the need for both students and teachers to have agency in the classroom, and the urgency to make learning a joyful and lifelong experience. She has published and presented her research on the connection between art and writing both nationally and world-wide.

MARKETING LEAD

Julie Hoffman is an accomplished brand marketer and marketing consultant.  Her diverse working experience includes working as and with agencies, clients and start up entrepreneurs to develop multidimensional brands, advertising, consumer and B2B messaging, and social media marketing.

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DIRECTOR OF DESIGN + COMMUNITY AMBASSADOR

Raf (5iveFingaz) brings over 17 years of marketing experience to The Norwalk Art Space. As a renowned street artist, 5iveFingaz has spread his Love More Than Ever movement globally, using art to make the world better, one piece at a time. Hailing from historic Norwalk, 5iveFingaz is deeply connected to the town and its people. He initiated a scholarship fund at Brien McMahon High School, inspired by the kindness he received during his high school years. This scholarship rewards students for their kindness, love, and leadership, reflecting his unwavering commitment to improving lives. In today's turbulent times, 5iveFingaz's art offers hope and guidance, resonating with an ever-growing audience. Through social media scavenger hunts, he generously shares his works, making art a gift to humanity, one person at a time. His alma mater, Sacred Heart University, aptly describes him as a courageous leader dedicated to passionate service and creative innovation. Ultimately, 5iveFingaz is driven by his art, its impact on individuals, and the positive change it can bring, embodying the spirit of love and peace reminiscent of the 1960s.

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LIGHTHOUSE ART DIRECTOR

Patrick Sikes is responsible for overseeing the creation and curation of artwork at nearby Peck Ledge Lighthouse. Having documented the restoration of the lighthouse through his photography, Patrick is very excited to welcome other artists to the lighthouse and experience it through their eyes and ears.

Patrick is a local photographer with a bent towards nautical and maritime subjects. Originally from Norwalk, he grew up spending countless hours on Long Island Sound in every way imaginable, from power boating to sailing, kayaking, and competitive rowing. He now spends a good deal of the summer traveling all over New England chasing classic sailing yachts or finding the next great coastal composition. Patrick shows his photography a few times each year and was the featured photographer in the 2022 CCNS Art Show in South Norwalk, CT.

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Cockenoe Lighthouse Preservation Group

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Peck Ledge Photo Workshop Inspiration