Who we are
Our Team
Luke Blackadar
Deputy Director
Luke manages the A&BC’s legal programs. An attorney himself, he helps artists, creative start-ups, and arts nonprofits manage legal issues. He also leads dozens of workshops each year for the creative and legal communities.
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Ellie Egan
Operations, Programs and Development Coordinator
Originally from Galway, Ireland, Ellie is a Boston-based musician who is passionate about supporting and sharing Irish arts and culture.
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Jim Grace
Executive Director, A&BC
Jim Grace is a longtime leader and advocate for artists and arts organizations, currently serving as Executive Director of the A&BC and founder of its Cultural Land Trust initiative.
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Hope Greene
Executive Director, Western Avenue | Studios & Lofts
Hope directs and manages the day to day workings of Western Avenue’s community of 360+ creatives as well as developing and supporting connections and programs geared toward the growth of the artist community.
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John Korbas
Legal Services Program Coordinator
John is the Legal Programs Coordinator at the A&BC, where he draws on more than a decade of legal experience and his own work as a practicing artist to help creatives navigate trademarks, copyrights, and other legal challenges.
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Maritza Lezama
Facilities and Operations Assistant
Maritza supports both property maintenance and leasing operations at Western Avenue Studios & Lofts. A versatile artist born in Mexico and now residing in Lowell since 2016, is known for her exploration of various mediums, including drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, and fabric artistry.
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Matt McArthur
Director of Real Estate and Fundraising
Matt McArthur is a proven entrepreneurial arts leader with the ability to translate visionary ambition into tactical execution.
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4 Nichols
Property Manager
4 has been managing the historic mill complex of Western Avenue Studios & Lofts since 2019 and is dedicated to the ongoing upkeep and improvement of these iconic buildings and grounds.
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Carmen Rodas
Assistant Facilities Manager
Carmen cares for Western Avenue Studios & Loft’s complex of five historic mill buildings. Carmen is originally from Lima Peru, but now calls Lowell home.
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Lennon Hernandez Wolcott
Manager of Development and Programs
Lennon Michelle Hernandez Wolcott is an artist, curator, educator, and arts administrator creating space for community, facilitating opportunities for critical thinking, and promoting equitable decision-making.
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Lee Viliesis
Event Manager for Western Avenue Open Studios
Passionate about the arts and community engagement, Lee has a strong background in event production and nonprofit management, serving as Production Manager at Merrimack Repertory Theater, contributing to nearly 100 performances in her time.
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Key Program Partners
Ileana Doble Hernandez
CEF Program Coordinator
Ileana Doble Hernandez’s research-based, socially conscious and interdisciplinary practice includes photography, video and experimental installations with a focus on activism.
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Almitra Stanley
Professional development consultant to artists
Almitra provides mentoring to Arts & Business Council fellowship recipients, assisting them in identifying and implementing solutions to career challenges, and helping them achieve their goals.