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The Ely Center of Contemporary Art is pleased to introduce you to its new Executive Committee and newly appointed Board Members, who will strengthen the leadership of our organization and chart a dynamic path forward. New Board Co Chair Attorney Dan Burns specializes in housing and eviction issues at New Haven Legal Assistance Association, which he joined after many years in private practice. New Board Co-Chair Clara Nartey is a distinguished textile artist with a studio in West Haven whose work is exhibited regionally and nationally and is in the permanent collections of Yale and Southern Connecticut State University. She is the editor of the Textile Art Insider Blog and also serves on the Board of SAQA (Studio Art Quilts Associates). Roger Castonguay, Secretary, is the incoming Multimedia Strategist at University of New Haven, after having founded and run Defining Studios Photo & Video for more than 20 years. Denise Nelligan, Treasurer, is the Board Liaison and Business Administration Manager for Vista Life Innovations, the social service agency. ECOCA is additionally thrilled to welcome two new members. Here, in their own words, is why they are joining the board. Akiya McKnight is Podcast Producer for Shondaland Audio, the entertainment platform founded by showrunner Shonda Rhimes. She splits her time between Connecticut and Los Angeles. She says: “I am deeply drawn to the Ely Center of Contemporary Art because of its long-standing history and foundational role in the New Haven, CT area. The institution’s rich legacy in the arts is something I truly respect, and I am particularly inspired by its commitment to engaging with and nurturing youth through its programming. I believe in the power of this art institution and how its artists serve as a reflection of the community. The connection between art and community at Ely is something I’m passionate about, and I would be honored to contribute to its continued growth and impact.” Adriana Hernández Bergstrom is a children’s book author, illustrator and designer, and has been an active volunteer at ECOCA focused on our kids and family Sunday Fundays. Her recent books include Countdown for Nochebuena (Little Brown, 2023) and Abuelita and I Make Flan (Charlesbridge, 2022). She says: “Joining the ECOCA board was a way for me to join a community focused on contemporary art. The first time I entered the space, I could feel a pride of place rooted in New Haven, but attracting artists from all around. ECOCA is a place where you can hear lively, creative discourse, discussions of culture, salon openings that are reminiscent of another time. But, it’s also a place where I’ve found connection with other artists and for kids to tap into artistic activities. I came for the art, but stayed for the youth programming. It’s the place to be!” We cordially invite you to meet them and join us in welcoming them in person on Sunday May 4th, 2025, in conjunction with the opening of the exhibition Old in Art School and launch of Last Artist Standing, Sharon Louden’s latest anthology about sustaining a creative life for artists. A zoom date to meet the new leadership will be announced soon. Ely Center of Contemporary Arts is celebrating its 10th year of lively and dynamic exhibitions and programs. Its mission is to foster creativity, community connections, and cultural enrichment in the City of New Haven. ECOCA receives support from Avangrid, Berkshire Taconic Fund, City of New Haven Arts, Culture & Tourism, Community Foundation of Greater New Haven, Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, Connecticut Office of the Arts, Hoffman Foundation, New Alliance Foundation, Wells Fargo, Yale University and generous artists and Friends of John Slade Ely House of Contemporary Art.
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