Meet the Team

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Natasha joined Station Gallery in 2016 and now leads its strategic direction, partnerships, funding, and operations. She has helped shape the Gallery into a community-focused cultural hub, expanding access to arts education, exhibitions, and outreach across Durham Region. Raised in Ashburn and now based in Whitby, she is committed to keeping Station Gallery a place where art connects people and sparks change.

INTERIM CURATOR

Charlotte Hale is an established Canadian arts professional based in the Durham Region with over 20 years combined experience in independent art gallery management, curatorial practice, artist representation, photography, educational administration, and creative sector development. Well versed in budget development, fundraising, advertising administration and marketing both as an independent arts entrepreneur, and within the public gallery sector, she has a multi-faceted skill set developed over the years to bring to the Whitby Station Gallery in the role of Interim Curator. As an award-winning photographer, her understanding of an artistic practice, and an appreciation of the nuances of a profound art experience for gallery visitors is personal. She works hard with integrity and brings exemplary professional communication skills, demonstrated leadership, team building, and a commitment to new ventures in art business. A passion for showing interesting art in unique spaces and bringing curious people to actively engage with an exhibition is a natural quality.

CURATOR (leave of absence)

Olex has been the Curator at Whitby’s Station Gallery since mid-February 2008. Wlasenko has curated over 75 exhibitions, including Broken Promises: Soviet Photography in the Age of Stalin at the MacLaren Art Centre (2007), Vera Jacyk: Chysto, Chysto, Chysto (2007) at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery. He introduced many emerging and mid-career artists to Whitby audiences at Station Gallery.

FINANCE AND EVENTS MANAGER

Chelsea oversees the financial aspects of SG and has been in the financial field for over 15 years.  She has recently moved to the GTA from Northern Ontario and is a dedicated aquarist.

FACILITIES COORDINATOR / ART PREPARATOR

Ian Bodnaryk is an accomplished acrylic painter with over 30 years of experience in the art world.  In 2012, Ian’s artistic journey intersected with the Station Gallery when he joined as an art instructor, sharing his knowledge and love for art with aspiring artists. Recognizing his talent and commitment, Ian was appointed as the Art Preparator and Facilities Coordinator at the Station Gallery in 2021. In this role, he maintains the gallery and oversees the preparation and installation of artwork, ensuring that each piece is presented in its best light to inspire visitors.

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Isabelle (Izzy) joined Station Gallery in the fall of 2021, and oversees programming at SG. She was raised in Ashburn and has been residing in the Whitby area her whole life. She is an author in her spare time, and loves to travel.

STUDIO COORDINATOR AND ARTIST INSTRUCTOR

Katherine joined Station Gallery in 2022, working as a camp counsellor for the gallery’s summer art camp. Now Studio Coordinator, she takes care of the gallery’s studio spaces, setting up for seasonal programming and specialized bookings. Katherine is also an artist instructor at Station Gallery, teaching children’s art classes and school groups.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION ADMINISTRATOR

Lucy began her journey at Station Gallery as a Camp Counsellor in 2018 and has since grown into the role of Community Education Administrator, overseeing the gallery’s wide range of classes. With a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Studio Art, and a Bachelor of Education, she is passionate about making art approachable and inspiring for learners of all ages. She is proud to be able to share her passions and to work with such an engaging team at SG!

EVENTS & VENUE RENTALS COORDINATOR

Kirstyn brings over 10 years of experience in events, hospitality, and customer service to her role as the Events & Venue Rentals Coordinator at Station Gallery. She is passionate about connecting with people and creating welcoming, memorable events that bring the community together. She loves seeing an event come to life and creating experiences that people can genuinely enjoy. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her pug, Max.

CURATORIAL ASSISTANT

Shannon holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from Toronto Metropolitan University and brings a diverse background in gallery support, arts administration, photography, client services, and community-based creative programming to her role. As a practicing artist, Shannon brings a thoughtful understanding of the care involved in presenting an artist’s work while supporting both the artist’s vision and the gallery’s connection to its community. In her role as Curatorial Assistant, Shannon supports exhibition preparation, artwork handling, documentation, and artist relations. She is passionate about the role galleries play in creating meaningful connections between artists, artwork, and the communities that experience them.

ARTIST EDUCATOR