UAA Board of Directors

Mariah Mellus

Mariah Mellus is the dedicated and visionary Executive Director of the Utah Film Center, boasting an impressive 16-year tenure with the organization. A stalwart advocate for the arts, Mariah has consistently demonstrated her commitment to nurturing the local artistic community through a unique blend of collaboration, strategic partnerships, and advocacy.

Her monthly gallery stroll column for SLUG Magazine ran for 17 years. In addition to the Utah Art Alliance Board she serves on the board of the Motion Picture Association of Utah and volunteers for local charities with her daughter through the National Charity League. She lives in Millcreek Utah with her two kids and husband, Derek, a visual artist and film industry professional.

Andrew Barrett Watson

Andrew Barrett Watson brings 35 years of experience in the performing arts & special events to the UAA Board. A lifelong advocate for the arts, he believes that vibrant communities thrive with access to exceptional artistic experiences.

Prior to joining the Board in 2017, Andrew managed the Arts Hub and Urban Arts Festival for UAA. Currently with Onstage Ogden, Andrew brings world-class music and dance to Northern Utah audiences. Before moving to Utah in 2013, Andrew actively contributed to the Pittsburgh arts scene. He held roles with prestigious organizations like Pittsburgh CLO and the International Children's Festival. Additionally, he owned a Middle Eastern café and performance space that was voted "Best Coffeehouse in Pittsburgh." Andrew is honored to serve on the Board of Directors, and is committed to ensuring the arts continue to flourish in Utah's communities.

Crystal Young

Victoria Bernier

Victoria (aka Vita) is the Chief Financial Officer for the I J & Jeanne Wagner Jewish Community Center in Salt Lake City. She currently serves as the board treasurer for the Utah Arts Alliance and Youth Futures shelter home. Victoria earned a bachelors in accounting and an Executive MBA from the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah. Prior to her current position, she was the Chief Financial and Operations Officer for Discovery Gateway children’s museum. Her early experience in the nonprofit sector was as the Controller for Planned Parenthood Association of Utah. Vita has a passion for worldwide travel and outdoor adventures including hiking, camping and snowshoeing.

Lia summers

Lia is a long-time arts advocate and has a deep background in performing arts, and a strong admiration for visual arts. She holds an MBA focused on business analytics and several certifications in project and change management. Lia uses these skills to help non-profits work more efficiently and achieve their missions. She is a long-time supporter of UAA, and is proud of how UAA helps artists and makes art more accessible to new audiences. Lia is proud to serve on the UAA Board of Directors, where she applies her passion and expertise to support the arts community.

Vanessa Martineau

Vanessa is the Director of Financial Aid at Western Governors University (WGU), operating out of Salt Lake City, Utah. She has over 10 years of financial aid and higher education experience and earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and gender studies from the University of Utah as well as her master’s degree in management and leadership from Western Governors University. Vanessa has served state and regional financial aid associations (Utah Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and Rocky Mountain Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators) as a presenter, instructor, committee member/chair, and elected officer. She has had the honor of serving at the national level as well, most recently on the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators’ Advancing the Profession Task Force and 2024 Conference Planning Task Force. Vanessa is passionate about facilitating effective and compassionate leadership, a culture of responsible borrowing, and student-centric decision-making. She is an advocate for continual learning, professional development, and change management with a fondness for documentation.

Vanessa is grateful to have served the Utah Arts Alliance in several ways since 2012 including as Development Director, Volunteer Coordinator, Board Secretary, Board Vice Chair, Board Chair, and more. She is an enthusiastic supporter of the UAA’s mission to foster the arts in all forms to create an aware, empowered, and connected community.

When she’s not working, loves to foster cats and kittens, craft, and play D&D.

Mauro "Jamaika" Romualdo

Mestre Jamaika (Mauro Romualdo) is an internationally recognized practitioner of the Afro-Brazilian art form of capoeira, and has engaged and positively impacted students and audiences of all ages and backgrounds for over 30 years. Born in the heart of capoeira’s birthplace and his Afro-Brazilian ancestral land, he discovered his passion for capoeira as a young child. His exceptional skill and explosive acrobatic talent put him on the world stage, and he was invited to live and teach in Israel in 1998, followed by an invitation to teach in the United States where he has lived since 1999. He's a three-time Brazilian Capoeira Confederation Champion, and owner and lead teacher of Salt Lake Capoeira since 2005. Mestre Jamaika recently had the honor of being recognized as a Utah Performing Arts Fellow due to his demonstrated extraordinary talent, bold vision, and leadership and advocacy for his art. In addition to teaching and performing, he has inspired video game characters, danced in music videos, lectured at universities, and participated in documentaries.

He has held ongoing community capoeira classes at Utah Arts Alliance facilities through their Shared Resources Program for over 20 years, and has been inspired by the organization's growth under Derek Dyer's vision and leadership, placing it among the most impactful, innovative, inclusive, and far-reaching arts organizations in Utah. He lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with his wife, Amanda, and plans to continue honoring his ancestor’s and capoeira’s roots by sharing Afro-Brazilian culture and strengthening the community through these arts.

Kent Rigby

Kent Rigby been a producing visual artist since 1970, and has exhibited his paintings, prints,

photography, sculpture and ceramics at venues such as the Salt Lake Art Center, Kimball Art Center, University of Utah Fine Art Museum, Alvin Gittins Gallery, University of Utah Union Gallery, Myra Powell Gallery, The Gallery at the Station, Left Bank Gallery, New Visions Gallery, Brigham City Museum, Forum Gallery, Contemporary Design and Art Gallery and other local art venues. He has art works in numerous local, national and international private art collections.

Michael Anderson

As one of Utah’s top entertainment lawyers, Mike handles complex deals and disputes for clients throughout the entertainment industry, including film, television, music, publishing, radio, fashion, sports, theater, events, art, and media. While specific business and legal issues may vary from one project to the next, he provides clients with comprehensive legal counsel—often concerning contract, tort, securities, insurance, employment, constitutional, and intellectual property law.

Jenn Niedfeldt

Our Staff

General Operations

Derek Dyer

Derek Dyer is an artist, arts administrator, and advocate for the arts and social causes./Derek is the founder and Executive Director of Utah Arts Alliance (UAA). Since 2003 Derek has guided the UAA and helped establish its five venues: The SLC Arts Hub, The Urban Arts Gallery, The Art Garden, Counterpoint Recording Studios, and the Dreamscapes – Salt Lake City’s Immersive Art Experience as well as its many programs and events including the Urban Arts Festival, which is the largest free art event in Utah, Illuminate – Utah’s Light Art and Creative Tech Fest and Mural Fest a public art festival. Derek is also the founder of KUAA 99.9FM Salt Lake City’s Multilingual and Multicultural community radio station.

Derek has been an active Board and Committee member for numerous organizations including: Visit Salt Lake, Utah Cultural Alliance, SLC Downtown Alliance, South Salt Lake Arts Council, The Grand Theater, Element 11 – Utah’s Regional Burning Man Event, and has served on advisory boards for Americans for the Arts, Utah Division of Arts and Museums, Salt Lake City Corp, and Salt Lake City Arts Council. He has served as a featured juror for major exhibits by the Bountiful Davis Art Center, The Eccles Art Center, and the Woodbury Museum.

Derek is also an artist and has exhibited extensively at the local and national levels. His work has been published in several books and magazines internationally including the 2005 Guinness Book of World Records, for his World’s Largest Disco Ball art piece

Awards: Derek received the Joe McQueen Lifetime Achievement Award by the Nurture the Creative Mind Foundation. The Community Foundation of Utah named Derek as one of the top Enlightened Entrepreneurs of Utah. Catalyst Magazine named Derek as one of the top “Change Agents” in the State of Utah that have created positive change in Utah. The City of South Salt Lake awarded Derek as the Top Local Arts Advocate in 2019. Last year Derek and Utah Arts Alliance received the prestigious Salt Lake City Mayor’s Artist Award for Service to the Arts.

Shanna Futral

Shanna Futral is dedicated to connecting people and resources in a synergetic and authentic manner, enabling all involved to achieve their goals and ensuring a collective vision is realized. She specializes in helping educational, community, and cultural organizations successfully design, implement, and continuously-refine their services and programs (ranging from small scale projects to multi-million-dollar initiatives).

Shanna has served as the Director of Museum Programs and Impact at The Leonardo Museum and the Entertainment Coordinator for Utah Renaissance Festival and Fantasy Faire. She was also a partner in a grant writing and project evaluation firm that secured $174 million in funding for institutional initiatives and special projects for school districts, universities, community non-profits, and Indian tribes. She has a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Shanna loves the creative process and helping others find ways to share their talents. She is a long-time volunteer with UAA and was on the original pitch team and steering committee for Dreamscapes. She is currently an Advisory Board Member for Craft Salt Lake and the Info Booth/Hug Deil Facilitator for Element 11. Shanna is also licensed Flames Effect Artisan and storyteller/emcee who specializes in creating original mythologies for show narrative.She lives in Salt Lake City where she is actively turning her yard into an immersive art garden.

Jonathan King

Jonathan is a former medical social worker that has joined our team in the arts. With his arts and entertainment background in producing events, shows, and gatherings he has a passion for creating and fostering the Arts and all forms. Whether you have a small paint night or a Statewide Gathering, Jonathan is ready to help make your ideas a reality.

Kat Aleman

Kat Aleman is a seasoned professional in the realm of festival and events management, currently serving as the Festival and Events Manager at the Utah Arts Alliance. With a wealth of experience accumulated over five years within the organization, Kat has demonstrated exceptional dedication and proficiency in various capacities. Originally hailing from Austin, Texas, Kat made the vibrant city of Salt Lake City her home five years ago, bringing with her a dynamic energy and a passion for the arts. In her role at the Utah Arts Alliance, Kat oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of a diverse range of festivals and events.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Kat remains deeply engaged in the local music and events community, actively contributing her time and expertise to further enrich the cultural fabric of Salt Lake City. Whether collaborating with local artists, volunteering at community events, or simply enjoying the vibrant arts scene, Kat embodies a true passion for fostering creativity and connection.

Quinn Winter

Quinn Winter is a multimedia communications professional. They bring a background of photography, writing, and graphic design to the UAA team. They’re passionate about furthering inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility efforts through marketing and communication. Outside of work, Quinn is a fiber artist and event planner involved in the Salt Lake arts community.

Ashley Brown

Ashley "Zomby" Brown is a Utah local, born and bred right in Salt Lake City. She has studied arts throughout her professional and personal life, receiving recognition and degrees in Graphic Arts & Design, Photography, and Illustration. She has been a general lover of all things art, and has been inspired throughout her life by going to "Urban Arts Fest", "Illuminate" and "Connect" programs that the Utah Arts Alliance has put together throughout the years. She started working with the Utah Arts Alliance as Dreamer in 2019 and life has never been the same since!

Her main focus, as of late, has been as a SFX Makeup Artist at Utah's own Fear Factory, as a sculpture artist and fabricator at Dreamscapes, or as a freelance bodypainter.

When she isn't covered in paint, you can find her kayaking, getting into shenanigans with friends, or snuggled up at home with kitties and a video game.

Programs & Venues

Alliance Theater

Jay Perry

Jay is an award-winning actor and member of Actor’s Equity Association, having performed in many local and regional productions coast to coast and off-Broadway.

He has originated dozens of roles in world and regional premieres with Plan-B Theatre Company, and has also performed with Salt Lake Acting Company, Pioneer Theatre Company, The Grand, Salt Lake Shakespeare, Pygmalion, The Utah Symphony, Intermezzo Chamber Orchestra, Nova Chamber Music, Paradigm Chamber Orchestra, and The Salt Lake Symphony. Jay’s voice has been featured by Ballet West, Squatters, Hertz, The Utah Arts Festival, Chair Entertainment for Xbox Live, Reading Horizons, KUER’s Radio West, and many others. Jay served as Program Coordinator and theatre school faculty at the University of Utah Youth Theatre, the largest and longest running theatre school for young people in the state of Utah. Jay has been a teacher of acting, improv, speech and movement. He has directed at Utah Theatre Arts Conservatory, the Egyptian Youth Theatre in Park City, Spyhop Productions, and was a teaching artist in residence at The Leonardo.

Jay’s passion for creating new opportunities for artists in this community led him to his work as Festival Director for the Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival, and to proudly represent the Utah Arts Alliance in his work with Alliance Theater. When he’s not on a theatre stage or working behind the scenes, you can catch Jay performing with his family band, The Vitals.

Scix Maddix

Scix has been in the arts since childhood and now focuses on writing novels and producing strange and bizarre variety shows between days and nights of co-running a vibrant and active theater.

Urban Arts Gallery & Bizarre Bazaar

Brenna Woffinden

Brenna Woffinden, an accomplished art gallery manager with a Bachelor's in Art Education, is fueled by her love for the arts and her passion for collaborating with artists. Brenna excels in curating exhibitions, nurturing artist relationships, and promoting art accessibility through community engagement. Known for her infectious enthusiasm and collaborative approach, Brenna thrives in the art world. Her unwavering dedication to supporting local artists and fostering a dynamic arts community underscores her professional ethos.

Arsen Melik

Arsen Melik, an art gallery assistant manager with a bachelor's degree in English, brings a unique perspective to the art world. His passion for literature encourages his appreciation for all mediums of art, and enriches his approach to curating and interpreting artworks. Arsen plays a key role in supporting gallery operations, employing his communication skills to engage visitors and artists to convey the stories behind the artworks. With a commitment to fostering a welcoming environment, Arsen is dedicated to promoting art education and accessibility.

Dreamscapes

Ashley Brown

Ashley "Zomby" Brown is a Utah local, born and bred right in Salt Lake City. She has studied arts throughout her professional and personal life, receiving recognition and degrees in Graphic Arts & Design, Photography, and Illustration. She has been a general lover of all things art, and has been inspired throughout her life by going to "Urban Arts Fest", "Illuminate" and "Connect" programs that the Utah Arts Alliance has put together throughout the years. She started working with the Utah Arts Alliance as Dreamer in 2019 and life has never been the same since!

Her main focus, as of late, has been as a SFX Makeup Artist at Utah's own Fear Factory, as a sculpture artist and fabricator at Dreamscapes, or as a freelance bodypainter.

When she isn't covered in paint, you can find her kayaking, getting into shenanigans with friends, or snuggled up at home with kitties and a video game.

Merlin Erickson

Merlin stands as one of the creative pillars behind Dreamscapes, where art and technology merge to create mesmerizing experiences. Rising from a volunteer to the roles of Technical Coordinator. he guides the team of dreamers, builders, and resident artists with a steady hand. Known for more than just his majestic mustache, Merlin possesses a dual mastery as both an artistic and technical wizard. His expertise in lights, sounds, and mechanisms shapes the essence of Dreamscapes' immersive wonders, spanning various mediums from painting to digital design. His dedication to pushing creative boundaries and integrating state-of-the-art technology is evident in every aspect of Dreamscapes' captivating landscapes. With an associate's degree in 3D animation, Merlin dedicates himself to mentoring interns, fostering collaboration and innovation within the Dreamscapes community.

KUAA

Nate Mcquivey

Nate Mcquivey is the operations manager of 99.9 FM KUAA. He has been involved in community radio for almost 10 years now. With more than 6 years of it all volunteer work.

David Perschon

David has been involved with community radio in SLC for over 10 years, with 6 of them being the host of The Spin Cycle, M-F, 7-11 a.m. on 99.9 fm KUAA. He believes that love, peace, connection, community and healing can come through the global language of music…global neighborhood community radio!

Utah Arts Hub

Jonathan King

Jonathan is a former medical social worker that has joined our team in the arts. With his arts and entertainment background in producing events, shows, and gatherings he has a passion for creating and fostering the Arts and all forms. Whether you have a small paint night or a Statewide Gathering, Jonathan is ready to help make your ideas a reality.

Counterpoint Studios

Terrance DH

Terrance DH has been recording in the Utah area for over 23 years. Starting out at some of Utah's most historical recording facilities (Sam Foster's, L.A. East, Ken's World's Best) and then finding a permanent home at Counterpoint Studios in 2000. Having worked with almost all top engineers in town and recording over 100 albums has really boosted his knowledge in all aspects of production, recording, mixing and mastering. In 2009, Terrancee was additionally trained by award winning producer/engineer Michael Wagener (Ozzy, Ratt, Metallica ect...) Some of Terrance's best strengths are full track drumming/band tracking, extreme piano/guitar tracking, vocal producing and rock mixing. Terrance is excited to continue his recording journey and be a part of the crew at Utah Arts Alliance and Midnight Records.

English