Professional Experience

SAIRA Creative; Principal Consultant + Lead Artist

Sept 2022 – Current

Lead artist at SAIRA Creative Arts and Principal at SAIRA Creative Consulting. Bi-coastal artist and consulting firm with a decade of experience in placemaking, community engagement and creative facilitation.

Local Initiatives Support Corporation; Community Development Officer

Oct 2019 – April 2023

Managed neighborhood planning programs, commercial corridor programming, creative placekeeping initatives, and grantmaking and administration in support of small business.

Hillsboro Downtown Partnership; Executive Director

Sept 2015 – Oct 2017

Directed the 501c3 non-profit organization focused on downtown revitalization and historic preservation in Hillsboro, Oregon.

La Grande Main Street Downtown; Executive Director

Oct 2013 – Aug 2015

Directed the 501c3 non-profit organization focused on downtown revitalization and historic preservation in La Grande, Oregon using the Main Street 4 point approach.

Professional Art Experience

AKG x Stitch Buffalo Community Mural

2024-2025

Working with the Buffalo AKG, this project aims to bring awareness to Stitch Buffalo, a nonprofit organization that supports refugee and immigrant women through textile arts. The mural design was informed by community members through a series of workshops, and is painted on polytab, allowing for community to engage in the actual painting process.

NFFT Redevelopment Project & Community Mural

2022 – 2024

Obtained County funding and managed historic building improvements. Hosted community workshops to inform a community mural. Organized community paint day after building improvements were completed. Renovations included ground mural, signage, new paint, lights, and renovation of historic door.

Niagara Falls National Heritage Area Muralist

October 2023

Hertel Alley Muralist

June 2023

The Peace Dots Project

July 2021 – 2023

NYSCA funded community-based mapping project. Maps intangible moments of peace and random acts of kindness via an intake survey. Community driven ‘data’ will be visually represented in a baby of work currently being produced. www.peacedotsproject.com

Saira Studios; Business Owner

March 2019 – Current

Brick and Mortar Art Studio in Buffalo, NY

Leadership

Buffalo is Creative; Board Member

Current

NFTA DL&W Train Station; Public Art Jury

Current

Albright Knox; Northland Advisory Committee Member

2020-2023

Buffalo Arts Studio; Board Member

2020-2023

Rhode Island Council on the Arts; American Rescue Plan Act Jury

2022

Cultural Coalition of Washington County (Oregon); Board Member

2016-2017

Union County Transportation Advisory Council (Oregon); Council Member

2014-2015

Education

Buffalo State University; M.S. Multidisciplinary Studies

Class of 2023

Certificate in Creativity & Change Leadership
Coursework in UB’s Master of Fine Arts Department & Buffalo State’s Creative Studies Department

Portland State University; Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit & Public Management

2016-2017

University at Buffalo; B.A. Environmental Design

Class of 2013

Minors in Studio Art and English