Introducing The Bakery's Board Members!
Meet the Board Members of The Bakery Atlanta! The board is comprised of local artists, creators, educators, and advocates who are enthusiastic about building community around the arts. Through their unique landscape of experiences, the board brings invaluable insight and expertise to The Bakery team.
Daniel DeSimone
Daniel (He/They) is an Atlanta-based with expertise in a meadow of creative pursuits. Daniel has a diverse and balanced approach to arts. Refusing to marry one creative outlet, they engage with art as a musician, sound engineer, AV technician and contractor.
He performs with experimental post metal/death metal project Malevich. He has curated and booked hundreds of shows in traditional and non-traditional venues across Atlanta. He has assisted with the construction of numerous public and private art installations.
Unilaterally, David’s art focuses on pursuing the challenging, the transportive and the weird with an uncompromising commitment to compassion and safety.
“To me, the Bakery represents the hope that maybe there are still genuinely creative hearts and minds, and that there might be a tent big enough to invite them in to learn from each other. In an increasingly schismatic and lonely world, maybe people can still enjoy playing together.”
Jhana Grant
Jhana (She/Her) is a Jamaican American event professional with more than 18 years of expertise in production, programming, artistic direction, project management, and event planning.
Throughout her career, Jhana has consistently demonstrated her ability to guide teams in executing effective special event plans, acting as an invaluable resource for providing essential information and insights.
Her role as an event project manager for various clients and events has seen her overseeing the entire project's lifecycle, from planning and execution to post-event reporting, budget management, and comprehensive consulting.
“The Bakery is a symbol of possibility and transformation. It is a place where ideas are born, developed, and brought to life in ways that challenge the status quo and enrich our cultural landscape.”
Kacie Luaders
Kacie (She/Her) is a sound designer, producer, arts researcher and founder of Could Be Pretty Cool, an audio-first think tank and creative ecosystem builder. Could Be Pretty Cool was a passion project that has since evolved into a creative entrepreneurship pursuit through which she aims to help others make sustainable career choices with their art and creative work.
Kacie’s journey began with a simple desire to explore the world of sound and its possibilities. Over time, this exploration turned into a mission to empower artists and creatives, providing them with the tools and guidance to turn their passions into viable careers.
“The Bakery Atlanta really speaks to me as a space that sparks creativity and brings people together right in the heart of our city. Its whole mission is totally in line with what I value - championing indie artists and creating spaces where we can genuinely connect with each other.”
Lev Omelchenko
Lev (He/Him) is an Emmy award winning Atlanta-based film director and photographer. As a filmmaker, he is driven by collaborations with cultural and community laborers whose practice is outside of the traditional film industry.
Lev is a curator for Unicorn Gardens Cinema, a community micro-cinema that highlights and features works of local experimental filmmakers in the Atlanta film community.
“I believe that it's important for artists, and people more broadly, to have a support system that can encourage them to experiment, play and develop new ideas around their own work and the world around them.”
Madison Bruno
Madison (She/Her) is an Atlanta native educator with 12 years of experience in Title I schools. She began her educational journey at Atlanta’s Kindezi School where she cultivated a deep-rooted commitment to equity and community management.
She has since dedicated her career to dismantling systemic barriers and fostering inclusive spaces within schools
“As local government undervalues spaces of beauty and expression, the Bakery protects A collective DIY mentality providing access to arts, education, performance, and community.”
Nardos Yosef
Nardos (She/Her) is a marketing and PR professional known for her passionate creativity and commitment to the local community. As an Atlanta native, Nardos has always been inspired by the city’s vibrant cultural scene and diverse artistic expressions. Nardos work is rooted in storytelling and compelling communications.
Through her role at The Bakery, Nardos aims to further the mission of nurturing Atlatna’s communities and providing platforms for artists to thrive. Her vision is to create a more inclusive and supportive environment where creativity can flourish and where the arts can continue to enrich the lives of all Atlantans.
“For me, The Bakery represents more than just a space; it's a beacon for art lovers, enthusiasts, and appreciators alike. It's a place where we come together to explore and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our city.”
Nicole Kang Ahn
Nicole (She/Her) is a working artist and advocate based in Gwinnett County. She splits her practice between gallery works, public murals, digital illustrations, and creative consultations. Her personal work primarily explores her cultural heritage and identity while overcoming adversities.
Nicole has collaborated with a number of Atlanta-based organizations like Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Streets Alive, Flux Projects, We Love Buford Highway, and more. Her latest children's book illustration project for "Bina's Harvest" will be available in June 2024.
Currently, Nicole oversees the Artivism Lab as the Creative Communications Manager at the Asian American Advocacy Fund as she aims to advance Asian Americans and local creatives in the South.
“The art gallery and community nurtures and encourages individual and collective expression through a wide variety of art practices. The impact of The Bakery’s emerging and diverse creatives growing, challenging, and collaborating through the arts only promises a richer and more imaginative future for our city.”