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Carrillo holds a BA from the University of Notre Dame, an MA in Public Humanities and Cultural Heritage from Brown University, and also studied at the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City. She brings years of exhibition, administrative, and teaching experience to Buffalo Arts Studio. She has served in many active advisory and volunteer roles for groups and organizations including Frontline Arts Buffalo, Brown University’s Public Humanities Program, National Museum of Mexican Art, National Museum of American History/Smithsonian Institution, and Creatives Rebuild New York.

Carrillo is committed to and experienced in engaging visitors to art and arts organizations through innovative programs, with a particular interest in reaching underserved and underrepresented populations. As the Executive Director, Carrillo leads, plans, and implements the Buffalo Arts Studio’s strategy, supervises and supports staff in all departments, and oversees all programs, operations, and finances. She leads fundraising and external relations and serves as liaison to Buffalo Arts Studio Board of Directors, Studio Artists, and the arts community. Carrillo also works to build and maintain new and existing relationships with local art instructors, assistants, students, families, organizations, community groups, and schools.

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Hughes completed her MA in Arts Management at SUNY Buffalo in 2008 and holds a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She has overseen the Education Department at Buffalo Arts Studio since 2008.

Working in the arts education field for over 32 years she believes it can enrich lives and strengthen the community, and the education program at Buffalo Arts Studio is an integral part of the organization’s mission.

When out of the office Hughes enjoys creating and selling her own line of jewelry.

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Best Curator, 2023 Buffalo Spree’s Best of Buffalo

Shirley Verrico has over 25 year of experience within the arts field, including curating, managing gallery spaces and teaching art history. She holds a Bachelors in Fine Arts and Communication Design, a Masters of Arts and Humanities with a concentration on Art History and English from SUNY, Buffalo, and a NYS K-12 Art Education Certification.

At Buffalo Arts Studio, Verrico manages and maintains the three gallery spaces as well as produces all exhibition support materials. In addition, she curates fundraising special events including Trimania, Plates & Pasta, and Live on Five. Verrico also conducts gallery and studio tours for diverse student and community audiences, oversees volunteers and interns, supports regional artists in funding research and grant applications. In addition to curating exhibitions, Verrico also works with grassroots activist and service organizations to establish meaningful community and cultural partnerships while organizing, promoting, and moderating regular panel discussions and community forums on relevant cultural topics. In her spare time, Verrico is an avid gardener and enthusiastic baker.

lauren@buffaloartsstudio.org

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Lauren McLaughlin has over four years of experience working with non-profit organizations. While studying at Buffalo State College, McLaughlin interned at Buffalo Arts Studio helping with the 2017 fundraiser Collectx25. Her belief that art should be affordable and accessible to everyone is what brought her back to the organization, joining the staff as the Marketing, Audience, and Data Coordinator. McLaughlin handles the organization’s vast mailing list, e-newsletter, Salesforce database, website, social media, marketing, and guest services. In her free time, McLaughlin enjoys going to live music and spending time at the beach.

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Sydney O’Shei earned her Associate’s Degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology and her Bachelor’s Degree from SUNY Buffalo State. O’Shei has over six years of experience working in marketing and event planning. Working with diverse teams, O’Shei produced the annual Buffalo State Fashion Show, assisted with product development at HASK Beauty, and most recently, managed virtual classes and events for a local sewing center. At Buffalo Arts Studio, O’Shei is responsible for event and fundraising management, graphic design, grant tracking, as well as press release construction and distribution. Outside of work, O’Shei enjoys traveling, attending concerts, and spending time with her cats.