James Wallace

co-founder, president

President and co-founder of nAscent Art New York, James’ responsibilities range from finances, client and artist relationships, HR, marketing, and strategic initiatives. A well-traveled former Air Force pilot with advanced degrees in law and business, James’ varied background and familiarity with a variety of industries puts him in tune with client needs. Besides producing and directing a feature-length documentary that played in theaters, he loves seeing client reactions to nAscent’s work first hand and sometimes joins nAscent art installation teams on site.

Jen Wallace

co-founder, director of art

As co-founder of nAscent Art New York, Jen helps clients acquire fine art by emerging artists for building lobbies, companies' offices, and leading hotels.

Jen has produced dozens of exhibitions and events viewed by hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers. An art expert who cares, she has hosted a nAscent-produced web series called Art Seen. She often speaks on panels to discuss issues facing artists, art, and the art industry. Jen also consults galleries, individuals and organizations on artists trending in the marketplace.

When not shaking up the art world, Jen also serves as an executive producer (& sometimes craft services) at Mastodon Films. 

Mariah McVey

curatorial operations manager

Mariah survived four years on the Princeton University Women’s Rugby team, completing a degree in Art and Archaeology between matches. Born and raised in Charlottesville, Virginia, she moved to the Big Apple and joined the team after enjoying her summer internship experience at nAscent Art. Her favorite part of her work is curating art moments for the unsuspecting hotel guest, building resident, or office worker. Creating special art experiences gives her great pride. When not at nAscent, you can find Mariah grooving to a jam band, or rocking out on her beloved spin bike.

Jiwoo Kim

curatorial operations associate

With a passion for connecting people with art, Jiwoo curates art for client hospitality projects and corporate collections, and runs projects at nAscent. She first joined the nAscent team in 2019 and returned in 2025 after gaining experience at galleries and nonprofit organizations. Jiwoo holds an M.A. in Art History from NYU’s Institute of Fine Arts, and a B.A. in Art History from Hongik University in Seoul, South Korea. Outside the office, she enjoys exploring New York City's vibrant art scene, keeping up with the latest market trends, practicing yoga, and running.

Maeve Curran

curatorial assistant

Maeve developed an interest in the intersection of art and technology at The George Washington University, where she earned a degree in Art and Anthropology from the Corcoran School of Art and Design, graduating cum laude. Born and raised in Baltimore City, Maeve moved to New York in 2024. At nAscent as a curatorial assistant, she curates art often informed by the locale of a given client’s location, and when not at nAscent, Maeve enjoys making her own art and attending comedy shows and concerts around the city.

Rui Liu

curatorial assistant

Rui Liu is a Curatorial Assistant with a background in both art history and economics. She earned her master’s degree in Art History from the Courtauld Institute of Art, focusing on modern art, and has experience spanning marketing, galleries, and law. Trained as an art historian but always thinking beyond the frame, she loves exploring how art connects with different people. When not immersed in curatorial work, Rui can be found at the pottery wheel, vlogging her latest travels, or curled up with her cats—usually with a cup of tea in hand.

Sky Martins

executive & personal assistant

Sky, a recent graduate from Rochester Institute of Technology, earned her BFA in Studio Arts. After falling in love with the energy of New York, she moved to the city to immerse herself in its vibrant art scene. With a deep passion for both the arts and helping busy executives, Sky found her perfect fit at nAscent as an EPA, where she supports the team’s projects while assisting the founders. In her free time, Sky enjoys exploring new art exhibits, glassblowing, and mentoring at-risk youth.