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

senior curatorial operations associate

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.

Barbara Banchik

curatorial operations associate

Barbara, a born and raised New Yorker, is thrilled to be rejoining the nAscent team after enjoying her summer internship experience in 2020. She completed her degree in Art History at the University of Vermont, where she was actively involved in arts organizations both on campus and in the Burlington community. She loves working collaboratively with artists and clients to create exceptional art moments! Outside of nAscent, Barbara spends her time traveling, reading for her book club, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, and making memories with cherished family and friends (and her guinea pig, Matilda).

Lucy Roberts

art consulting intern

Lucy is a rising junior at Barnard College of Columbia University, where she studies economics and art history. At university, she competes as a coxswain on the men's heavyweight rowing team. Originally from Dallas, Lucy enjoys reading, watching movies, and running in her free time. She is excited to join the nAscent team for the summer.

Alice El-Ouazzane

art consulting intern

Alice hails from San Francisco, Texas, and Paris, France. A junior in the coming autumn, she studies Philosophy, Psychology, and English Literature at Boston University. She enjoys reading, going to museums, finding art galleries, exploring underground music scenes, and taking in movie night with friends or solo. Alice loves theater and has been treading the boards for 10 years. When not out and about, she’s cuddling with her cat Lili. She’s excited to be a part of the nAscent team and eager to dive into more of the art world.

Sarah Troegel

social media / marketing intern

Sarah expects to earn her degree in Business and Digital Marketing from Louisiana State University in spring of 2025. This summer, she will indulge her passions for marketing, social media, and most importantly, art, at nAscent. An art enthusiast, music lover, and appreciator of all-things-creative, she's excited to share the creativity of nAscent's projects, and of the artists in them. In her free time, you can find her journaling, seeking out live music, spending time with friends (or at a hot yoga class), and FaceTiming her beloved family (and dogs) at home.