Dr. Nina Paulovicova

Dr. Nina Paulovicova is an Associate Professor of History at Athabasca University, a feminist, and an activist whose research explores Eastern Europe, genocide, and identity politics. Her work examines historical contexts and challenges narratives that marginalize communities and promote exclusionary ideologies.

Alongside her academic and advocacy work, Nina is a mixed-media artist who uses creative expression to explore themes of power, place, memory, and belonging. Drawing inspiration from her background as a historian, she approaches art as both a refuge and a catalyst for dialogue. Through her work, she creates spaces where multiple identities, perspectives, and histories can coexist and engage in meaningful conversation.

Brian Greenall

Brian Greenall is a Classical Realist artist whose primary medium is oil painting, while also working in pastel, charcoal, and watercolour. Originally from England, Brian immigrated to Canada in 1977 and has maintained a lifelong passion for the visual arts.

His artistic journey began through photography, where he developed a deep appreciation for light, composition, and storytelling. Building on this foundation, he expanded into drawing and painting, eventually dedicating himself seriously to his artistic practice in 2019.

Today, Brian’s work focuses on capturing the world with accuracy, emotion, and thoughtful composition. His paintings reflect both the beauty of his subjects and the stories they represent. Brian has studied painting through courses and local studios, exhibited work at local art events, and has had paintings accepted into exhibitions including the Edmonton Art Gallery and the Night of Artists Big Art Exhibition. He is currently a member of the Night of Artists (NOA).

Leila Zolfalipour

Leila Zolfalipour is an Edmonton-based visual artist originally from Iran. Her multidisciplinary practice explores identity, belonging, and the connections between cultural heritage and the natural world through painting, sculpture, and digital media. Drawing inspiration from Persian motifs and weaving traditions, her work reimagines themes of memory, place, and cultural narrative.

Leila holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Distinction from the University of Alberta and is a Juried Member of the Alberta Society of Artists. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and has earned numerous accolades, including an Edmonton Arts Council Individual Grant, the Elizabeth Ann Burgess Award for Contemporary Arts, and the 2024 Alberta Culture Days People's Choice Award. She has also contributed to the arts community as an assessor, consultant, and juror.