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.

Frances St. Amant

curatorial assistant

Frances grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. She trained as an art historian and continues to pursue her own research and writing projects. At nAscent, she especially loves digging into curation. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, figure skating, and baking.

Alexandra Devine

curatorial assistant

Alexandra, a Dublin native, moved to New York after graduating with a degree in Visual Culture from the National College of Art and Design in late 2023. During her four-year journey, she developed an interdisciplinary understanding of art, design, and their societal impacts. Her academic pursuits included specialized studies in print design and an enriching eight-month stint in Italy, where she studied fashion at the University of Bologna. Alexandra's passions extend across a wide spectrum, encompassing art history, curation, film, and fashion.