Our Mission

DGFA Director & Artist

Jessica Uccello is the Director of DGFA and the Director of Operations at Steve Wrubel Photography. With a camera in hand since childhood, photography has always been an inseparable part of her life. Her passion for visual storytelling ignited during a five-week volunteer trip to Bali, Indonesia, where she discovered the profound impact of capturing meaningful human connections. A graduate of Grand Valley State University with a degree in photography, Jessica's dedication to the arts extends globally as a professional photographer and videographer. Her extensive experience as a fine art gallery associate has equipped her with deep expertise in art sales, installations, collector relations, and exhibition curation. She also serves on the 2023 curatorial committee for Art For Advocacy, where her love for storytelling continues to drive her work. 

DHV Artworks

Deborah Hartigan is an artist based in Dallas, Texas, known for her abstract expressionist artworks and sculptures. She explores her relationship with the natural world through her art, aiming to evoke a sense of wonder and admiration for nature in her viewers. Her work is sought after by collectors, interior designers, and corporate clients both in the US and abroad. Some of her notable corporate clients include American Airlines, Stanley Korshak, Thanksgiving Foundation, and Turtle Creek Association.

In addition to her artistic endeavors, Hartigan is the founder of DHV Artworks, a premier contemporary fine art gallery located in the Dallas Design District. The gallery, which spans 11,000 square feet, showcases an exceptional collection that challenges boundaries and sparks dialogue. It aims to elevate the significance of art in everyday life and foster appreciation among a diverse audience, from seasoned collectors to new art enthusiasts. Hartigan is dedicated to inspiring and engaging people through art, contributing to a lasting legacy that celebrates the transformative power of artistic expression.

Hartigan's education includes studies at Boston College, New York University, and the Hartford Art School at the University of Hartford, where she received her BFA. Her work is primarily commissioned and has been collected by various individuals and organizations around the world.

Shamieh Law

Ramez Shamieh is a distinguished personal injury attorney based in Dallas, Texas, specializing in a variety of cases including catastrophic injury, 18-wheeler collisions, and wrongful death cases. He is recognized for his commitment to exceeding client expectations and has achieved significant success in the courtroom, resulting in substantial settlements and verdicts for his clients.

Shamieh completed his undergraduate degree in Business Administration at Southern Methodist University, where he also played soccer, and later earned his law degree from Tulane University Law School. He began his legal career at McCathern, PLLC, handling significant cases, including breach of contract disputes for the Dallas Cowboys and their associated entities.

He is licensed to practice in Texas, Louisiana, and New York and has been acknowledged for his legal prowess by several prestigious organizations. Shamieh has been listed in the Super Lawyers "Rising Stars" from 2014 to 2020, and since 2021, has consistently been nominated as a "Super Lawyer," a title awarded to only the top attorneys. Additionally, he has been recognized by D Magazine as one of the best attorneys under 40 in Dallas for 2018 and 2019 and holds an AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell® for his professionalism and ethics.

Shamieh Law operates in Dallas, Austin, and Lake Charles, Louisiana, extending Ramez's commitment to justice beyond his Texas base. He is also actively involved with the local legal community, contributing to various organizations and associations.

Daisha Board Gallery

Daisha Board is a notable figure in the Dallas art scene, particularly known for her work with the Daisha Board Gallery. This contemporary art space is distinguished for representing BIPOC artists, LGBTQ+ individuals, and artists with disabilities, showcasing works across a variety of mediums including mixed media, sculpture, photography, installations, performance art, and digital media. The gallery, situated in the evolving West Dallas area, aims to provide a platform for underrepresented voices in the art world.

Before entering the art world, Board had a significant corporate career spanning two decades at Fannie Mae as a financial analyst. Her transition from corporate America to the art scene was driven by her passion and the desire to carve out her own path. Her journey in the art world began with Black Sheep Art Culture in March 2017, a project aimed at bridging traditional and nontraditional gallery spaces. Her efforts were aimed at fostering a more inclusive art community, particularly focusing on BIPOC representation, a commitment that predates many of the conversations around diversity and inclusion that have become more prevalent in recent times.

Board's impact in the art world has been significant, with her galleries contributing to the Dallas art landscape's diversification and engaging new audiences. She has effectively created a space where BIPOC, LGBTQIA, and disabled artists can showcase their work and where new generations of art collectors can emerge. Her galleries not only serve as exhibition spaces but also as platforms for community engagement and cultural dialogue, reflecting her commitment to using art as a tool for transformation and inclusivity.

For more information, you can visit the Daisha Board Gallery website or read more about her journey and impact in the Texas art scene on sources like Papercity Magazine.

Independent Real Estate Professional

Mike Kutner is an active figure in the Dallas, Texas real estate scene, currently serving as President for Chs Management, Inc. He has been associated with ten companies over a fifty-two year span, with the most recent incorporation happening in July 2022. Six of these companies remain active, showcasing his continued involvement in the business landscape. His role extends beyond Chs Management, as he also holds positions in other entities such as The Sew House, LLC, and Mgt Holdings, LLC, among others, indicating a broad engagement in various business activities​​.

Additionally, Kutner holds a directorial position at the Travis at Knox Condominium Homeowner's Association, Inc., which was incorporated in Texas eighteen years ago. This role points to his involvement in the residential sector of real estate, specifically in managing community living spaces​​.

Mike Kutner has a significant presence in the Dallas real estate community, with a wide range of associations and roles that reflect his diverse interests and contributions to the field.

Ferrari Gallery

Debra Ferrari, alongside James Ferrari, co-founded the Ferrari Gallery, rooted in their extensive 28-year journey in the art sector. Initially, they embarked on their professional path in Southwest Florida, evolving from artists and consultants to prominent gallery owners. Now, the Ferrari Gallery stands out in Dallas's prime Dallas Design District, showcasing a diverse array of contemporary art. Since its establishment in 2004, the gallery has become a pivotal contemporary fine art hub, representing notable artists and engaging in significant art fairs. 

Samuel Lynne Gallaries

Kristin Rivas has been serving as the Director of Samuel Lynne Galleries since 2014, showcasing her extensive background and education in the fine arts. She has been instrumental in assisting clients with the acquisition of artworks and is deeply involved in the Dallas art community. Besides her commitment to the gallery, Kristin enjoys spending quality time creating art with her daughter, reflecting her dedication to both her professional and personal life. Her leadership at the gallery is marked by true devotion and a passion for advancing the arts within the community.

Kristin Rivas holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art History from Texas Woman's University and continued her graduate studies at the University of North Texas, focusing on Abstract Expressionism. Her academic pursuits include publishing multiple papers on Modern & Contemporary Art in India, highlighting her diverse interests and in-depth knowledge in art history. Kristin's involvement in the art world extends beyond her role at Samuel Lynne Galleries. She has been appointed as the President of the Dallas Art Dealers Association (DADA) and serves on the Art Selection Committee for the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC), further contributing to her significant impact on the regional art scene.

Artist

Melissa Ellis is an acclaimed Dallas-based artist known for her vibrant and dynamic oil paintings, executed primarily using a palette knife. Her distinctive technique emphasizes bold color application and texture, creating a sense of depth and movement within her abstract compositions. Ellis's style, often referred to as 'organized chaos,' reflects a meticulous method where spontaneous actions are balanced with calculated decisions, resulting in uniquely patterned and sculptural artworks. Her works resonate with the emotive power of color and form, embodying a personal language of expression that captures the viewer's imagination.

19 Production House

19 Production House, managed by Matthew Osborne, not only specializes in video production for clients like D Magazine, art galleries, and various executives and brands but also emphasizes creating deep connections through each project. Osborne’s commitment extends beyond commercial work as he ventures into filmmaking, developing documentaries and feature films. This holistic approach underscores a blend of professional service and personal engagement.

Artist

Christi Meril is a recognized contemporary abstract artist based in Dallas, Texas, known for her vibrant and innovative artwork. She employs a variety of mediums, including canvas and wood, to create her pieces. Meril is particularly noted for her unique process, which involves sculpting materials onto painted surfaces to create rich, textural compositions. She often incorporates native Texas woods like Cypress, Pecan, and Bodark, as well as old-growth Redwood from Northern California, to give life to her distinctive wooden sculptures.

Her artistic inspiration comes from the energy of urban settings and natural landscapes, drawing from elements like rock formations, mountain peaks, and architecture. This inspiration is reflected in her works through a mix of color, sculpture, and custom neon lighting, making her pieces a celebration of both city life and nature's majesty.

In addition to her artistic endeavors, Christi Meril is committed to using her platform to promote messages of inclusion, equality, and love, often integrating symbols and text into her artwork to communicate these themes. She exhibits her creations at the ALG Collective located in the vibrant Dallas Design District.

For more in-depth information about Christi Meril's art and her creative process, you can visit her official website.

MMD Services

Monte Martin is the Founder and President of MMD Services, a Dallas-based company specializing in a wide array of services related to fine art, design, fabrication, lighting, and electrical projects. With a degree in fine art and over two decades of experience in product design, lighting design, and fine art services, Monte has contributed to various projects for museums, galleries, corporations, and individual collectors. His work spans across the artistic and practical aspects of installation and design, showing a profound commitment to both aesthetics and functionality.

Monte's journey into the art world began with a strong educational foundation in architecture and interior design before transitioning to studio art. His early career saw him working in prestigious environments such as the Arlington Museum of Art and the Des Moines Art Center, which led to significant opportunities, including collaborations with the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and other notable institutions. This blend of experiences honed his skills and led to the establishment of his own business, which has grown to include fine art and lighting services, as well as exhibit design and fabrication.

Under Monte's leadership, MMD Services has expanded to offer comprehensive solutions for art installations and interior design projects, merging art with architecture and interior design in innovative ways. Monte Martin and MMD Services are noted for their ability to handle intricate projects, showcasing a unique blend of artistic creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.

The Char Network

Charlie White emphasizes action over patience in achieving success and is involved in various entrepreneurial ventures. He works as the National Director of Outreach at Monte Nido and Affiliates. Additionally, he owns The Char Network, aiding in business growth, and co-founded the nonprofit Eyes Not Forgotten, supporting those affected by mental health. Charlie enjoys contributing to community and personal wellness, balancing his time between Dallas and Lake Tuscaloosa, with favorite spots in Dallas including the Design District and Highland Park Village. He credits his partner, Ricardo Mancia, for shared values in helping others.