UCCA is proud to host a panel discussion with four visiting artists from Washington, D.C. as part of a program developed by Transformer, a D.C.-based non-profit artist-centered organization. During their visit, the artists will lead a series of workshops at UCCA, as well as joining a panel discussion with UCCA curator Paula Tsai. The program thus provides an opportunity for trans-Pacific discussion and collaboration on different kinds of art practice.

Chandi Kelley graduated with a BFA in photography from the Corcoran College of Art and Design in 2004. From 2010 to 2012 she was a member of the DC Arts Center artist collective, Sparkplug. Her work is in the permanent collection of the U.S. Embassy in Malta, and in private collections throughout the U.S.

Stephanie Kwakreceived a Master of Arts in Communication, Culture & Technology at Georgetown University. Stephanie lived and worked in Tokyo for two years as an Oberlin Shansi Fellow, where she became interested in visual arts’ relationship to media studies and cross cultural communications. She is Development & Communications Coordinator at Transformer.

Paul Shortt received his MFA in New Media Art from the University of Illinois. He has been in numerous group shows in Chicago, Kansas City, and New York City. His works usually engage the public in physical interactions and conversation that examine every day experiences and cultural norms often in humorous ways.

Zach Storm received his BFA from the Corcoran College of Art + Design in 2005, and earned his MFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2012. Coming from a family of West Coast engineers and car enthusiasts, Storm’s work is heavily influenced by surface detail, objects of desire, and spatial illusion.

Transformer is a Washington, DC based 501 (c) 3 non-profit, artist-centered organization that connects and promotes emerging artists locally, nationally and internationally. Transformer's mission is to provide a consistent, supportive, and professional platform for emerging artists to explore and present experimental artistic concepts, build audiences for their work and advances their careers, while increasing dialogue, understanding, and audiences for contemporary visual arts. Partnering with artists, curators, and cultural institutions, Transformer serves as a catalyst and advocate for emergent expression in the visual arts. Programs and services are designed to help artists grow their audience and patronage while educating them about opportunities for sustainability. Transformer works to strengthen community by supporting emerging artists in their development.