THE TEAM
Marieke van der Krabben - Executive Director
Marieke van der Krabben is a photography historian and curator. After receiving a BA in Art History and a MA in Film and Photographic Studies from Leiden University in the Netherlands, she worked as a junior curator at the Museum of Photography in The Hague. Additionally, she was the curator and creative director for the International Photo Festival Leiden for 3 years. Marieke co-authored a book on photography and has written for art-related magazines. In 2017 she moved to Florida and worked as the curator of exhibitions for the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts.
Águeda Sanfiz - Director of Programming
Águeda Sanfiz is an arts administrator and photographer. During her tenure as a cultural manager for the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs she organized multiple cultural events in Africa and the United States, including the first exhibition on Zimbabwean female photographers. She works as a documentary family photographer and has produced two photography exhibitions for the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts.
Johanna Luton - Communications Coordinator
Johanna Luton is a communications professional and visual artist specializing in photography and passionate about creating compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication with a minor in Studio Art from the University of South Florida. With over a decade of experience as a photo assistant and digital technician, she now works as a Studio Coordinator, managing shoots and collaborating with clients to bring artistic visions to life.
Simone Leal - Financial Director
Simone is a photographer. She started her artistic career at Parquet Lage School of Visual Arts while studying Molecular Biology in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Upon moving to New York City, she attended various classes and workshops at the International Center of Photography and the School of Visual Arts. Currently, Simone works at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts.
Katy Simpson - Social Media Manager
Katy Simpson, a South St. Pete native, is a photographer and the owner of Tampa Bay Community Photography LLC. She is currently enrolled in a six-semester-long Commercial Photography certificate program at Pinellas Technical Institute. She has held numerous roles working in her local community at St. Petersburg College, the Arts Conservatory for Teens, the Juvenile Welfare Board, and the St. Pete Chamber of Commerce.
Elisa Pulgarin- Social Media Assistant
Elisa Pulgarin is a St. Petersburg-based Photographer who has received a Bachelor's in Fine Arts from the University of South Florida. Starting her photography journey in high school, she began with film and learned to develop in dark rooms through college. She also specializes in digital photography and has her own photography business. In the past, she has earned awards in The Fair Safari, showed work in local galleries, and was the “USF Favorite” in the USF World Photography Competition.