Our Team
Johnny Thornton
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | johnny@artsgowanus.org
Johnny Thornton (he/him) is an artist that lives and works in Brooklyn, NY. Born in Connecticut, he spent his childhood in Johannesburg, South Africa, before moving to Tucson, Arizona, where he studied Fine Arts at the University of Arizona. He received his Masters of Fine Arts from Parsons the New School for Design in New York City. Thornton has had work exhibited throughout the United States and is part of several collections. Currently, Thornton works out of his art studio in Gowanus and is owner of Established Gallery in Brooklyn. In 2019, Thornton became the Program Director of Arts Gowanus and in 2020 took on the role of Executive Director.
Emily Chiavelli
PROGRAM DIRECTOR | emily@artsgowanus.org
Emily Chiavelli (she/her) is a Brooklyn-based artist and photographer. Her work has been exhibited at The Museum of the Moving Image, The International Center of Photography, Foley Gallery, and Carriage Trade Gallery, as well as nationally. With a history of working at various nonprofits, after graduating with an MFA from ICP-Bard College in 2020 she began volunteering at Arts Gowanus, and has since become the Program Director.
Pam Wong
SPECIAL PROJECTS DIRECTOR | pam@artsgowanus.org
Pam Wong (she/her) is an arts writer and curator. She was previously a local news reporter covering various Brooklyn neighborhoods including Gowanus. She also curates the art programming at the Gowanus Dredgers Boathouse.
Joshua Goodridge
CURATORIAL ASSISTANT | josh@artsgowanus.org
Joshua Goodridge is a senior at Brooklyn High School of the Arts majoring in visual art. His primary mediums are painting and drawing, and he’s interested in curation and event production.