Staff and Board of Directors
Yuri Arajs
Staff
Artistic Director and Curator
​
Yuri Arajs is a dedicated artist, curator, and advocate whose career spans over two decades of championing underrepresented voices in the arts—particularly artists with disabilities and those working outside traditional frameworks. His lifelong connection to art began in childhood, when his mother would take him on weekend trips to New York City to explore museums and immerse him in culture. Those early experiences sparked a deep appreciation for the power of visual art and shaped the inclusive, community-driven ethos that defines his career today.
​
Based in Vancouver, BC, Yuri is the Artistic Director and Curator of Outsiders and Others, a contemporary art gallery focused on self-taught and non-traditional artists. He previously served as Artistic Director of Kickstart Disability Arts and Culture, helping to expand the visibility and opportunities for artists with disabilities across Canada.
Yuri’s work is rooted in advocacy—creating platforms for artists who have historically been excluded from mainstream institutions. Through curatorial projects, gallery leadership, and community-building, he fosters public exposure, professional development, and fair compensation for self-taught, outsider, and disabled artists throughout North America.
​
Over the past 20 years, he has founded and led multiple arts organizations and galleries in both the U.S. and Canada. His contributions have been widely recognized: in 2008, Minnesota Monthly named him "Most Influential Curator," and he has received numerous awards for his arts leadership and curatorial vision.
​
In addition to his curatorial work, Yuri is an accomplished visual artist. He holds three art degrees, including a Master of Fine Arts from Cranbrook Academy of Art. His artwork is held in private and public collections throughout North America.
​
Suzy Sabla
Board of Directors
President
​
Suzy Sabla is an art advisor, writer, curator, and the CEO of Art Novel, a limited-edition fine art print publishing house and art advisory based in Vancouver, BC. With over 15 years of experience collaborating with artists, collectors, and galleries worldwide, she has developed a distinctive voice and sharp eye across multiple disciplines. Her true passion lies in writing, storytelling, and vision development—within the arts and beyond.
Suzy dedicates herself to nurturing artists’ careers and helping them achieve their creative and professional goals. She offers thoughtful, hands-on guidance—whether shaping portfolios, refining proposals, or mapping out future projects. Her advisory work reflects her deep appreciation for contemporary art and her commitment to collaboration throughout the creative process.
​
Her approach is rooted in storytelling and synthesis. Whether she’s working with artists to distill their ideas into compelling narratives, curating a collection, or guiding a first-time collector toward pieces that truly resonate, she bridges vision with clarity and connection.
​
Suzy splits her time between Vancouver, New York City, and wherever the next fair, gallery, or studio visit takes her—avidly exploring new artists and experiences, and continually growing her creative network.
A first-generation Canadian with Central European roots, Suzy has long felt a deep connection to outsider art, inspired by her early exposure to Slovakian folklore, painting, and ceramics. As an ardent art collector, her walls proudly display a diverse collection of works from untrained and eclectic artists spanning the globe.
​
​
On why they joined the board, Suzy shares:
"I was first drawn to Outsiders and Others after seeing the gallery was showing Scotty Colin, an artist I had long believed deserved a platform—and whose work I now proudly have in my personal collection. It was clear to me that this was a welcoming and inspiring space for artists who are too often overlooked. After many years working in the commercial art world, I felt ready to contribute in a different way—one rooted in community, generosity, and a simple desire to support artists without agenda. I believe Outsiders and Others is integral to Vancouver’s cultural fabric, and helping it thrive—however I can—brings me both joy and a deep sense of purpose."
Caroline Neufeld
Board of Directors
Vice President​
​
I have a diverse background spanning government relations, television, and the arts and am deeply committed to community, culture, and city-building. I spent many years working in government relations in both Winnipeg and Vancouver before transitioning into television research and writing.
​
My commitment to the arts is long-standing. While in Winnipeg, I served on the boards of the West End Cultural Centre, the Winnipeg Arts Council, Partners in the Park, and Jazz Winnipeg. After relocating to Vancouver, I continued that work as Chair of the Indian Summer Arts Society, helping to grow one of Canada’s most dynamic cross-cultural arts festivals.
​
For over 14 years, I have been a resident of the vibrant and diverse Strathcona neighborhood. I work with the Strathcona Residents Association, the Strathcona Community Centre Food Security Program and currently serve as Co-Chair of the Strathcona Community Gardeners Society.
Luke Redmond
Board of Directors
Treasurer
​​
Luke brings over 15 years of experience across fine art, strategic partnerships, and business leadership. Earlier in his career he built and ran an independent art brokerage, sourcing and brokering work for government, corporate, and private clients worldwide, with a particular focus on connecting buyers with British Columbia Indigenous artists for custom and public commissions. He has since led sales at one of Vancouver’s top fine art galleries and managed operations and growth for a range of businesses spanning the hospitality, tech, and payments sectors. Having spent much of his career working alongside Indigenous artists on community-based art projects, Luke is drawn to the gallery’s mission of giving non-traditional artists a place to showcase their work. He combines a deep appreciation for art and artists with hands-on experience in operations, finance, and relationship-building.
​​