Our Team

Manauvaskar Kublall has been a Woodbury resident close to 10 years, he is an immigrant, visionary artist, entrepreneur, and award-winning film director whose creative journey spans over two decades. He has directed two feature-length documentary films, with a third currently in production, along with numerous short films and creative projects. His artistic expression extends beyond filmmaking to culturally inspired paintings, photography, design, and curatorial experiences.

Passionate about building community and expanding opportunities for artists, Manauvaskar is dedicated to fostering spaces where creativity can thrive. Manauvaskar is a founding artist with the Woodbury Arts Council.

Lana Askenazy, immigrating to the United States brought its own set of trials and triumphs. I started a family, focused on building a home, and for many years, set my dreams aside to nurture my loved ones. But as time passed, I felt a growing need to rediscover myself.

In 2019, I picked up a paintbrush after years of silence. What began as a small step soon turned into a full embrace of my true self. By 2022, I had committed to being a full-time artist, channeling years of untold stories and emotions into my work. My art became more than just a passion—it became a reflection of my journey, my resilience, and my transformation. Svetlana is a founding artist with the Woodbury Arts Council.

Tony McConico is a graduate from SUNY New Paltz and a resident of Woodbury for 18 years. He specializes in mostly acrylic painting and photography, both using practices of geometric abstraction. Compositions of sharp edged forms, and thematic arrangements of color are painted with flat or textured brushwork, or are found ready made in outside spaces and captured in the rectangular frame of a camera lens. Tony is a founding artist with the Woodbury Arts Council.

Lisa Encke is a practicing oil painter, curator, and art educator of 30+ years, as well as a 30-year Woodbury resident. Working primarily in oils for their rich color, texture, and flexibility, Lisa uses line, color, and expressive brushwork to evoke feelings that go beyond words. Much of her work is painted en plein air, capturing the fleeting light, season, and spontaneous energy of a scene to convey a deep connection to a place.

Her recent work also includes intimate, meditative still-life compositions and portraits that attempt to capture the true essence of a subject. For over a decade, Lisa has exhibited locally while curating gallery shows and organizing interactive community art events. Rooted in the belief that art brings neighbors together and celebrates diversity, Lisa remains dedicated to strengthening our local arts scene and fostering meaningful relationships through creative expression. She is thrilled for the opportunity to join the Woodbury Arts Council Leadership Team to help shape a vibrant cultural future for our community.

Alanna Deola is a self-taught young artist and high school junior whose passion for art began as soon as she could hold a pencil. Inspired by the natural world, her work explores flowers, animals, and the beauty of everyday surroundings through expressive color and texture.

While she has worked extensively with acrylic paints, Alanna has recently developed a particular love for oil pastels. She is a member of her school's National Art Honor Society and actively participates in creative programs, including Yearbook. 

As she continues to develop her artistic voice, Alanna is pursuing an art-focused academic path, building on her lifelong love of drawing and creative expression.