LEADERSHIP - Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art

SONYA
PFEIFFER

Owner & Creative Director

Sonya Pfeiffer is a committed advocate for the arts with a passion for learning about diverse approaches to art-making and how artists interpret the world around us. A former television journalist who is now a practicing civil rights and criminal defense attorney, Sonya has long been devoted to the written word and visual art. She has directed and produced documentaries, including the award-winning short “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Social Justice.” Sonya regularly moderates panel discussions related to law, art, and current events. She also writes for a variety of local publications in Charlotte, and frequently puts her visual skills to work for legal clients by creating films that document their lives and personal struggles.

Sonya leads the gallery’s strategic planning and programming. She is committed to representing artists who create challenging, thought-driven work that addresses relevant issues in our global society, as well as artists who embrace beauty, the power of color, texture and gesture, and who understand art’s value in allowing us all space to escape. In addition to vibrant commercial solo and group exhibitions, Sonya also works on developing meaningful programming that addresses contemporary societal issues and focuses on creating dialogue through art.

MORGAN
MATHIEU TRAN

Managing Director

Morgan Mathieu Tran is a devoted arts advocate and leader, serving the Charlotte community for nearly ten years in both nonprofit and commercial art realms. As managing director, Morgan executes Elder Gallery’s vision through her curation of exhibitions and programming, as well as oversight of artist development, client relations, operations, staff management, and community outreach. As an artist herself, Tran is dedicated to amplifying and centering artistic voices within Elder’s many spheres, serving as a champion for both creators and collectors alike.

Tran earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Arts with a minor in Business Administration from Meredith College. She has previous experience in both associate and managerial roles at SOZO Gallery, LaCa Projects, and The New Gallery of Modern Art. She is a member of the Mint Museum, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art Young Visionaries Society, the McColl Center, the Harvey B. Gantt Center, and the Light Factory.

CARLA
AARON-LOPEZ

Curatorial Consultant

Carla Aaron-Lopez is an artist, educator and well-known collaborator who has curated exhibitions in museums, artist collectives, and outdoors in a variety of venues. Aaron-Lopez’ reputation as an innovative curator and dedicated community builder has made her one of the most sought-after creatives in the Southeast. She is known for seamlessly blending aesthetics, experience and concepts in meaningful programs that highlight the talent of both emerging and established artists. With more than two decades in the cultural sector, Aaron-Lopez brings a wealth of experience to the gallery’s exhibition program.

Aaron-Lopez is also a gallery artist whose work is constantly pushing boundaries and defying expectation. She holds a Master of Fine Art in Photography and a Master in Printmaking from Savannah College of Art and Design – Atlanta.