Dan was born and raised in East Akron, wandered many cities in Northeast Ohio and has landed in the peaceful woods of Brecksville. 15 minutes south of his 100 year old storefront tucked along the bustling Professor Avenue in Tremont. The cities resilience and beautiful rich cultures were a magnet to this charming little space! Here he leads the "Agents of Change" at RE/MAX Edge - Greater Cleveland Team.
Dan Tyson
Co-Founder
He/His/Him
Matt, a cis gay man, was born and raised in the Cleveland area and continues to call Cleveland his home. Matt received an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering and a graduate degree in Biomedical Engineering from Cleveland State University. Currently, Matt works as a Safety Engineer in the aerospace industry overseeing various projects for use on the International Space Station. Prior to that, Matt worked at University Hospitals in both direct patient care and as the Chemical Safety Officer. An introvert at heart, Matt loves working on all the workings behind the scenes but still loves to interact with people face-to-face.
Matt Huffman
Co-Founder
He/His/Him
Banshee is a Husky/Poodle mix that was rescued from an animal shelter after her breeders abandoned her litter. She loves treats, toys, peanut butter, and long walks through the Metroparks.
Banshee
Mascot/Good girl
The Board
Britt Orcutt
Board Member
Britt Orcutt obtained her degree from Kent State University in Human Development and Family Studies, with a concentration in Youth Development, and additional certifications of Nonprofit Management and Grant Writing. Orcutt is the founder and executive director of Flaming River Arts, and creator of the Midwest's first Queer comic book and pop culture convention, Flaming River Con. In addition, she freelances as a training program creator and consultant on diversity and inclusion for businesses, and produces LGBTQIA+ programming for mainstream comic book conventions. Outside of her professional work, Orcutt is an activist, Dungeons and Dragons player, published author, and brunch enthusiast.
She/Her
Amanda was born and raised on the West Side of Cleveland, to which she still calls her home. Growing up, she gained inspiration from her older brother’s talent which fueled her desire to pursue art, which has since then been an outlet of self expression for her. Through programs like Cleveland’s Mural My Neighborhood, Amanda was fortunate enough to meet who would become her art mentor. One of her most valued experiences is working on the “It’s Up To Us'' mural located in Ohio City. It encapsulates how much power exists in unity and that is why she is honored to be a part of The Dorian Gray Galleries Board doing just that - coming together to serve and give back to the LGBTQ+ youth population. You can catch Amanda at all of the local arts and culture events in the CLE soaking up all of the good vibes this city has to offer!
Amanda Maldonado
Board Member
She/Her
Emil August Gallik
Board Member
He/His/Him
Emil August Gallik is a trans masculine artist who was born in Bainbridge, OH. He has spent his life being inspired by the macabre, and finds beauty in things often overlooked. His passion for art carried him to pursue a BFA in Illustration from the Columbus College of Art and Design. While attending CCAD he interned at Rivet Gallery and participated in various shows. Upon completion of his degree he spent years cultivating his craft and travelling to various events, showcasing his work and worked as a Graphic Designer for a local Cleveland printing company. His art is a reflection of his emotions and inner thoughts, and he uses that inspiration to create pieces that bring people together to show our common threads. While currently, he is a third year apprentice for the Iron Workers Local 17, he still strives to take on creative work within the community.
Ronan Jason Gallik, a trans man and a Lord of the Rings fan boy, has the soul of a Victorian dandy in the modern world. Raised in Lakewood, Ohio, he comes from a creative writing background where he received an Associate in Arts degree from Tri-C and then proceeded to earn his Bachelors in English from Cleveland State University. But ever-evolving, he is now in school working towards a certification in Art Therapy. He has published work in local publications and has sold his art at conventions across the US. While most of his jobs have been in customer service, his true passion lies in bringing people together with his fine art, his written word and even in performing drag for charities and benefits. He is a true renaissance man, whose ever-lasting goal is to help those in need and entertain.
Ronan Gallik
Board Member
He/His/Him
We are currently on the lookout to continue developing a diverse and dynamic board of directors. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for our mission, please email us at DGrayYouthFoundation@gmail.com