2023-24 National Cohort: Western States Arts Federation

Born and raised in Iowa, Bruce completed a bachelors in painting at the University of Iowa before earning a masters in painting from Hunter College. 

Her artwork is included in the collections of The Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture, The Amistad Center for Art and Culture, The University of Iowa Women’s Center, The En Foco Photography Collection, and The Museum of Modern Art-Franklin Furnace Artist Book Collection

In addition to her studio practice, Bruce serves on the board of Tessera Art Collective, a nonprofit organization that supports and elevates the work and practices of BIPOC women artists working in abstraction. 

Kesha is also co-founder of Black Girl Basel — the only event during Miami Art Week intentionally created for Black women artists, creatives, entrepreneurs, activists, and cultural change-makers.

Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Nate Edwards IV is a creative artist that produces art using different mediums and crafts. After spending a few years in college and the workforce, he embarked on his comedy career. With performances at Helium Comedy Club – Philadelphia, Flappers Comedy Club – Burbank, The Laugh Factory – LA, Broadway Comedy Club – NYC, The Stand – NYC and others, he’s quickly making a name for himself. He uses his real life experiences, such as growing up in the streets of North Philadelphia and attending college to paint a picture of life in America as a young black man; dealing with issues of race, politics, religion and others to deliver a well-rounded, smart and engaging show that’s full of laughs and social commentary. In addition, he shot a film with award-winning Armenian artist Melik Ohanian which was shown at the 14th annual Biennale De Lyon in France from Sept. 2017 – Jan. 2018, worked with Erin Ko, a Native-American VR artist at the 6th annual Spring/Break Art Show in NYC, shot a short film with director, Tim Offor; which was recently selected to be apart of The Yonkers Film Festival, Queens World FIlm Festival 2018 and Gasparilla Film Festival 2018. In conclusion, he also does theater, performing a James Baldwin play, “Blues for Mr. Charlie ” at the NYS Association of Black & Puerto Rican Legislators 46th Annual Conference with French-playwright Manu Vaintino.

A Chamoru born and raised on Guam, Sandra Flores’ work is inspired by the Chamoru cultural resurgence she has witnessed and the resulting explosion of indigenous expression across all art forms. She earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology at Northwestern University. She spent many years owning her own businesses in art and in healthcare. When she moved to San Diego, California in 2011, those business skills were valuable in helping her to establish and support organizations such as the Uno Hit cultural education program and the House of Chamorros from 2012 to 2020. Her reflections on this work were the subject of her weekly column in Guam’s Pacific Daily News from 2012-2016. She earned a master’s in Peace Studies at the University of San Diego in 2021. All of these experiences led her to the position of director of the Guam Arts Agency from 2021 to 2023. She continues her work independently, writing and working with the Guam arts community both on Guam and in the diasporic populations across the continental United States. She sees art as a powerful tool for self-expression, outreach, and community building, giving voice and driving change for greater understanding and greater equity.

Manager of Teen and Family Programs, Seattle Art Museum, Henao is a Boricua (native Puerto Rican) born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico and currently living in Seattle, Washington. Nicole studied fine arts at the School of Visual Arts in NYC and it was there she discovered her passion for arts education. She has worked as an elementary school visual arts teacher in Puerto Rico and later found her love for working in art museums at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, Florida. At the Norton Museum, Henao worked in developing, producing, and managing public programs for all ages, ranging from Community Festivals, Art After Dark program offerings, Family and Teen Workshops, and Arts Performances, to name a few. She was also a member of the City of West Palm Beach Art Life Advisory Committee, the city’s cohort that selects the city’s public art projects. Henao has been working at the Seattle Art Museum for the last year managing public programs for youth and families and her passion lies in providing arts access to those furthest away from educational justice.

Debra Littlesun is the assistant director of the University of Wyoming Art Museum since 2018, previously associate director of scholarships & program coordinator for diversity initiatives in the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid. Littlesun was appointed by the University President to administer and serve as ex-officio for the Northern Arapaho Endowment and Chief Washakie Memorial Scholarship Programs. Prior to coming to UW, Littlesun was director of scholarship for the American Indian College Fund in Denver, Colorado. Littlesun earned an associate of applied science degree in business administration from Chief Dull Knife College, bachelor of science degree in business administration Cum laude, from Rocky Mountain College and a certificate in arts management, from University of California, Irvine. Littlesun is an enrolled member of the Crow Tribe and a direct descendant of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. She is responsible for the financial management of museum activities but most enjoys it when she is called on by curators for historical information related to objects from Native American Tribes. She has developed a deep appreciation for museums as a medium for teaching while continuing to explore ways to use objects to educate and inform individuals to view culture through a different lens, and to encourage growth and collaboration.

Born to the Yeʼii Diné Táchiiʼnii clan. Born for Béésh bichʼaii clan. Always a bit out there, but never boring; Kris Pfeiffer is a dedicated musician, leader, artist and linguist who is passionate about a wide array of fields. First getting his taste and love of all things life has to offer as a child on the Navajo Nation, he accredits his grandmother and mother for igniting that passion of all things Diné. Basketry, culinary arts, music, language, he was never shy of setting his aspirations high and consistently was encouraged to seek a higher education, climb the ladder of success, seeking out knowledge to questions he had. He loves to draw with chalk pastels, play the piano, cook, and share his Navajo (Diné) language and culture with everyone. He is an accomplished hoop dancer and current student at Utah State University in Logan, Utah.

Kathy Weber is the product of the American Dream and the Peace Corps. She was born on a small family ranch in the Bitterroot Valley of western Montana, the daughter of a hard-working forester and a first-generation immigrant from the South Pacific Islands.

The neighboring rancher cut her umbilical cord. She grew up playing in dirt, curious about everything and inspired by the work ethic of her parents and ancestors from the Pasifika islands of Rotuma and Samoa. Thanks to encouragement from her family, Weber became the first person in her family to earn a master’s degree studying broadcast journalism and political science. Today, Weber draws upon more than 20 years of experience as an award-winning journalist, political strategist, campaign advisor and business consultant to add firepower to her clients’ capacity. She’s a trusted ally for small businesses, corporations, cooperatives, professional associations, non-profits, major events and organizations who value her ability to get the job done right. 

Weber is blessed to be raising her two children in western Montana, exploring the rivers, lakes and mountains around the West. She is passionate about the practice of hula and an active community member of the University of Montana Pacific Islanders Club.

As a passion project to honor her Rotuman heritage, Kathy is the co-founder of The Rotuma Project, the first virtual reality tour of a Pacific island disproportionately impacted by climate change. The Rotuma Project aims to document and honor Rotuman stories, language, cultural practices, geography and traditional knowledge while empowering indigenous voices. Learn more at www.therotumaproject.com