2021 Creative West Cohort

Delbert Anderson, he/him, Farmington, New Mexico

Artist/Educator, DDAT Management | San Juan College

Delbert Anderson is a Diné trumpet artist, composer and educator who attended Eastern New Mexico University studying Music Education and Performance. Anderson is the Jazz Director at San Juan College, founder of the San Juan Jazz Society and is credited as a Native American Music Ambassador. The music of Anderson is inspired through his Navajo cultural background and fused with influences of jazz, funk, hip hop and Southwestern styles. Anderson has created experimental educational programs and is known as an arts project developer. He also serves as a national and international arts consultant specializing in community development. Anderson has performed and worked with some of today’s top music professionals such as Phil Manzanera, Jon Faddis, TS Monk, Bobby Watson, John Lindemann (2x Grammy Winning Producer) and more. Anderson continues his mission of creating opportunities in the arts, educating Native American youth and sharing messages of hope, life and positivity

Dayo Ayodele, he/him, Boise, Idaho

Producing Artistic Director, Global Lounge Incorporated

Dayo Ayodele, Music and Film producer, Global Lounge Artistic Director- Multicultural Issues Advisor and African Community Affairs Advisor. His professional career reflects a variety of cultural arts, humanities, and leadership experiences. He works with citywide leadership to secure financial support and grant funds for programs to better integrate the Boise community with people from diverse cultures, philosophies, and experiences, and to create programs to help youth succeed. He is a musical performer and facilitator at a wide variety of events. In the establishment of the GL, he has led the artistic as well as the organizational functions. In addition, he has built strong relationships with the international community and as a cultural education partner with other organizations and schools across the Treasure Valley. He holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in Film from Columbia College in California.

Ruby Barrientos, she/her/they/them, Reno, Nevada

Customer Service Associate, ANIMARTERENO Collective Program Coordinator

Ruby Barrientos is a first-generation Salvadoran American artist born and raised in Reno, NV. They brings 5 years’ experience as an independent visual artist having shown in galleries and museums locally. Currently, they serve on the board of the Lilley Museum at the University of Nevada Reno and the Gallery Committee at Holland Project. Ruby is an artivist utilizing a unique artistic voice that she coined Nuwave Mayan, a style that incorporates her Salvadoran Mayan ancestry and heritage in the creation of socially relevant work. Ruby’s exhibits, talks, performances, public art, and community involvement speaks to their commitment to engaging with the public through thoughtful discussions about creating better, more inclusive futures.

Cameron Green, he/him, Cheyenne, Wyoming

Art Show Coordinator, Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum

Cameron Green is the Art Show Coordinator for the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. He coordinates the Western Spirit Juried Art Show and Sales, Cheyenne Frontier Days Western Art Show and Sale, and is in the process of developing a third western art show, New Frontier that will explore more social justices and identity topics within an edgier western art format. Cameron graduated with his in MA in History with a minor in Gender and Women’s Studies in 2018 from the University of Wyoming. His thesis “Fantasy of the Last Khmer: French Colonial Representations of Cambodian Identity in French Colonial Institutions,” explored how French colonial architects in Phnom Penh reimagined Cambodian identity as a uniquely Khmer identity. Cameron has presented at numerous academic conferences and has been an invited speaker on the repatriation of looted and stolen artifacts. Prior to his time with CFDOWM, he curated the exhibit “For Freedoms: Representations of Identity and the American Dream,” which looked at the way European artists imagine American identity, the way Americans represent themselves, Native Americans, and Black Americans, and how Black Americans represent themselves in art. It sought to find where ideas of the American Dream intersect and diverge from one and another.

Grace Gutierrez, she/her, Longmont, Colorado

Curatorial and Administrative Assistant, Firehouse Art Center

Grace Gutierrez is a Longmont, Colorado based artist and community advocate. Her passion for the arts and education is paired with a commitment to addressing local race and class issues in engaging and accessible ways. She currently works at the Firehouse Art Center as a curatorial assistant, where she has helped curate exhibitions and facilitate programming to uplift and engage Longmont’s Chicanx/Latinx community. Her personal artistic practice often explores Chicana identity, animal/feminine connections, and small town experiences, through works in a variety of mediums including painting, ceramics, video art, and photography. By Embracing aspects of identity through culture and community, she focusses on building a foundation of playful and sentimental narratives that celebrate community. Grace received her BFA in painting and ceramics from Metropolitan State University of Denver in the Spring of 2020.

Stacey Mei Kelly, she/her, Salt Lake, Utah

Conservator, Utah Museum of Fine Arts

Stacey M. Kelly is the conservator at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA). Her primary responsibility is the long-term care and preservation of UMFA’s diverse collection. Kelly has held positions in various cultural institutions including the J. Willard Marriott Library at the University of Utah, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), the Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth, the Glucksman Conservation Center at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, and Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, England. She received her MA in Conservation of Fine Art with a focus on works of art on paper from Northumbria University in the UK. She is a Professional Associate member of the American Institute for Conservation, a status which requires peer review.

Kelly has treated numerous works of art by major artists, as well as important historical documents. Among them are John James Audubon’s The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America, an aquatint by Mary Cassatt, a pastel by Everett Shinn, albumen silver prints by William Henry Jackson, a watercolor by Charles Russell, illuminated manuscripts from Europe as well as the Islamic World on parchment and paper, a page from the original manuscript of the Book of Mormon, and the Idaho State Constitution.

Neelam Ibrahim, she/her, Kodiak, Alaska

Art Education Coordinator, Kodiak Arts Council

I am artist that paint with oil, acrylics, watercolor, acrylics, charcoal and also graphic designing, while I was in university I used the opportunity to travel to different countries and seen how the locals practice their art that had been passed down for generations, learning the cultures and unexpected art through recycling.I now apply those lessons in my art and combining practices from different cultures in a single art piece, a mixed-race child, I grew up very confused on what I am and where to belong, I come from a very male dominated society in Tanzania, East Africa. Where women have no voices or even allowed to speak in the presence of men. I found an escape in art at the age of 3 where I would draw and paint my own reality and my own world that I see fit for me . My art shows that you don’t to be one thing or another you can be what you choose to be. And that is the lesson I wish the youth to learn , it’s okay to be different and its okay to be who you are.

Kamakani Konia, he/him, Honolulu, Hawai'i

Project Manager, The Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts

My name is Kamakani Konia and I’m a project manager for the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. I’m responsible for organizing contracts and budgets for commissioned works of art for the State of Hawaii as part of the SFCA’s Art in Public Places Program. I also assist in organizing community events and public outreach initiatives for the Hawaii State Art Museum. I was born and raised on the island of Oahu and I’m proud to be a part of the SFCA’s ongoing mission to make the arts more accessible to the people of Hawaii.

Jessica Lagunas she/her, Damascus, Oregon

Arts and Culture Program Associate | Latino Network

Jessica Lagunas was born in México; lives in Portland, OR since 2004. She is a certified life coach and an art instructor in early education.

For several years, she has worked as the Creative Director of the collective IdeAL PDX of Latino Artists, strengthening the growing network of artists of all disciplines, finding unique opportunities for the artists to socialize, receive professional and artistic training, and showcasing their work.

Lagunas connects with her work and life coaching skills by implementing her little artistic touch into early childhood education.

She is Latino Network’s Arts and Culture’s lead associate and coordinates the program Studio Latino, currently serving eight different public schools from k- 8 in partnership with Latino Network’s SUN program. She believes that change begins with self-love, and through our transformation, we can lead others to reach their desired changes and ultimately create a better environment for all people. Jessica also practices different art disciplines such as photography and watercolor painting; she also engages in traditional indigenous ways.

Leona Nawahine Lanzilotti, she/her, Honolulu, Hawai'i

Program Assistant, East-West Center Arts Program

Nāwāhineokalaʻi Lanzilotti is a Kanaka Maoli multi-media performer and educator raised in lower Mānoa, Oʻāhu, whose work focuses on decolonisation and sustaining indigenous practice through experimental performing arts.

Nawa’s collaborations throughout the Asia-Pacific aim to engage diverse communities employing spoken word, movement, sound arts, and film/video projection. From 2012-2018, Nawa lived in New Delhi, India studying Hindustani music and creating cross-cultural productions with her international arts collective PULSE Ensemble. There she also worked with local NGO Shubhendra & Saskia Rao Foundation developing place-based K-12 arts curriculum.

In 2019, she earned her MFA in experimental sound from Milton Avery Graduate School of the Arts at Bard College with the completion of her thesis, “Nā Kai ʻEwalu: Fluidity and Fragmentation as Form in Indigenous Experimental Performance.” Nawa currently serves as the Program Assistant of the East-West Center Arts Program in Mānoa where she also studies hula under the instruction of Hālau Hula O Maiki.

Luis Tomas Martinez he/him, Diamond Bar, California

Chief Entertainment Officer, CASA ALTA LLC

Luis “L.T.” Martinez (Owner, Chief Entertainment Officer | CASA ALTA, LLC) began his career in the arts as a musician; his love for music flung him into the realm of high school musical theatre which he very quickly learned was a far cry from the twitter pated Wildcat romance Kenny Ortega had first painted it to be. He is a Fine Arts graduate with a deep passion for music and film production as well as a not-so-secret affinity for pointing and/or flexing his toes.

L.T. is an informal student of the Martha Graham School as well as a freelance choreographer, filmmaker, and teaching artist. In July of 2020, L.T. and his siblings co-founded CASA ALTA: an entertainment and educational collective that aids in the conceptualization and manifestation of creative work by independent artists and small businesses for the benefit of the Public.

Follow: http://casaalta.online/

Janissa Martinez she/her, Laramie, Wyoming

Graduate Teaching Assistant, the University of Wyoming

I am currently a Graduate Teaching Assistant through the Creative Writing department at the University of Wyoming where I am currently enrolled in the MFA program. Before this, I graduated from the University of Wyoming with a B.A. in Math Education, and minored in Human Development and Family Sciences, Creative Writing, and the Honors Program. I grew up in Glendo, Wyoming, and have been living with my husband and daughter in Laramie, Wyoming for over six years. My goal is to become a full time writer and educator, though I am deeply interested in the arts, issues of cultural policy and arts administration. I believe that art, and especially writing, gives us a voice that we might not have had otherwise– especially for those who have been marginalized. In my free time, I like to read, write, make things our of yarn, play Stardew Valley, and to spend time with my wonderful family.

Monique Michel she/her, Nampa, Idaho

Director/Owner/Teacher, Ballet Folklorico Mexico Lindo

Hello! My name is Monique N. Michel. I’m a teacher, dancer, instructor and dance studio owner in Nampa, Idaho. Originally from Los Angeles, I first learned the art of Mexican folk dancing, or baile folklorico, when I was 6 years old. I’ve danced and traveled to various states in the name of dance. In 1997 after graduation from college and getting married, I moved to Idaho. I started my dance company, the Ballet Folklorico Mexico Lindo, in Nampa in 2003. I started with four dancers and now have over forty-five ranging in age from five years old on up to adults. I teach six folklorico classes a week, all various levels. I’m also a Music teacher and have amazing students in Caldwell, Idaho as well! My love for music and dance is taught to my students both in and out of the classroom and studio. My dancer have performed in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, California and Utah. I’ve met wonderful people that I now call friends. I’ve performed for dignitaries, public and civic groups, non-profits, corporations, professional athletes and organizations and famous authors too. My dancers have participated in educational outreach and collaborated with organizations in and around Idaho and surrounding areas. I’ve danced on stages both great and small, and am thankful every time I’m given the opportunity to share my time and talents. My culture and heritage are very much an extension of who I am.

China Reevers she/her Bozeman, Montana

Event Coordinator, Arts Council of Big Sky

From a young age, China Reevers developed a love for the arts and their ability to bring people together. A Michigan native, she earned a BA in Journalism from Marymount College of Fordham University and Michigan State University. She moved to the West in 2011, and found her home in Bozeman, MT in 2015. China currently works as the event coordinator for the Arts Council of Big Sky and has previously worked as an entertainment writer. During that time she covered a myriad of concerts, events and interviewed a multitude artists across a span of genres for a number of publications, including Paste Magazine, LA Music Blog, Prefix Magazine and others. When not planning events, she enjoys live music, road trips, new adventures, dancing like no one’s watching, and volunteering with organizations including We Are HER, Bozeman Film Celebration, Montana Book Festival, and Brave Space, an independent film project for and by Black, Indigenous and womxn of color. During the summer of 2020 she hosted a fundraising effort through her company No Apologies Art Collective to support various organizations, of which details are available on the website at www.noapologiesac.com.

Rosie Saldana Tieton, Washington

Program Associate/ Volunteer Coordinator, Tieton Arts and Humanities

Rosie Alexis Saldana currently resides in Yakima Washington and graduated with her Bachelor’s in visual arts from Heritage University in 2017. Throughout her life she had always been an aspiring artist. Rosie has a strong bond with her family and receives most of her inspiration from them. Her culture plays in big role in her artwork as well. Rosie grew up as fourth generation Mexican American “Chicana”. As an artist, Rosie uses her artwork to find her own self-identity and not only embrace her cultural history but also celebrate it. Rosie is currently employed with nonprofit Tieton Arts and Humanities (TA&H). She began as an intern in the summer of 2018 and was asked to stay on as office assistant and then promoted to Program Associate/ Volunteer Coordinator. She has gained many skills with TA&H such as working closely with artists from around the state and internationally. She has also been given responsibility to coordinate TA&H annual Dia de Los Muertos event. While being with this organization she has gained a new love for gallery exhibition work and Museum curation. Rosie’s goal is to enroll at John Hopkins University for there MA in Museum Studies Program.

Tatiana Ticknor Anchorage, Alaska

Unguwat Culture and Resilience Program Coordinator | Alaska Native Heritage Center

Yaghali Du. How are you today? My name is Tatiana Ticknor, I am Dena’ina, Deg Hit’an and Lingit. My families come from the communities of Nondalton, Telida and Sitka, but I was born and raised in Anchorage, AK. I have a one-year-old son and currently take care of my teenage younger sister. In Alaska Anchorage is known as the big city. Growing up in the city I have always felt a sense of disconnect to who I was and where my ancestors grew up. It was not until very recently I have learned I was always immersed in culture and grew up learning and knowing traditional values. Within the past few years, I have gotten into beading and learning traditional songs and dances. I bead on my down time when I am not at work in school or spending time with my family. I used to go to dance practice with my family, now we sing and dance in our living room. I love bringing the kids into culture and traditions by teaching them our traditional ways though art. Someday I hope they teach the younger generation of our people and traditions.

Herbert Washington he/him, Phoenix, Arizona

Artistic Director, Phoenix Boys Choir

Herbert Washington is the Harvey K. Smith Artistic Director and alumnus of the Phoenix Boys Choir. Recognized for his dynamic teaching style and ability to instill a love for the choral arts, he is a frequent choral clinician, conductor, lecturer, producer for industry artists, adjudicator for festivals, workshops, and conferences around the country. Recently, he was selected to serve on the Grammy-winning Phoenix Chorale’s “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion” task force. In prior positions, Washington served as Choral Director at Gilbert Christian Schools and Chandler Children’s Choir. While working toward his Dual B.A. in Music and Interdisciplinary Fine Arts, he was a member and soloist in the St. Olaf Choir, conducted by Dr. Anton Armstrong, and directed “Voices of Praise,” the St. Olaf Gospel Choir. He went on to receive an M.M. in Choral Conducting from the University of Arizona. While under the mentorship of Dr. Elizabeth Schauer and Dr. Bruce Chamberlain at UArizona, Washington founded the all-male award-winning ensemble, Cat-Call A Cappella. Washington is a proud member of the Arizona Music Educators Association (AMEA), former ACDA Western Division Chair board member (WDACDA), and currently serves on the board as the Repertoire and Resource Chair for Boy Choirs (AzACDA). Herbert resides in Phoenix with his beloved wife, Yadira, and their sons Elian and Yadian.