I have worked in several different areas in my life. I have been a traditional storyteller, an Indigenous educator, an Indigenous monitor/consultant, a spiritual adviser, a traditional paddler and builder of Chumash canoes, a preschool teacher and a juvenile institution officer at the Kern County Juvenile Hall and the Kern…
Makeda Kumasi (MFA / M.Ed) is the founder of WE 3 PRODUCTIONS, as well as the co-founder and artistic director of The Umoja Ensemble of the Inland Empire. Along with being a featured performer on stage and T.V., Kumasi has danced for two prominent Southern California based African dance ensembles,…
Zapotecan Textile Arts
African American Quilting
Pit River Nation Cradleboard Basketry
For over four decades, proud daughter of Oaxaqueños, Maria Luisa Colmenarez has played a large role in ensuring Mexican folk dance remains accessible to the community while advocating for a larger presence in the performing arts space. She currently serves as the executive director of Danzantes Unidos de California, a…
Mel was born and raised in Vallejo, CA. He has been a martial artist since 1972. He teaches Balintawak Arnis, Filipino Martial Art, in the context of Philippine and Filipino culture and history. He’s is also the author of “Filipinos in Vallejo.” Mel is a member of the Mark of…
Ora Clay is a contemporary fiber artist who has exhibited her work in galleries, museums, and public buildings locally and nationally. Her artwork has also been featured on the front page of The New York Times Arts Section. Her quilts tell stories by incorporating photos, sayings, and events…
Anana Clark is a master braider and threadwrap artist originally from Los Angeles, now living in the Bay Area. She teaches an online course in African Threadwrapping and is also available for in-person classes for cosmetology schools and African centered workshops. She also has note and…
Intercultural Poetry and Art