Federico Zúñiga, Program Manager
Beginning in February, ACTA proudly launched a transformative series of free cultural arts workshops specifically designed for reentry populations in the Antelope Valley.
In partnership with the Los Angeles County Justice and Care Opportunities Department and funded by the LA County Department of Arts and Culture, we have a satellite office at the D.O.O.R.S. (Developing Opportunities and Offering Reentry Solutions) Center in Lancaster, along with other service providers. To guide and anchor this effort, ACTA hired Antelope Valley-based visual artist and cultural organizer Saidah Gray as project coordinator.
Our journey began with collective songwriting workshops led by the extraordinary pianist and multi-instrumentalist Matt Amper, alongside percussion workshops led by Afro-Panamanian master percussionist Nikki Campbell. Both are acclaimed touring and session musicians, and we are incredibly fortunate to have their expertise throughout this initial set of classes
“After each class, I feel so accomplished,” participant Christal Gardiner said after finishing an Afro-Panamanian Drumming workshop led by Nikki Campbell.
We held a total of eight sessions of collective songwriting workshops and introduced a new offering: Afro-Colombian drumming and dance, led by master percussionist Eduardo Martínez Arvilla and master dancer Tamara Martinez. Eduardo and Tamara delved deep into history and significance of these traditions and that class culminated last week.
The response from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many gaining confidence and skill in these artistic disciplines. Participants have mentioned feeling accomplished after the often cathartic workshops.
These enriching classes were held at the Five Keys Charter School in Lancaster and offer a unique opportunity: participants enrolled in GED classes can earn performing arts credit, helping them progress toward earning a high school diploma.
For our final classes before the fall, Antelope Valley’s own Ethel Zafranco is leading workshops in collaborative mural-making. These classes launched on April 10 and will continue weekly from 3:00 to 5:00 PM on Mondays through August at the D.O.O.R.S Center in Lancaster.
For more information on how to participate, email [email protected] or call 213-204-9696.
We’re proud to highlight Five Keys student Yalonda Thompson, who actively participated in 13 out of 16 Cultural Arts Workshops. During our Collective Songwriting sessions, she wrote and recorded two original songs in collaboration with instructor and musician Matt Amper, and Program Coordinator, Saidah Gray. Her dedication and engagement earned her two high school elective credits for completing 26 hours of creative participation with ACTA.
Listen to her songs “Unspeakable Joy” and “Lord I Will” below.
“Unspeakable Joy” by Yalonda Thompson, in collaboration with Matt Amper and Saidah Gray
“Lord I Will” by Yalonda Thompson, in collaboration with Matt Amper and Saidah Gray
