California Partnership for the Future of Learning Art Gallery
In the Summer of 2023, the California Partnership for the Future of Learning commissioned ten (10) diverse artists from across the state to create original work to spark the public’s ability to reimagine the power and potential of schools to be hubs of joy, belonging, healing, celebration and opportunity for all. Working in a variety of mediums, our artist partners uplifted their dreams and visions for a racially just, relationship centered school system that meets the unique needs of every student, family, and community.
This artwork is a powerful representation of the CA Partnership's campaign to create life-changing community schools where every student, family, and educator thrives.
Note: If using any of the artwork from this gallery, please credit the artists and the California Partnership accordingly. You may use the template below:
“This original artwork is by [artist name & link to portfolio or social media profile], and is part of the California Partnership for the Future of Learning’s 2023 Arts & Culture series.”
A’Kailah Byrd-Greene is a portrait and mural artist from San Bernardino, California. Her work focuses on bringing a colorful and vibrant outlook to the way African American and Black women are presented in art while often manipulating traditional skin tones to highlight an array of emotions. A’Kailah also explores environmental and social justice issues with her mural work, giving a voice to communities through artistic expression. A’Kailah received a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from the California State University of San Bernardino in 2019 and graduated with her Master of Fine Arts degree from Claremont Graduate University in May 2021.
Who are my people?
The Inland Empire
What dreams and hopes do you have for the schools in your community?
As an artist who worked in the San Bernardino school district for over 6 years and has grown up in a family full of educators, I know how important it is to promote equity, perseverance, diversity, education, and the arts in my community. I dream of schools where children are considered more than just data. I hope for the schools in my community to be able to center the whole child and focus on student wellbeing before their academics. I long for classrooms that will center students voice and experiences and allow students to have agency over their learning.
I hope that in the schools surrounding me, I see students that aren't afraid to step outside the box and really reach for their goals and dreams. I also hope that there is less negativity regarding the abilities of our students and that they are guided towards better paths for opportunity and success. Not only will the students in the schools have safe spaces where they can have peace of mind, but they will also be encouraged to be their true selves.
Why is art a powerful medium to transform our communities and schools?
Art has the opportunity to convey an image, idea, opportunity, or visual that can be hard to do with text or speech alone. I love that art can create symbols and references for movements that stick with viewers. I personally felt that art is one of the main reasons why I became who I am today. I was taught so many valuable lessons because of art and I know that it has the power to be a catalyst for change in our schools and communities as people and students explore what their roles are in life.
A’Kailah Byrd-Greene is a portrait and mural artist from San Bernardino, California. Her work focuses on bringing a colorful and vibrant outlook to the way African American and Black women are presented in art while often manipulating traditional skin tones to highlight an array of emotions. A’Kailah also explores environmental and social justice issues with her mural work, giving a voice to communities through artistic expression. A’Kailah received a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from the California State University of San Bernardino in 2019 and graduated with her Master of Fine Arts degree from Claremont Graduate University in May 2021.
Who are my people?
The Inland Empire
What dreams and hopes do you have for the schools in your community?
As an artist who worked in the San Bernardino school district for over 6 years and has grown up in a family full of educators, I know how important it is to promote equity, perseverance, diversity, education, and the arts in my community. I dream of schools where children are considered more than just data. I hope for the schools in my community to be able to center the whole child and focus on student wellbeing before their academics. I long for classrooms that will center students voice and experiences and allow students to have agency over their learning.
I hope that in the schools surrounding me, I see students that aren't afraid to step outside the box and really reach for their goals and dreams. I also hope that there is less negativity regarding the abilities of our students and that they are guided towards better paths for opportunity and success. Not only will the students in the schools have safe spaces where they can have peace of mind, but they will also be encouraged to be their true selves.
Why is art a powerful medium to transform our communities and schools?
Art has the opportunity to convey an image, idea, opportunity, or visual that can be hard to do with text or speech alone. I love that art can create symbols and references for movements that stick with viewers. I personally felt that art is one of the main reasons why I became who I am today. I was taught so many valuable lessons because of art and I know that it has the power to be a catalyst for change in our schools and communities as people and students explore what their roles are in life.
Alphabet Rockers make music that makes change. Led by Kaitlin McGaw (she/her) and Tommy Soulati Shepherd (he/him/they), they create brave spaces to shape a more equitable world through hip hop, as 2023 GRAMMY winners for Best Children’s Album, 4x GRAMMY nominees, Othering & Belonging Institute Fellows and industry leaders for change. They work in partnership with communities to create media that reflects the culture of belonging needed in the world. Reaching over 5 million families since 2007, Alphabet Rockers inspire American kids and families to stand up to hate and be their brave and beautiful selves.
Who are my people?
All ages of movers, dreamers and listeners
What dreams and hopes do you have for the schools in your community?
In our dreams for schools, Alphabet Rockers envision a transformative approach where music becomes a catalyst for change, inspiring conversations around racial justice among students, educators and families. We strive to connect hearts and minds, fostering a future where dialogue, collaboration, and the power of music create inclusive and equitable learning environments.
Why is art a powerful medium to transform our communities and schools?
With any element of art, we have the chance to experience the world through another's lens. And when we create with intention for the world we want to see, we invite people to see that as a possibility. Art in all forms helps us embody that future!
Alphabet Rockers make music that makes change. Led by Kaitlin McGaw (she/her) and Tommy Soulati Shepherd (he/him/they), they create brave spaces to shape a more equitable world through hip hop, as 2023 GRAMMY winners for Best Children’s Album, 4x GRAMMY nominees, Othering & Belonging Institute Fellows and industry leaders for change. They work in partnership with communities to create media that reflects the culture of belonging needed in the world. Reaching over 5 million families since 2007, Alphabet Rockers inspire American kids and families to stand up to hate and be their brave and beautiful selves.
Who are my people?
All ages of movers, dreamers and listeners
What dreams and hopes do you have for the schools in your community?
In our dreams for schools, Alphabet Rockers envision a transformative approach where music becomes a catalyst for change, inspiring conversations around racial justice among students, educators and families. We strive to connect hearts and minds, fostering a future where dialogue, collaboration, and the power of music create inclusive and equitable learning environments.
Why is art a powerful medium to transform our communities and schools?
With any element of art, we have the chance to experience the world through another's lens. And when we create with intention for the world we want to see, we invite people to see that as a possibility. Art in all forms helps us embody that future!
Blaze Bautista (she/her) is a visual artist and educator based in Culver City, California. She graduated from UCLA in 2022 with a concentration in Arts Activism from the World Arts and Cultures/Dance Department and a minor in Visual and Performing Arts Education. She has been drawing and painting commissioned works for over 10 years, with a specialty in portraits and botanical artwork. Blaze is passionate about using her art to educate, uplift, and bring together community. She has over 3 years of experience working with local arts organizations to provide accessible arts education programs for youth including UCLA Arts, the Hammer Museum, and LA Commons. Currently, she leads a mural-making class at the UCLA Community School creating student-driven public artworks to bring joy to their campus.
Who are my people?
Los Angeles artists, educators, and community organizers
Why is art a powerful medium to transform our communities and schools?
I see art as a tool for expression, healing, and connection which is essential in schools and communities. Whether you are creating art individually or in a collective, the act of being creative and expressive connects you to yourself, your humanity, and the people around you. By sharing art with each other, we open up space to tell and hear stories from our peers and envision better futures together.
What dreams and hopes do you have for the schools in your community?
I hope that students receive more resources from schools for mental health support after the isolation and trauma they experienced during the pandemic. I dream of a school framework that approaches student learning with compassion, love, care, and support first. We should be focused on nurturing these future generations and creating pathways for them to become their best selves and servers of their community. I hope that schools prioritize community engagement and develop students that are invested in the vitality and growth of their local neighborhoods. I find collective learning, art-making, story sharing, and volunteering are beautiful pathways toward this future.
Blaze Bautista (she/her) is a visual artist and educator based in Culver City, California. She graduated from UCLA in 2022 with a concentration in Arts Activism from the World Arts and Cultures/Dance Department and a minor in Visual and Performing Arts Education. She has been drawing and painting commissioned works for over 10 years, with a specialty in portraits and botanical artwork. Blaze is passionate about using her art to educate, uplift, and bring together community. She has over 3 years of experience working with local arts organizations to provide accessible arts education programs for youth including UCLA Arts, the Hammer Museum, and LA Commons. Currently, she leads a mural-making class at the UCLA Community School creating student-driven public artworks to bring joy to their campus.
Who are my people?
Los Angeles artists, educators, and community organizers
Why is art a powerful medium to transform our communities and schools?
I see art as a tool for expression, healing, and connection which is essential in schools and communities. Whether you are creating art individually or in a collective, the act of being creative and expressive connects you to yourself, your humanity, and the people around you. By sharing art with each other, we open up space to tell and hear stories from our peers and envision better futures together.
What dreams and hopes do you have for the schools in your community?
I hope that students receive more resources from schools for mental health support after the isolation and trauma they experienced during the pandemic. I dream of a school framework that approaches student learning with compassion, love, care, and support first. We should be focused on nurturing these future generations and creating pathways for them to become their best selves and servers of their community. I hope that schools prioritize community engagement and develop students that are invested in the vitality and growth of their local neighborhoods. I find collective learning, art-making, story sharing, and volunteering are beautiful pathways toward this future.
Bud “Thirds Realm” Herrera was born in 1985 in East Los Angeles, California. He grew up drawing as early as the age of 5. His work continued to progress and evolve at the age of 11 he ventured into the art of graffiti. Graffiti art became his motivation in creating and gave him the confidence to paint larger works. In addition, it taught him perspective, color theory and further developed his artistic skills, which later translated into his work with acrylics. He is currently based out of Santa Ana. He has been awarded several grants from the city of Santa Ana’s Art and Culture Office. As well as being featured on the centerfold of Premiere OC guide to Visual Art October 2020 edition. The growing popularity and demand for “Thirds Realms” artwork has gained the recognition of many and can be found in a variety of private collections throughout Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange County and Mexico City. His work is influenced by nature, philosophy, symbolism, culture and organic elements. He occupies walls in public areas where people of diverse cultures and backgrounds can have access to free public art on their daily commutes. His objective is to continue creating quality art, while sparking awareness and amplifying diversity in our community one wall at a time.
Who are my people?
Low income people of color
What dreams and hopes do you have for the schools in your community?
My goal is to empower the youth in my neighborhood to Dream Big. Through my artist advocacy work I have connected high school students with professional artist supplies, art opportunities, internship opportunities and mentorship to promote future creative leaders in our community.
Why is art a powerful medium to transform our communities and schools?
Art is a universal language.
Kimberly Duran with Bud Herrera
Kimberly Duran, professionally known as "Shmi" was born and raised in Santa Ana. I have always been drawn towards creating and building with my hands and began painting mural backdrops for plays at 11. My experience as a first-generation Chicana informs my art, often revolving around themes of identity. I am the daughter of two migrants who settled in the city of Santa Ana. As a child, I traveled to Mexico many times and felt extremely influenced by the cultural differences and pride of my heritage. By focusing on the voices and people that inhabit and surround these spaces, my work has been able to shape the identity of my community through my murals. My medium of choice is aerosol and acrylic. I specialize in large scale mural paintings. Folk arts rooted in and reflective of the cultural life of a community.
Bud “Thirds Realm” Herrera was born in 1985 in East Los Angeles, California. He grew up drawing as early as the age of 5. His work continued to progress and evolve at the age of 11 he ventured into the art of graffiti. Graffiti art became his motivation in creating and gave him the confidence to paint larger works. In addition, it taught him perspective, color theory and further developed his artistic skills, which later translated into his work with acrylics. He is currently based out of Santa Ana. He has been awarded several grants from the city of Santa Ana’s Art and Culture Office. As well as being featured on the centerfold of Premiere OC guide to Visual Art October 2020 edition. The growing popularity and demand for “Thirds Realms” artwork has gained the recognition of many and can be found in a variety of private collections throughout Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange County and Mexico City. His work is influenced by nature, philosophy, symbolism, culture and organic elements. He occupies walls in public areas where people of diverse cultures and backgrounds can have access to free public art on their daily commutes. His objective is to continue creating quality art, while sparking awareness and amplifying diversity in our community one wall at a time.
Who are my people?
Low income people of color
What dreams and hopes do you have for the schools in your community?
My goal is to empower the youth in my neighborhood to Dream Big. Through my artist advocacy work I have connected high school students with professional artist supplies, art opportunities, internship opportunities and mentorship to promote future creative leaders in our community.
Why is art a powerful medium to transform our communities and schools?
Art is a universal language.
Elizabeth Blancas is a first generation queer Xicana artist based in the Bay Area. She utilizes art as a tool for resistance as well as a celebration of her community. Blancas specializes in muralism and digital illustration; exploring themes around culture, identity, womanhood and sexuality. Her work serves as a platform to empower LGBTQIA+ folks and communities of color. Blancas holds a B.A. from UCLA in Chicanx Studies and Art History.
Who are my people?
Bay Area, People of the global majority, Queer & Trans people
What dreams and hopes do you have for the schools in your community?
I hope for a more holistic approach that can see students as whole humans. I hope for higher wages for educators that are shaping our future. I hope for a more diverse curriculum that continues to evolve.
Why is art a powerful medium to transform our communities and schools?
Art gives us a visual language that helps us name societal issues and envision a more beautiful equitable society. It also reminds us how important creativity is as a tool for transformation that must then be nurtured in everybody, especially young people rather than discouraged.
Elizabeth Blancas is a first generation queer Xicana artist based in the Bay Area. She utilizes art as a tool for resistance as well as a celebration of her community. Blancas specializes in muralism and digital illustration; exploring themes around culture, identity, womanhood and sexuality. Her work serves as a platform to empower LGBTQIA+ folks and communities of color. Blancas holds a B.A. from UCLA in Chicanx Studies and Art History.
Who are my people?
Bay Area, People of the global majority, Queer & Trans people
What dreams and hopes do you have for the schools in your community?
I hope for a more holistic approach that can see students as whole humans. I hope for higher wages for educators that are shaping our future. I hope for a more diverse curriculum that continues to evolve.
Why is art a powerful medium to transform our communities and schools?
Art gives us a visual language that helps us name societal issues and envision a more beautiful equitable society. It also reminds us how important creativity is as a tool for transformation that must then be nurtured in everybody, especially young people rather than discouraged.
Leilani Salvador was born and raised throughout the Bay Area to a single Filipina immigrant mother while her dad, also an immigrant, was incarcerated for most of her lifetime. Beginning her artistic journey in Polynesian Dance at the age of 5, she later expanded her arts practice to include other styles of dance, acting, musicianship and spoken word. While completing her BA in Sociology and History of Art and Visual Culture, she pursued a minor in Dance and served as a student leader for cultural arts organizations and resource centers. After also acquiring her MFA in Interdisciplinary Art and Writing, she began specializing in healing-centered Community Based Artworks with youth and women throughout the Bay Area. She is a single-mother of three young boys, Full-time Director at BAY-Peace and freelance Cultural Arts Consultant through her business, Wage Art. Through her work, she demonstrates a strong commitment to combating violence, perpetuating healing-centered frameworks and building community with youth and women at the forefront.
Who are my people?
Filipinos, 1st generation college students, survivors, youth with incarcerated parents, children of immigrants, Movement leaders for Peace in Oakland, My bloodline, my Godfamily
What dreams and hopes do you have for the schools in your community?
My greatest dream for schools is for students to have more agency and decision making power when it comes to identifying and resourcing their expressed needs for safety and enthusiastic engagement. When students feel safe and enthusiastic, they can more easily learn and engage with the content they are learning about at school. Teachers and administrators need to pay more attention to what can be done to make students feel safe; safe enough to express their authentic selves and even make mistakes as they learn, grow and mature. They also need to develop infrastructure that increases student agency, because this will develop a stronger sense of enthusiasm for students when it comes to being part of the school community.
Why is art a powerful medium to transform our communities and schools?
Art is a powerful vehicle for healing, transformation, transmutation and imagination. Art is the concrete reality of creative expression and helps us to communicate, imagine and feel things that are not easily translated with words and language alone. Art inspires minds on both the giving and receiving ends, it's a medium that I believe is what our movement needs to amplify the vision for more just, equitable, liberated systems.
Leilani x Versoul
Leilani Salvador was born and raised throughout the Bay Area to a single Filipina immigrant mother while her dad, also an immigrant, was incarcerated for most of her lifetime. Beginning her artistic journey in Polynesian Dance at the age of 5, she later expanded her arts practice to include other styles of dance, acting, musicianship and spoken word. While completing her BA in Sociology and History of Art and Visual Culture, she pursued a minor in Dance and served as a student leader for cultural arts organizations and resource centers. After also acquiring her MFA in Interdisciplinary Art and Writing, she began specializing in healing-centered Community Based Artworks with youth and women throughout the Bay Area. She is a single-mother of three young boys, Full-time Director at BAY-Peace and freelance Cultural Arts Consultant through her business, Wage Art. Through her work, she demonstrates a strong commitment to combating violence, perpetuating healing-centered frameworks and building community with youth and women at the forefront.
Who are my people?
Filipinos, 1st generation college students, survivors, youth with incarcerated parents, children of immigrants, Movement leaders for Peace in Oakland, My bloodline, my Godfamily
What dreams and hopes do you have for the schools in your community?
My greatest dream for schools is for students to have more agency and decision making power when it comes to identifying and resourcing their expressed needs for safety and enthusiastic engagement. When students feel safe and enthusiastic, they can more easily learn and engage with the content they are learning about at school. Teachers and administrators need to pay more attention to what can be done to make students feel safe; safe enough to express their authentic selves and even make mistakes as they learn, grow and mature. They also need to develop infrastructure that increases student agency, because this will develop a stronger sense of enthusiasm for students when it comes to being part of the school community.
Why is art a powerful medium to transform our communities and schools?
Art is a powerful vehicle for healing, transformation, transmutation and imagination. Art is the concrete reality of creative expression and helps us to communicate, imagine and feel things that are not easily translated with words and language alone. Art inspires minds on both the giving and receiving ends, it's a medium that I believe is what our movement needs to amplify the vision for more just, equitable, liberated systems.
Versoul is an Alternative Hip-Hop artist, songwriter, producer and audio engineer from San Francisco, California. Since Versoul was a baby, Hip-Hop, Soul & RnB music has embraced her into becoming the multifaceted artist she is today. From freestyling at the young age of 8 to producing beats at 13, Versoul has developed a passion for expressing herself creatively through music. Versoul delivers a distinct and unclassified sound influenced by the sounds of early 80-90s music. Through her music she tells her story and in seeing the impact her music has made on others, Versoul now dedicates her musical intention to inspire other mixed youth all around the world to tell their story and embrace their power to make a positive difference in their lives, and in the world.
Who are my people?
Peers,Youth, Musicians, Artists of all mediums, Family, friends
What dreams and hopes do you have for the schools in your community?
I have dreams and hopes that the schools in my community will truly represent its students, cultures & diversity. I hope the schools will provide students with more care and attention to really make the youth feel cared for, and treated justly, not just treated like they don’t know anything. I have hope for schools to also embrace more art projects and art classes instead of cutting those classes, as well as providing education on mental health.
Why is art a powerful medium to transform our communities and schools?
Art is a powerful medium to transform our communities and schools for the better because of the creative freedom that is the foundation of all art. This creative freedom supports and sparks critical thinking, problem solving and creative transformation of difficult experiences to something that is inspiring, powerful and conducive to a healthy mental health.
Monique Harper-Desir, Mo, is a first generation, Queer arts activist from Western MA, working across the country to provide arts based creation, education and services for community growth. Mo is a mother to 2 free brown boys and considers herself a caretaker to her community. Mo has been dedicated to social justice & arts based education for over 15 years and implements her experiences as a marginalized identity and an artist to build meaningful curriculum, professional development and learning moments of play. You may also recognize Mo from her work with Humboldt County organization Black Humboldt or Access Humboldt and her micro business Mo HD Creates. As an artist Mo actively creates using Multimedia Visual Arts, Hip-Hop, Hip Hop theater, Dance and Poetry. Mo values free speech, inclusion/equity, education, open communication and Black Joy!
Who are my people?
Queer, liberated Black & Brown folx. Artists, nurturers, builders and educators
What dreams and hopes do you have for the schools in your community?
I dream that schools will one day represent a completely safe haven for students regardless of their background or any of their identities, that they always see a piece of themselves woven into the fabrics of their school community. I hope that schools are a place for connection, open dialogue and observation as much as they are a place for learning. I dream of schools with resources and living wages for teachers, staff and administration in my community.
Why is art a powerful medium to transform our communities and schools?
Art has been an essential point of storytelling since the beginning of time. We have the tools to shine the light on stories that articulate the progression and joy of within our communities rather than hearing stories of trauma and pain. Art is a tool for conversations, expression, therapy, and so much more. It inspires and connects people without words.
Seng So has spent over 20 years organizing for justice alongside BIPOC, immigrant and refugee communities across California. Today, he is a Lead Organizer with the Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN) organizing Asian immigrant and refugee communities around environmental justice in the South Bay Region of Los Angeles. In the 1980s, his parents fled the Khmer genocide and settled in the Bay Area. It is from this history—the struggles and sacrifices of his ancestors—that paves his path today. At the heart of his life and work are three principles: community, love, liberation.
Who are my people?
My people are immigrant and refugee communities across the diaspora. My people are Khmer, Southeast Asian folks who are reimagining home in places far away from their ancestral lands.
What dreams and hopes do you have for the schools in your community?
I believe that meaningful relationships in schools are critical in connecting students to their educational experience. I had a teacher in elementary school, Mrs. Echavez, who was the first adult who I felt cared about her students. She would make home visits. She exposed me to a lot of firsts in life like the first time I ever ate at a Red Vine, the first time I went to the arcade, the first time I rode the BART and many more. She, like many other teachers like her, are responsible for keeping our communities together. My dream and hopes for our schools is that they serve as centers for our communities where families, educators and resources coordinate and collaborate to meet the needs of the collective as well as push for greater change in our neighborhoods. I would be honored to be selected as an artist.
Why is art a powerful medium to transform our communities and schools?
Art is transformative because it has the power to evoke deep emotions, challenge conventional perspectives, and inspire introspection and self-discovery. Through various mediums, art can create a profound connection between the artist and the audience, allowing individuals to see the world from new angles and experience different realities. By transcending cultural, linguistic, and societal barriers, art stimulates personal growth and societal change, making it a vital tool for shaping perceptions, challenging the status quo and fostering empathy and understanding.
Seng So has spent over 20 years organizing for justice alongside BIPOC, immigrant and refugee communities across California. Today, he is a Lead Organizer with the Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN) organizing Asian immigrant and refugee communities around environmental justice in the South Bay Region of Los Angeles. In the 1980s, his parents fled the Khmer genocide and settled in the Bay Area. It is from this history—the struggles and sacrifices of his ancestors—that paves his path today. At the heart of his life and work are three principles: community, love, liberation.
Who are my people?
My people are immigrant and refugee communities across the diaspora. My people are Khmer, Southeast Asian folks who are reimagining home in places far away from their ancestral lands.
What dreams and hopes do you have for the schools in your community?
I believe that meaningful relationships in schools are critical in connecting students to their educational experience. I had a teacher in elementary school, Mrs. Echavez, who was the first adult who I felt cared about her students. She would make home visits. She exposed me to a lot of firsts in life like the first time I ever ate at a Red Vine, the first time I went to the arcade, the first time I rode the BART and many more. She, like many other teachers like her, are responsible for keeping our communities together. My dream and hopes for our schools is that they serve as centers for our communities where families, educators and resources coordinate and collaborate to meet the needs of the collective as well as push for greater change in our neighborhoods. I would be honored to be selected as an artist.
Why is art a powerful medium to transform our communities and schools?
Art is transformative because it has the power to evoke deep emotions, challenge conventional perspectives, and inspire introspection and self-discovery. Through various mediums, art can create a profound connection between the artist and the audience, allowing individuals to see the world from new angles and experience different realities. By transcending cultural, linguistic, and societal barriers, art stimulates personal growth and societal change, making it a vital tool for shaping perceptions, challenging the status quo and fostering empathy and understanding.
Tanya Sangpun Thamkruphat is a Thai-Vietnamese American poet and essayist. Her writing advocates for an open dialogue about mental health, body image, identity, culture and heritage, and relationships, especially in relation to the BIPOC diaspora experience. She’s dedicated to sharing information about low-cost or free creative resources in order to make art more accessible. She participates in community-based artistic spaces dedicated to helping break down the barriers to art. Recently, she hosted a teen poetry workshop in partnership with her hometown public library in Santa Ana, CA. Tanya has received support from Kenyon Review Writers Workshop, Voices of Our Nations Arts Foundation (VONA), Boston Writers of Color (BWOC), Gasher Press, and The Highlights Foundation.
Tanya is the author of Em(body)ment of Wonder (Raine Poetry Publishing, 2021) and It Wasn’t a Dream (Fahmidan Publishing & Co., 2022). Her next poetry book, CARE INSTRUCTIONS, is forthcoming from Finishing Line Press in 2024. Her writing appears in The Orange County Register, Button Poetry, The Cincinnati Review, Rio Grande Review, West Trestle Review, in Southern California art exhibits, and elsewhere. Tanya lives with her partner and feline overlord in Palm Desert, CA.
Who are my people?
My communities include Palm Desert, Santa Ana, and Tustin. My people are dreamers. They are creatives. They are BIPOCs (especially Thai and Vietnamese folks) in Orange County and the Coachella Valley.
Why is art a powerful medium to transform our communities and schools?
Art is a powerful tool to help us heal and to create joy, but it also can be used to educate, to inspire, and to build and uplift local communities and schools, especially BIPOC ones.
What dreams and hopes do you have for the schools in your community?
I have more than hopes and dreams for the schools in my community; I have wants for them. I want schools to accommodate students in the way they learn; every student learns differently so I want schools to find ways to ensure there’s a supportive classroom environment for everyone. I want schools to ensure that students are doing well, not just academically, but doing well mentally, emotionally, and physically; there should be free and integrated therapy/counseling in the school schedule. This should be provided to the student’s family, educators, and all school staff, too. In a related vein, I want schools to provide general resources and help (e.g., meals, clothes, school supplies, classroom supplies, transportation, etc.) to students and their families, educators, and staff who are in need so that they have fewer worries. I want schools to teach students beyond the traditional history class; BIPOC histories and ethnic studies should be part of the curriculum. I want schools to be hubs of social action; they should have ongoing programs and events that foster healthy activism for students and their families, educators, and staff to participate in. I want schools to have daily or weekly free school programs and events that help foster exploration, curiosity, creativity, and fun, especially through the arts. I want schools to be staunch activists of the arts, to demonstrate that art isn’t just a hobby, that it’s as important as the other subjects taught in schools. I want the schools in my community to be more than schools; I want them to be an endless list of possibilities.
Tanya Sangpun Thamkruphat is a Thai-Vietnamese American poet and essayist. Her writing advocates for an open dialogue about mental health, body image, identity, culture and heritage, and relationships, especially in relation to the BIPOC diaspora experience. She’s dedicated to sharing information about low-cost or free creative resources in order to make art more accessible. She participates in community-based artistic spaces dedicated to helping break down the barriers to art. Recently, she hosted a teen poetry workshop in partnership with her hometown public library in Santa Ana, CA. Tanya has received support from Kenyon Review Writers Workshop, Voices of Our Nations Arts Foundation (VONA), Boston Writers of Color (BWOC), Gasher Press, and The Highlights Foundation.
Tanya is the author of Em(body)ment of Wonder (Raine Poetry Publishing, 2021) and It Wasn’t a Dream (Fahmidan Publishing & Co., 2022). Her next poetry book, CARE INSTRUCTIONS, is forthcoming from Finishing Line Press in 2024. Her writing appears in The Orange County Register, Button Poetry, The Cincinnati Review, Rio Grande Review, West Trestle Review, in Southern California art exhibits, and elsewhere. Tanya lives with her partner and feline overlord in Palm Desert, CA.
Who are my people?
My communities include Palm Desert, Santa Ana, and Tustin. My people are dreamers. They are creatives. They are BIPOCs (especially Thai and Vietnamese folks) in Orange County and the Coachella Valley.
Why is art a powerful medium to transform our communities and schools?
Art is a powerful tool to help us heal and to create joy, but it also can be used to educate, to inspire, and to build and uplift local communities and schools, especially BIPOC ones.
What dreams and hopes do you have for the schools in your community?
I have more than hopes and dreams for the schools in my community; I have wants for them. I want schools to accommodate students in the way they learn; every student learns differently so I want schools to find ways to ensure there’s a supportive classroom environment for everyone. I want schools to ensure that students are doing well, not just academically, but doing well mentally, emotionally, and physically; there should be free and integrated therapy/counseling in the school schedule. This should be provided to the student’s family, educators, and all school staff, too. In a related vein, I want schools to provide general resources and help (e.g., meals, clothes, school supplies, classroom supplies, transportation, etc.) to students and their families, educators, and staff who are in need so that they have fewer worries. I want schools to teach students beyond the traditional history class; BIPOC histories and ethnic studies should be part of the curriculum. I want schools to be hubs of social action; they should have ongoing programs and events that foster healthy activism for students and their families, educators, and staff to participate in. I want schools to have daily or weekly free school programs and events that help foster exploration, curiosity, creativity, and fun, especially through the arts. I want schools to be staunch activists of the arts, to demonstrate that art isn’t just a hobby, that it’s as important as the other subjects taught in schools. I want the schools in my community to be more than schools; I want them to be an endless list of possibilities.
Versoul is an Alternative Hip-Hop artist, songwriter, producer and audio engineer from San Francisco, California. Since Versoul was a baby, Hip-Hop, Soul & RnB music has embraced her into becoming the multifaceted artist she is today. From freestyling at the young age of 8 to producing beats at 13, Versoul has developed a passion for expressing herself creatively through music. Versoul delivers a distinct and unclassified sound influenced by the sounds of early 80-90s music. Through her music she tells her story and in seeing the impact her music has made on others, Versoul now dedicates her musical intention to inspire other mixed youth all around the world to tell their story and embrace their power to make a positive difference in their lives, and in the world.
Who are my people?
Peers,Youth, Musicians, Artists of all mediums, Family, friends
What dreams and hopes do you have for the schools in your community?
I have dreams and hopes that the schools in my community will truly represent its students, cultures & diversity. I hope the schools will provide students with more care and attention to really make the youth feel cared for, and treated justly, not just treated like they don’t know anything. I have hope for schools to also embrace more art projects and art classes instead of cutting those classes, as well as providing education on mental health.
Why is art a powerful medium to transform our communities and schools?
Art is a powerful medium to transform our communities and schools for the better because of the creative freedom that is the foundation of all art. This creative freedom supports and sparks critical thinking, problem solving and creative transformation of difficult experiences to something that is inspiring, powerful and conducive to a healthy mental health.
Versoul is an Alternative Hip-Hop artist, songwriter, producer and audio engineer from San Francisco, California. Since Versoul was a baby, Hip-Hop, Soul & RnB music has embraced her into becoming the multifaceted artist she is today. From freestyling at the young age of 8 to producing beats at 13, Versoul has developed a passion for expressing herself creatively through music. Versoul delivers a distinct and unclassified sound influenced by the sounds of early 80-90s music. Through her music she tells her story and in seeing the impact her music has made on others, Versoul now dedicates her musical intention to inspire other mixed youth all around the world to tell their story and embrace their power to make a positive difference in their lives, and in the world.
Who are my people?
Peers,Youth, Musicians, Artists of all mediums, Family, friends
What dreams and hopes do you have for the schools in your community?
I have dreams and hopes that the schools in my community will truly represent its students, cultures & diversity. I hope the schools will provide students with more care and attention to really make the youth feel cared for, and treated justly, not just treated like they don’t know anything. I have hope for schools to also embrace more art projects and art classes instead of cutting those classes, as well as providing education on mental health.
Why is art a powerful medium to transform our communities and schools?
Art is a powerful medium to transform our communities and schools for the better because of the creative freedom that is the foundation of all art. This creative freedom supports and sparks critical thinking, problem solving and creative transformation of difficult experiences to something that is inspiring, powerful and conducive to a healthy mental health.
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