Phong Chung
Natalie Persian bio web
Bill Davis
Bill is an Ocean Engineer, retired Coast Guard officer and construction manager with a love of music and art. His years in the Coast Guard took him all over the world from the Arctic to the Antarctic stopping at many places in between and as a Construction Manager he worked on projects throughout the San Francisco Bay Area from San Jose to Santa Rosa. He believes that art and music are part of a well-rounded education and would like to help make access to creative outlets more available to the people in our community, particularly younger people. He enjoys outdoor activities of all sorts, especially those that involve water and he particularly enjoys being a part of the magic that is choir music.
Lynda Gutierrez
Lynda Gutierrez moved from Colombia to Alameda at the age of 5. The culture shock was intense at times, but connecting to the creativity and discipline of dance at a local dance studio really helped her have an outlet from bullying and have a way to express herself in ways that didn’t depend on spoken word.
Lynda earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and Choreography at UC Santa Barbara. She has performed for various choreographers and companies in the Bay Area, from modern to folkloric dance. Lynda has also worked offstage in administrative, management, and marketing positions for local dance companies. With the birth of her son, Lynda shifted her work from dance to fitness.
Today, Lynda runs her independent business as a fitness instructor, accountability wellness coach, and business mentor to others who work in the fitness industry. Rhythmix holds a very special place in Lynda’s heart as it is the place where she first started teaching a decade ago! It’s been a wonderful journey contributing in all ways possible to all the great work happening at RCW. If you ever ask Lynda about Rhythmix, you’ll probably hear about the incredible events offered…and how she hopes to be like Janet and Bean when she grows up.
Lisa McIntire / Graphic Designer, Web Content Specialist
Lisa has enjoyed living in Alameda since 2006 and has a love of all things related to the arts.
She joined Rhythmix in April of 2023 after working as a Graphic Designer and Web Designer for more than 8 years. She earned a double major bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and Marketing from California State University, East Bay.
Ayleen Mariscal / Social Media Associate
Ayleen is dedicated to connecting people and fostering connections through creative projects. Growing up in the Bay Area, she appreciates its diversity. A 2020 graduate of Cal State East Bay with a Business Administration degree, Ayleen utilizes her knowledge of social media to create impactful content and meaningful engagement. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, spending time in nature, and traveling.
Alameda Free Library
Visit the Alameda Free Library table for free book giveaways and more!
Paper Alebrije Sculptures
Alebrijes are brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures depicting fantastical creatures or familiar animals. The first alebrijes are attributed to Pedro Linares, an artist from México City. Kids will create their own paper Alebrije.
Frida Kahlo Inspired Flower Crowns
Inspired by Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, kids will create their own colorful paper flower crown.
Mexican Style Paper Flowers
Join us at the Rhythmix Art Activities Table for fun crafts to help you celebrate – including gorgeous Mexican tissue paper flowers.
Tissue Paper Flower Crowns - Alebrije Sprit Animal Art
Join us at the Rhythmix Art Activities Table for fun crafts to help you celebrate – including gorgeous tissue paper flower crowns and Paper Alebrije Sprit Animal Art.
Crazy Empanadas
Crazy Empanadas believes that the best way to learn about each other’s cultures is through food. As a family-owned business, it’s an honor to share our culture and give customers a little piece of Colombia in every bite.
Tambores e Samba
Tambores e Samba is a Brazilian music group, formed by Abel Damasceno, that draws inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of Brazil’s percussion-driven music. Influenced by iconic groups such as Olodum, Timbalada, and Ile Aiye, Tambores e Samba creates a sound that is both traditional and innovative, blending the rhythmic complexity of traditional Brazilian music with modern influences.
Kanyon CoyoteWoman
Kanyon Sayers-Roods is Costanoan Ohlone-Mutsun and Chumash; she also goes by her given Native name, “Coyote Woman”. She is proud of her heritage and her native name (though it comes with its own back story), and is very active in the Native Community. She is an Artist, Poet, Published Author, Activist, Student and Teacher.
Kantuta Ballet Folklórico de Bolivia
Founded in 2006 and based in San Leandro, CA, Kantuta Ballet Folklórico de Bolivia preserves and promotes Bolivia’s heritage, culture & folklore through its ancestral dances.
DJ Abel Damasceno
Abel Damasceno, native of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, is a professional Brazilian multi-instrumentalist and educator, currently living in Alameda. He has studied from esteemed masters including Bira Monteiro since the age of 12, and has performed with master percussionists Jorge Alabe, Mike Spiro and Luis Badaro.
Abel has worked as a teaching artist for Cheza Nami Foundation, Get Empowered, Music in Schools Today and Living Jazz Children’s Project. He is a motivated teacher eager to share the joys of Brasilian percussion with all members of the community.
Dance | Fitness | Joy
Originally from Colombia, Lynda Gutierrez, creator of DFJ, combines her love of dance with elements of fitness in a joyful welcoming way for all levels of movers! Through Dance | Fitness | Joy, Lynda offers Latin dance cardio classes, strength training classes, and private dance sessions that stem from her experience in Classical Ballet, Latin Dance, Modern Dance, Pilates, and Yoga.
Cunamacué
Afro-Peruvian dance, music and culture come to life as Cunamacué invites audiences of all ages to participate in this interactive journey of dance and rhythm. Discover the cajon, cajita and quijada – instruments unique to Afro-Peruvian culture — and explore the exciting dance movements and rhythms of Zamacueca, Zapateo, and Festejo. Get ready to clap your hands and move your feet as you embody Afro-Peruvian culture. Cunamacué was founded by Carmen Román — dancer, choreographer, filmmaker, and educator –– born in Lima, Peru, with the purpose of bringing visibility to the presence and cultural knowledge of the African descendant population in Peru.
Batey Tambó
Batey Tambó is an Oakland and San Francisco-based, women of color-led cultural group grounded in the centuries-old musical tradition of Afro-Indigenous Puerto Rican Bomba. Batey Tambó director/founder Denise Solís (La Bombera de la Bahia) founded one of the first ever all female Bomba ensembles, Las Bomberas de la Bahia and is one of the first women to play the Subidor (lead drum) in the tradition of Bomba. Batey Tambo co-director, Julia Caridad Cepeda (Julia Danse), is from the esteemed Cepeda Family who have carried this tradition for more than 8 generations and counting. Julia has been dancing Bomba for more than 40 years. Together, Julia and Denise also co-lead Taller Bombalele – Bomba Percussion & Dance classes offered at Rhythmix Cultural Works. They teach Bomba Cangrejera in the tradition, and with the blessing of, their elders in La Familia Cepeda.
Chika Di
Celebrate the soulful essence of Latin music with Colombian-born, California-based recording artist and songwriter Chika Di! With a passion that transcends borders, Chika Di blends traditional Latin, electronic, Afro, and pop, showcasing her powerful Colombian vocals while delivering high-energy live sets. Her music has resonated on popular streaming and TV series like “Euphoria”, “Generation +”, Netflix’s “Gentefied”, Starz’s “Vida” and the upcoming movie “Beautiful Wedding”. A fierce advocate for culture and community, and an active voting member of the Recording Academy/GRAMMY’s San Francisco chapter, Chika Di is making waves and creating a lasting impact in the global music scene.
Tina Blaine (bean)
Tina Blaine (also known by her stage name, “bean”) served as executive director of Rhythmix Cultural Works from 2010 to 2022 and has been a performing musician for more than 35 years. Long inspired by global traditions and spontaneous music-making, she has studied and traveled extensively around the world developing a deep appreciation for the importance of music and rhythm as a part of well-being in everyday life. She holds a Master’s of Entertainment Technology from Carnegie Mellon University, where she also taught for six years. Tina created interactive audiovisual exhibits for the Experience Music Project in Seattle, Zeum Children’s Museum in San Francisco, and Give Kids the World Resort in Orlando. Her composition credits include music for NPR, video games, TV and documentary soundtracks, and recording/performing with Brian Eno, Mickey Hart, and many other ensembles. Tina co-founded the electronic MIDI ensemble, D’CuCKOO and the New Interfaces for Musical Expression (NIME) conference. In 2008, she served as co-artistic director for the Studio for Electro-Instrumental Music (STEIM) in Amsterdam. Currently rewiring, you’ll find her creating more music and undertaking more global adventures. To find out more, check out: 2TSpark.com or visit jamodrum.net.
Tina Blaine aka Bean
Bean’s pursuit of percussion has taken her around the world from Africa to Asia and beyond. Inspired by global traditions and spontaneous music-making, she co-founded D’CuCKOO, the cybertribal ensemble that built custom MIDI controller instruments for interactive multimedia performance. Bean has also performed and recorded with Brian Eno, Mickey Hart, Maze Daiko, Malonga Casquelourd, Tracy Blackman, Haunted by Waters, Sharon Knight, Pandemonaeon, Bindi Society and was one of the founding members of the RhythMix ensemble.
An energetic performer/educator, Bean has conducted workshops at numerous universities and technology conferences across the country. She also developed various interactive media experiences while teaching at Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center from 2000-2006. That work resulted in several museum exhibits including the Jam-O-Drum at the Experience Music Project in Seattle, Zeum in San Francisco, the Ars Electronica Center in Linz, Austria, the Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital, the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, PA and Give Kids the World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Bean’s work has also appeared at SIGGRAPH’s Emerging Technologies in 2000 and 2001. She has been a contributing writer to Electronic Musician Magazine and was a “musical interactivist” at Interval Research Corporation in Palo Alto.
Phong Chung / Assistant Director
Phong joined Rhythmix at the beginning of 2014 summer as a media marketing intern. With a strong interest in the performing arts, he is drawn to the rich artistic culture that exists within Rhythmix. Currently, he manages various aspects of marketing collateral, web content, and digital media with a splash of creativity. When Phong is offline, you can find him at a hip food joint or the outdoors; exploring the world around us.
Dina Hondrogen / Community Development Manager
Dina grew up listening and dancing to Greek music since both her parents were 1st generation Greek Americans, but her passion for multicultural music and dance exploded when she moved to San Francisco in her twenties, where she found home. She honed her skills in samba, salsa, middle/near eastern and west african music and dance while working as an organizer, administrator, researcher and fundraiser for various organizations.
Yoga became her primary focus after it helped her rehab from an accident at a food bank warehouse she ran, and she became a yoga instructor in 1997. She moved to Alameda in 2008 to raise her family and has been volunteering and teaching yoga in the community ever since. She has promoted RCW’s Island City Waterways events over the years, and is enthusiastic about building community and connection. She looks forward to developing support for Rhythmix Cultural Works and its programs as the Community Outreach and Development Associate.
Lisa Maxwell
Lisa Maxwell is a partner at the law firm Burke, Williams and Sorensen. She has extensive experience representing and advising private clients and public agencies on complex real estate transactions and leasing negotiations. She previously served as Assistant City Attorney for the Cities of Oakland and Alameda and, as Alameda’s Community Development Director, where she led the team to secure grant funding to build Dignity Village, a transitional supportive housing development for nearly 50 unhoused Alameda community members. In her free time, Lisa enjoys seeing music, attending performances and visiting galleries and museums, and is very excited to be a part of and supporting the success of Rhythmix.
Art Jam Story and Words Challenge
For this challenge, words and story were incorporated into visual art in colorful and creative ways! Challenge winner: Alice!
Photos by Pons Maar.
Art Jam Sideshow Challenge
The Art Jam challenge theme was sideshow with artwork expressing circus/sideshow acts in the post depression era. The winner of the challenge was artist Donna with her work “Dog Faced Boy”. Photos by Pons Maar.
The Ka-Hon Ensemble
World Rhythms on a Wooden Box
Discover an explosive array of rhythms from around the world that can be played with a simple wooden box (cajón). Immerse yourself in the music as Ka-Hon shares rhythms, songs and dance from Peru, Mexico, Colombia, Spain, Jamaica and Venezuela in this highly interactive and engaging performance.
Bululú: Sabor Tropical Latino
Bululú (noun. Venezuelan “alboroto”, a gathering of people with excitement, fuzz).
A dynamic Latin music band showcasing a live and flavorful repertoire deeply immersed in the rich influences of Venezuela and the Caribbean. Their performances encompass an exciting array of styles, including calipsos, salsa, sones, porros, cumbias, merengues, gaitas and more. Fun and vibrant, Bululú delivers an array of original compositions and uplifting shows with its top tier San Francisco Bay Area ensemble.
La Cumbiamba Colombiana
Mission: To preserve Colombian heritage, culture, and folklore in San Francisco and the Bay Area, sharing these values with the community at large and through new generations.
La Cumbiamba Colombiana is a folkloric comparsa formed by a group of dancers and various volunteer collaborators whose mission is to preserve and share Colombian heritage, culture, and folklore in San Francisco and the Bay area. The group has participated in Carnaval San Francisco since 2014 winning multiple times in the Folkloric Category. Volunteer dancers with or without prior experience, of all backgrounds, ages, and nationalities are always welcomed to join the familia Cumbiambera.
Ballet Folklorico Flor de Café
Traditional Folklore & Dance of El Salvador
Ballet Folklorico Flor de Café is a multigenerational group of dancers dedicated to preserving and sharing the traditional folklore & dance of El Salvador, strengthening their cultural identity sharing positive and beautiful aspect of Salvadoran culture.
Mexican Tin Art Repujado
Mexican tin art, also known as “repujado,” is a traditional craft that involves creating designs on thin sheets of tin using a variety of tools. Kids will be creating their own repujado art, allowing them to explore their creativity and learn about traditional crafts from other cultures.
Taino Petroglyph Symbol Rock Painting
Taino petroglyph symbol rock painting is a fun and educational activity that allows kids to learn about the indigenous Taino people of the Caribbean and their art. Kids will be creating their own Taino painted rock allowing them to learn about a different culture while also expressing their creativity through art.
Mexican Tissue Paper Flowers and Paper Plate Tambourines
Join us at the Rhythmix Art Activities Table for fun crafts to help you celebrate – including gorgeous Mexican tissue paper flowers and a working paper plate tambourine to use for the day!
Moba Tea
Moba Tea Means Mobile Tea!
A fun and tasty drink option for your next big event! Add a fully customizable boba bar to weddings, festivals, corporate events, holiday parties, fundraisers, school events, dances, and of course themed birthday parties!
Moba Tea Station will take care of every detail of your memorable event with boba tea!
Toishan Benevolent Association
Lion Dance
Toishan Benevolent Association is a community service organization (established in 2001) based in Oakland that has been serving the Greater Bay Area for the last 22 years.
One of the main purposes of Toishan Association is to promote Chinese traditional culture including: Martial Arts (Kung Fu), Tai Chi, traditional folk dance and lion dance.
In Chinese culture, the lion is an auspicious animal and symbolizes power, wisdom, and superiority. The Lion Dance is one of the most popular performances for big celebrations and festivals. For Lunar New Year, Lion Dance is performed to bring happiness, prosperity and good luck for the upcoming year. The lion dance creates a festive atmosphere and brings happiness at all celebrations.
Gadung Kasturi
Balinese Dance and Music
Established in 2007, Gadung Kasturi’s mission is to preserve, promote and develop the traditional dance and music of Bali, Indonesia, through live performance, workshops, classes, lectures and publications.
South Asian Arts with Swings & Wings
Explore, play, learn and grow with Swings & Wings! Delight your senses in the multicultural sensory bin, create colorful salt rangoli, and print beautiful patterns with Indian block stamping.
Swings and Wings is an indoor sensory-based play place in Alameda for kids between 6 months to 8 years, designed and owned by Occupational Therapist, Sadiya Kazi-Koya. Swing and Wings encourages each child to find their wings and soar, and each parent to take flight with them!
Chinese Character Drawings with the Alameda Education Foundation
Did you know that many cultures in Asia incorporate traditional Chinese characters, known as Hanzi, into their written languages? And these characters often look like the words they represent. Brushstrokes become branches in the word “tree”. Flames appear in the character for “fire” and peaks form in the word “mountain”. Use crayons, markers, colored pencils, and your creativity to create beautiful illustrations, weaving these traditional characters into drawings of the words they represent.
Click here for more information about the Alameda Education Foundation.
Patty Chu’s Chinese Folk Dance Troupe
Chinese Folk Dance
Patty Chu’s dance troupe has drawn frequent smiles from a variety of viewers of Miss Chinatown USA pageants and
local community events for Oakland, SF and different cities for more than 25 years. Their graceful stage presences
and technical skills make a good impression on the audience. Also the dance classes are for all ages from 5 to 70
years old. You can find a class that fits you with classical, folk, and contemporary dances.
Odissi Vilas
Indian Classical Dance
The vision of Odissi Vilas is to establish a center for the performing arts in the Odissi style of Indian classical dance. Its mission is to preserve cultural heritage, promote, educate and delight audiences with the mystical beauty, grace and spirituality of Odissi dance.
Sharing this sacred dance form with our community and the world; to build cultural bridges between diverse groups of people, to keep the art form alive for future generations, and to nourish the human spirit. Striving to enrich artists and spectators alike with a taste of Rasa, the inherent essence of all the arts of India.
Hālau Makana
Hawaiian, Tahitian and Maori Music & Dance
Hālau Makana’s mission is to preserve the Hawaiian, Tahitian, and Māori cultures through dance, art and music, sharing these cultural art forms with the community and anyone who has a desire to learn.
Hālau Makana is the only professional Polynesian Dance Company located in Alameda, California.
Manilatown Kulintang Ensemble
Music & Dance from the Southern Philippines
This dynamic ensemble presents the pre-colonial music, dance, and attire traditions of Mindanao, Southern Philippines. All trained in the traditional manner by indigenous Philippine culture bearers, the Manilatown Kulintang Ensemble musicians and dancers take pride in introducing people of all ages to the joyful and unifying power of tribal Philippine polyrhythmic percussion music, song and dance.
Vân-Ánh Vanessa Võ
Vietnamese Traditional Instruments and New Music
A fearless musical explorer, Vân-Ánh Võ is an award-winning performer of the 16-string đàn tranh (zither) and an Emmy Award-winning composer who has collaborated with Kronos Quartet, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, and Yo-Yo Ma. In addition to her mastery of the đàn tranh, she also plays the monochord (đàn bầu), bamboo xylophone (đàn t’rung), traditional drums (trống) and many other instruments to create music that blends the wonderfully unique sounds of Vietnamese instruments with other genres, and fuses deeply rooted Vietnamese musical traditions with fresh new structures and compositions.
Teff Ayral
Teff Ayral is a multi-talented individual who has spent her entire life dancing and playing music. Her love for dance started at the age of 4 when she began taking ballet and tap classes. Since then, she has explored various dance forms including hula, tahitian, salsa, flamenco and belly dance. Her dedication and hard work as a student of dance earned her the opportunity to study under Angelica Nemeth while living in Los Angeles for nine years.
In addition to her passion for dance, Teff was a competitive gymnast for many years. Her athletic prowess, combined with her love for dance, has given her a unique perspective on movement and performance.
Teff’s commitment to supporting local non-profit organizations is a reflection of her dedication to making a positive impact in her community. She serves as a project management institute mentor and a toastmaster, using her skills to uplift and coach others.
Teff works as a consultant, where her expertise in project management and her passion for community-building are put to good use. She is also on the board of directors for Rhythmix Cultural Works, where she volunteers at their events and can often be found behind the snack bar, serving up delicious treats and chatting with patrons.
Teff Ayral is a true force of nature, driven by her passion for dance, music, community, and giving back. Her commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life is an inspiration to all who know her.
Maurice Ramirez / Resident Photographer
Maurice Ramirez studied photojournalism at San Francisco State University and worked as a music editorial photographer in the late 90’s, corporate editorial, and then a decade on private events. More recently he’s focused on municipality and non-profit communities.
Jennifer Radakovich / Executive Director
Jennifer Radakovich earned her MA in Dance (Ethnology) from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa, focusing on Pacific Island & Asian Dance Studies and movement analysis. Prior to joining Rhythmix in 2018, Jennifer worked as Company Manager for Tandy Beal & Company, where she co-managed concert and residency programs for more than 10,000 low-income youth annually and assisted in organization-wide marketing, fundraising and administration. From 2014-2016, she served as the assistant director for the Santa Cruz Ethnic Dance Festival and as a Board Member for the Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center. Jennifer currently serves as Executive Director at Rhythmix and Artist Liaison for Rhythmix Performance, Art and Learning (PAL) program.
Ashley Kirk
I am a Bay Area native with a love for food, wine, and the arts! I am also the founder of Planted Foods. Planted Foods is a food manufacturing company with a focus on clean ingredients and healthy products that easily incorporates into anyones lifestyle. Growing up in Oakland, I was exposed to many different rich cultures and ideas. I love that Rhythmix gives the youth an opportunity to appreciate different cultures through dance and music. I look forward to supporting the Rhythmix mission for many years to come!
Colin Epstein / Program Associate
Colin Epstein is a Bay Area born and raised dancer, acrobat, clown, and jack of many trades. His performing career spans the last 15 years and ranges from contemporary circus to modern dance to physical theater, and has led him across the world from the Bay to Bali and back. Colin has spent most of the past decade based in Oakland and teaching circus at Kinetic Arts Center and Athletic Playground, choreographing and directing for the youth circus troupes.
As a Berkeley native Colin experienced little of Alameda until he was brought onto the island by Rhythmix for the first Island City Waterways in 2017. Since then, he has performed in every ICW event and his love for both Alameda and Rhythmix has grown exponentially; and Colin is overjoyed to join the RCW family as the new Program Associate!
photo by Weidong Yang
Rebecca Rivkyn / Operations Manager
Rebecca began her working life as a modern dancer in the Detroit area and travelled with her dance troupe around the world. Later in life, she returned to school to become a science teacher. While teaching chemistry Rebecca continued her study of dance and choreographed high school musicals each year. It always amused her to see her students’ faces when they realized their chemistry teacher was the one who was going to teach them dance steps. Rebecca enjoyed attending Rhythmix performances for years and now serves as Rhythmix’s Office Manager and Volunteer Coordinator.
Thomas Varghese
Tom is a civil engineer who recently retired after a 40-year career in the energy industry. He has a great love of the performing and visual arts, and currently enjoys volunteering at Cal Performances at UC Berkeley, the San Francisco Symphony, and Oakland International Airport. His devotion to Rhythmix Cultural Works was largely driven by his late wife Vicki, who supported Rhythmix’s arts outreach to public elementary schools in Alameda and Oakland. He recalls the wide-eyed wonderment of schoolchildren in El Salvador who marveled at an Indian classical dancing and music performance that Vicki helped stage in a remote rural village in the El Salvador: “The incredible richness of world performing arts — which often includes the spectacle of stunning music, costumes, and dancing — is what Rhythmix brings to everyone, young and old, right here in the Bay Area!”
Michelle Labrador / Youth and Family Director
Michelle Labrador, Youth and Family Director, worked in event marketing and branded environments as a Sr. Art Director/interior designer for over 10 years after earning her degree in Communications and Art History from Northwestern University and Harrington College of Design in Chicago. After moving to the Bay area, she spent 8 years as a stay at home parent serving on her daughter’s Co-op school Board as VP and volunteering as an art docent, room parent and scheduling STEAM performances for school assemblies and field trips. Michelle also volunteered with the Oakland Museum of California’s educational department, assisting teachers with school field trips for tours, workshops and museum performances. In 2017, Michelle joined Rhythmix to coordinate the Performance, Art and Learning (PAL) program. Her expertise has helped create systems to streamline the sign-up process, address special needs and organize resources to ensure teachers/students have a smooth and enriching arts field trip experience.
Nyame O. Brown
Yo Arms Too Short to Box With Gawd, 2008
Oil on linen, panel, 36×60
www.nyamebrown.com
“This work explores scenes and characters form my allegory New Black Myths. I articulate my personal history and African Diaspora-multi-threaded history, not precluding the Western cannon of art, locating myself in art history strategically, deploying it anachronistically, and creating new connections and associations. My storytelling functions culturally, the tradition calls for expanding the idiom through improvisation, riffing and rupturing. Within hip-hop and the blues there is use of allegory, metaphor and the modernist persona, like Kool Keith aka Dr. Octagon, Howlin Wolf and Sir Nose of Parliament Funkadelic. Classic literature and hip hop share the trait of veering between folk and the epic instantaneously, from line to line – even within a single line. This is how I build my narratives – like scaffolding around the art history of painting, the cultural history of hip-hop and my personal history. The goal of my work is to make new Black myths and lore that are born of tradition, yet transcend pre-existing archetypes that diminish the Black-imagination.”
Nyame O. Brown was born in San Francisco and lives in Oakland. Brown received his BFA from The Art Institute of Chicago (1993), and MFA from Yale school of Art and Architecture (1997). He has been in residence at the Headlands Center for the Arts, the Joan Mitchell Center in New Orleans, Black Artist Retreat, and the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. While in Omaha Nyame milled the dirt from the iconic African American social activist Malcolm X. He was in the Frequency exhibition at the Studio Museum of Harlem (2006) and is a recipient of the Joan Mitchell Painters and Sculptors grant (2003). His solo show, Classroom in Neveryon, exhibited in 2016 at the Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco.
Natasha Kohli
Self Portrait #1, 2019
Photography, 30×20
Natasha Kohli is an Indian and Colombian-American multidisciplinary artist based in Oakland, California. Her projects are inspired by her mixed identity, preserving the stories of her ancestors, and methods of moving through the nonlinear process of healing ancestral trauma. Natasha explores methods of emotion-based storytelling through photography, dance and filmmaking – weaving these disciplines together in her multidimensional projects. Natasha is the co-founder of artist collective, JAGAH, a platform created to unify South Asian artists through collaborative artistic practices, group exhibitions and public performances in the Bay Area.
Her work has been published in San Francisco Chronicle, El Tecolote, The California Sunday, and she has directed short films for stage projection in collaboration with Destiny Arts Center (Oakland). Natasha has exhibited work in Bay Area galleries such as: Mission Cultural Center for the Arts, Southern Exposure, Incline Gallery, Book and Job, Rayko and Accion Latina.
She currently works as the Photo Editor for El Tecolote, the longest running nonprofit bilingual newspaper in the West Coast, based in the Mission District of San Francisco. Natasha’s work addresses themes pertinent to her existence, such as how migratory patterns in her family’s histories affect her present and shape her future, while simultaneously reclaiming the pieces of her identity that colonization and patriarchal systems have attempted to erase.
Ray Pendro
Ray Pendro first connected with Rhythmix Cultural Works by attending live performances and music history classes. In his younger days, Ray played drums in bands in his hometown of Pittsburgh, PA. Later, he was a preschool and elementary school teacher in Los Angeles, where music from around the world was integral to his lesson plans. Ray celebrates music and its profound, far-reaching, positive effects on childhood experience and development – especially in the areas of learning, awareness, and respect. He is currently director of environmental planning at a firm based in Berkeley.
De Wilmore
De Wilmore is a licensed real estate broker and educator. A dynamic and dedicated management professional, he has more than twenty years of experience overseeing business development, staff management, and real estate sales. De has demonstrated success in developing and maintaining client relationships, community partners, identifying/optimizing growth opportunities and developing referrals. De formerly worked as a licensed, mental health clinician specializing in emergency psychiatry and crisis intervention. He has grown children and composes music in his off time.
Charlie Sullivan
An elementary school teacher for 21 years, Charlie encourages and inspires creative expression and a love of learning in his students. In addition to being an educator, Charlie is also an artist. He re-purposes found and discarded items, combining them with lenses and mirrors to create emotionally inspired freestanding sculptures and hangings. Everyday items are rearranged in a playful balance and are built to be viewed in the round to encourage shifting perspectives.
Owen Rubin
Owen graduated from UC Berkeley, Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences, and was hired as one of the first game programmers at Atari to design arcade video games, and eventually Bally. He spent 6 years at Apple working on Mac design and system software and was also a key player in the design and implementation of the first commercial broadband system in the U.S. while working for Pacific Bell/SBC. He then joined Paul Allen’s Interval Research, leading research on Digital TV and Broadband Systems. Since then, he has been an executive at several start-ups in fields like digital set top boxes, security, specialized microprocessors, mobile video games, and augmented reality. Owen is currently at Apple once again, working on augmented reality and games. Owen’s board service includes nine years for the Alameda Country Community Food Bank and St. Mary’s Center of Oakland.
Cynthia McNulty
Cynthia McNulty thought she would be a ballet dancer when she was growing up. She danced on point for so many years that she wore away the cartilage in her big toes, a big ouch now but well worth the pain. Then she thought she would edit film, and did so in NYC for 5 years until her son was born. Looking for something more stable to financially support the family she started her undergraduate work at the age of 27 and went straight through a PhD program in particle physics. She wanted to work at one of those big particle accelerators, but her son (now 14) refused to move with her to Germany or Switzerland. He threatened to move in with his dad – yikes. Cynthia took a job instead at a big bank where they were hiring physicists and mathematicians to analyze complex market dynamics. She’s still there today. Who would have thought. At least her big bank salary can help support Rhythmix.
Dr. Richard McCline
With more than three decades of academic and business experience, McCline is an expert in developing leadership programs and facilitating leadership development workshops and training with a focus on promoting innovative and values-based leadership. McCline has founded several companies including a multi-million business and also co-founded the award-winning Ohrenschall Center for Entrepreneurship at San Francisco State University. McCline’s international reputation and lectures have taken him around the globe to Mexico, South America, England, Spain, Italy and other countries in Europe, Eastern Europe and Africa. Additionally, McCline is an accomplished writer with articles in peer reviewed journals and respected publications in the fields of Strategic Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Management.
Camilo Landau
Simply put, Camilo Landau is a musician with a lifetime of experience under his belt. He began learning the guitar and Cuban tres at the age of twelve from his uncle, Grammy-nominated record producer Greg Landau. By the age of sixteen, Camilo had performed alongside Carlos Santana, and went on to continue his musical studies in Cuba and Nicaragua. Returning to the University of Santa Cruz for his undergraduate studies, he founded post-Latin group Carne Cruda, which remained active for over a decade. Over the years, Camilo has performed alongside such household names as Ozomatli, Los Lobos, Stevie Wonder, and countless others. In 2008, he and Greg Landau founded Round Whirled Records, and the two have dozens of records on their resumes. He is a 2016 Grammy nominee.
Deidra (Dei) Jow
Dei has delighted in Rhythmix arts and music for over 7 years. She helped Rhythmix update their database to help them to connect and engage with more of the Bay Area community. Dei believes arts enrich the soul and loves the world music offerings at Rhythmix, especially Taller Bombalele, Salsa, Flamenco and Polynesian and Asian dance and music. She especially loves that she doesn’t have to go to San Francisco to experience the rich sounds of world music. Dei works in technology helping businesses maximize their software investments, increase productivity and manage all their content. When she is not working, she loves hitting things like tennis balls and the occasional African drum.
Bill Jeng
Bill Jeng is a civil engineer with a background in art and architecture. He is a self-taught artist and has exhibited in local businesses and galleries. Bill is primarily a painter, working with acrylics on canvas, but also works with color pencils, wood, and other construction materials. In civil engineering, Bill has worked on many Bay Area projects including the San Francisco International Airport Expansion, BART system extensions, and Golden Gate Bridge seismic retrofit. Currently, Bill is an Associate Engineer for the Oakland International Airport. Visit Bill’s website .
Anne Cook
Anne Cook has spent her career working to build better communities. After the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake damaged the San Francisco waterfront, she spent 10 years at the Port of San Francisco, first overseeing reconstruction of historic fishing industry facilities at Fisherman’s Wharf and then managing the development and implementation of the Port’s long-term plan for rebirth of the San Francisco Waterfront, including the renovated Ferry Building, the SF Giants Ballpark, and the now-lively network of sidewalks and parks along The Embarcadero. After having kids, she worked and volunteered closer to home, including stints as Executive Director of the Bay-Friendly Landscaping and Gardening Coalition, as a member of the City of Alameda Planning Board and the Board of Girls Inc. of the Island City, and a volunteer with Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Alameda Point Collaborative, and St Joe’s. She then managed the development of East Palo Alto’s General Plan, before coming full circle and returning to the Port of San Francisco in 2015 to shepherd a major update of the San Francisco Waterfront Plan. Anne is excited to help support Rhythmix, and to be surrounded by and help share and inspire creativity, both within Alameda and far beyond.
Maryln Mori
Maryln Mori paints vegetables and fruits from fresh and new to old and withered. Comparing this to aging people who become more interesting with passing time, so too do vegetables and fruits. Symbolic of this transitory nature of life, only parts of an object may be seen on her canvas. Mori does not consider her paintings as still-lifes, but as life, stilled. She has produced watercolor monoprints as well as abstractions with collage.
Rupy C. Tut
Rupy C. Tut is an Oakland based calligrapher and painter dissecting historical and contemporary displacement narratives around identity, belonging, and gender. Her work engages in strict practice of traditional materials and methodology associated with Indian miniature painting as she continues to add contemporary images and characters to a centuries old visual language.
Sharon Virtue
Sharon Virtue is a painter, dancer and ceramic artist currently living in Oakland, California. She has a strong social practice and has worked internationally on creative development projects in Mozambique, Uganda, Brazil, Haiti, America and England. She believes artists are agents of transformation. Her mission is to inspire, encourage and provide access to the greater community in the creation of art.
Malik Seneferu
Malik Seneferu is a self-taught African-American artist, from San Francisco’s Bayview neighborhood, whose work has been shown at museums and galleries all over the world. Known for his intricate drawings of famous African Americans as well as vibrant paintings of the Black community, Seneferu turned to abstract work after participating in The Hill and Beyond series, which feature magic realism and intense colors to express what it feels like to be a young person.
Marc Ribaud
Marc helps with maintenance here at Rhythmix.
Fred Toth
I am a Bay Area native and U.C. Berkeley graduate in Civil Engineering. I am married with two daughters. I worked in construction management and contracting for 20 years, and I am currently a middle school math teacher. While my education and experience were not “art” related, I always had an interest in drawing and painting. When I saw Bill’s class, I felt it was a good time to learn how to draw/paint and enjoy a beverage at the same time! Bill gave me creative techniques and inspiration to draw and paint more during this Covid time.
Alice Dockter
I am a member of Art Jam, which, prior to the coronavirus, met weekly at Rhythmix Cultural Works to make art and socialize. I dabble in a variety of media – drawing, acrylic paint, watercolors, artist books. During Sip ‘n Sketch, I have been painting along with Bill Jeng as he translates a photograph into a painting, offering lessons in the use of perspective and painting techniques, along with an engineer’s appreciation of construction.
Mark Neiman
I’ve been a Bay Area resident for about 35 years, originally from Los Angeles. I have an MBA from UC Berkeley, and undergraduate degree from UC Davis in Nutrition and Food Sciences where I was fortunate enough to take a beginning art class from Wayne Thiebaud. Most of my career I have spent working as an accountant for a large non-profit Bay Area organization that serves developmentally disabled individuals. My powers of observation for numbers is quite good. However, my observational abilities for lines, colors, values and shapes needs some work. Therefore, I find being part of Bill Jeng’s Sip-N-Sketch sessions helps expand my world and my vision. He’s got a generous spirit that makes one feel that any attempts at creativity are welcome. I like the idea that beauty can be found almost anywhere, and that the artist’s role is to help us see that.
Claudia Perkins
A life-long Alamedan, Claudia enjoys the “island life” with her husband Bruce and “shelter-spaniel,” Gracie. Recently retired from a career in Human Resources, Claudia hoped to find a new, creative diversion or two. Her grandmother and mother each took up painting at “a certain age,” so she was drawn to challenge herself. Rhythmix’s offering of “SIP-N-Sketch” led by Bill Jeng creates a bright spot twice each week, to connect with others while learning art skills and techniques.
Rita Ayral
Sometimes a tree grows in Brooklyn and sometimes a rose grows through the concrete sidewalk and sometimes an artist flourishes in the darkest terrain and a friendship begins between very different people who accidentally meet in an art class in Birmingham, Alabama and lasts almost a lifetime. I was a student at the University of Alabama in Birmingham when I signed up for a painting class under art teacher Martha Johnson. Another student named Jessica also signed up for the class. I had just moved back to Birmingham with my then husband, Tancan Ayral, and our new born baby, Teff. The world seemed new and I vowed to take some classes while working a full time job. I have been an artist ever since.
Last year my daughter invited me to Rhythmix to participate in Art Jam while she took drumming classes. I met a great group of people and when the pandemic struck, I continued with the group to go to Sip N Sketch. I enjoy the class and Bill Jeng is a great artist and teacher. He demonstrates many different techniques and we have painted a variety of subjects. Everyone has a good time, we share our art, our lives and we have a creative community. ayralartandpoetry.weebly.com
Bill Jeng
Bill Jeng is a civil engineer with a background in art and architecture. His father taught him how to paint at a very young age and he has continued to sketch and paint throughout his career as an engineer. Other than classes in high school and college, he is mostly a self-taught artist and has exhibited in local businesses and galleries.
Bill is primarily a painter, working with acrylics on canvas, but also works with color pencils, wood, and other construction materials. Lately, he has been working on smaller scale canvases using recycled materials in his artworks. His latest works also focus on Bay Area scenery with an emphasis on engineering/construction subjects in the natural environment.
Contact Bill at (510) 499-2535 or bjengcomix@gmail.com to discuss commissions.
Bill’s artworks can be seen on his website: https://sites.google.com/view/billjengstudio/home
or at Bill’s blog: http://cowabungacraftsman.blogspot.com/
Ashlei Reign
Ashlei Reign is a proud Oakland native and well traveled artist. With nineteen countries and counting and a former job as an Oakland police officer, Ashlei has seen a wide range of cultures and communities. Her highly saturated images have the ability to draw your attention and her level of detail in the eyes of her portraits teach you to look beyond differences and simply connect. Ashlei has had no formal art training but she continues to surround herself with other artists and mentors that contribute to her artistic journey.
Abi Mustapha
Abi Mustapha is a Sierra Leonean-American artist. Her work is primarily focused on large scale portraiture and illustration inspired by examining the beauty of cross cultural diversity. Her art examines the complexity of expression and identity through the creative process; drawing many small details on a large scale. Graphite, charcoal, and oil paint on paper, are her preferred mediums.
Andrea McCoy Harvey
Andrea McCoy Harvey is a 48 year-old native of Little Rock, Arkansas by way of Tracy, California. She received her formal art training at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, a HBCU, with a BA in Art Education. She is currently obtaining her MFA at the Academy of Art San Francisco. Andrea is a public school Art Teacher for Emery Unified School District. She is an emerging new artist that brings a powerful message with her art: Her portrait series delivers a commanding statement for women of color and women’s empowerment.
Tiffany Conway
Tiffany Conway’s visual paintings are the break of generational curses and the door to beautiful beginnings. Overcoming stereotypes and an absentee mother, art has provided Tiffany with the tools to communicate in a way that she was not able to do before. Growing her creativity from life experiences, art has allowed Tiffany to retreat, restore, and express all that she has learned from moving through the world as a Black woman.
Stephen Bruce
Award-winning artist Stephen Bruce’s acid paintings on copper have helped to set the scene on some of the most popular TV shows and movies including: House, Law & Order, Criminal Minds, Californication, Big Bang Theory, The American Housewife, The Avengers, Iron Man 3, Avengers: Endgame, Horrible Bosses and The Social Network. Bruce also takes an active role in inspiring young students to think creatively using the basic principles of art and science.
Zoë Boston
Zoë Boston is a multifaceted artist who has been drawing since youth, but did not begin painting until she returned to the West Coast. Born in LA and raised in Upstate NY, she now resides in Oakland, CA. Zoë’s inspirations come from God, life, love, music, food, and more. She is dedicated to being true to herself, which in-turn, transforms her work into passion on walls and canvas.
Irene Juárez O’Connell
Irene Juárez O’Connell is a mentor, educator, and advocate for youth and young people in Santa Cruz County. Originally from Los Angeles, Irene came to Santa Cruz to study Public Art and Latin American & Latino Studies at UCSC. She has served the community in mentorship roles in local high schools and in the Santa Cruz Juvenile Detention Center. She is passionate about the intersections where youth expression and creativity can meet empowerment for lasting, impactful change for their lives and their communities. Irene has received the NEXTie for Artist of the Year 2017 Award and the Eduardo Carrillo Healing the Community with Art Award that same year. https://beachflatsmural.com/
Salma Arastu
Salma Arastu explains her life this way: “As a woman, Hindu, Muslim, artist, and mother, I work to create harmony by expressing the universality of humanity through paintings, sculpture, and calligraphy. Inspired by the imagery, sculpture, and writings of my Indian heritage and Islamic spirituality, I use my artistic voice to break down the barriers that divide in order to foster peace and understanding. At birth, I was given the life-defining challenge of a left hand without fingers. Seeing the unity of an all-encompassing God, I was able to transcend the barriers often set-forth in the traditions of religion, culture and the cultural perceptions of handicaps. My personal triumphs have been defined and shaped by the simple principle of faith in The Divine, as the compelling force which has guided my life and work.” https://salmaarastu.com/
Virginia Jourdan
Virginia Jourdan is an international exhibiting artist who received her BFA in Illustration from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA and studied fine art, printmaking and graphic arts at City College of San Francisco. She continued developing her talents studying abroad, attending painting workshops in Italy and China. Virginia captures the soul of humanity and illustrates the dignity of African American people. In her words: “I find release from my own personal dramas when I’m able to express them as universal. As an artist, I help others make sense of the human experience. I guide people in awakening and living from the highest potential inherent within them. I want to arouse a sense of pride among African Americans. I want to evoke a feeling of power, strength, authority, elegance, and prestige.” http://www.virginiajourdan.com/
Talavera-Ballón
Talavera-Ballón is a Peruvian-born painter based in San Francisco, CA. A disciple of acclaimed artist Luis Palao Berastain, he skillfully captures the essence of ordinary people’s lives and their surroundings across diverse regions and cultures of the Americas. He explores themes that highlight important social and cultural aspects of the people and places he has encountered. His work is also a tribute to immigrants like himself who left their home countries in search of new horizons. http://www.talavera-ballon.com/
Kathleen C. Woulfe
Kathleen C. Woulfe is the Endowment Coordinator & Community Relations for the Boy Scouts Council of Alameda, a non-profit. She currently sits on the Boards of Alameda Meals on Wheels-VP, FAAS-Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter, Alameda Education Foundation – Adopt A Classroom Chair, Alameda Chamber of Commerce Director, Alameda Chamber GREDC, Chamber Ambassador & Campaign Director for Mayor Marie Gilmore 2010 & 2014. Kathie served as Director of Development & Community Relations for both the Boys & Girls Club of Alameda and St. Joseph Elementary School of Alameda. She served 9 years on the Alameda Rotary BOD. Cannot sing or dance, but plays a decent Viola. Born in the Alameda Hospital original elevator on Clinton Avenue, and is committed to giving back to our community.
Christo Braun Artist Statement
First off, I would like to thank Ginny Parsons and Rhythmix Cultural Works for this opportunity to exhibit recent paintings in such a supportive milieu. They have generously opened their vibrant artistic community’s doors to a new resident and he is wholeheartedly revitalized by it. Although I lived in San Francisco from 1986 to 2006 I did not have chance to explore Alameda as I might have, so my return to the “familiar” has been amazingly brand new.
There’s nothing like a global pandemic to reinforce any artist’s sense of retrospection, and in my case it comes hard upon the heels of Hurricane Irma’s furious destruction of my studio space in the Florida Keys in 2017. Returning to the Bay Area was bittersweet as my newly rekindled loving relationship took root here in Alameda, as the fires filled the air with acrid smoke and we watched so many people seek refuge from a different catastrophe.
The Keys and Key West are brimming with the kind of inspiration that keeps me afloat.
(okay, no more nautical descriptors.) I have always been drawn to the power of water and its transforming and healing characteristics. So it was that I was drawn to that part of the world to paint, where one can often mistake the horizon lines, where light dances above and below and around you and the colors keep shifting throughout the day. Where stepping into the shallows and snorkeling to the reef will reveal countless mysteries. And where one more significantly notices that the waters do not recede as they used to, where the ground is losing ground, and the king tides will soon reign unchecked.
Ginny Parsons sees that same thing happening here as she circumnavigates in her kayak, and she inspires me in her kinship of vision. I haven’t been on the water lately but I walk everywhere and am inspired by the lagoons and vistas from South Shore and the wetland areas and the city skylines. My aesthetic sensibility is rooted in capturing my emotional responses to what I see. Here, let me cut and paste from an earlier statement which still rings true:
“The plasticity of resin as a painting medium has afforded me the opportunity to paint through the surface of nature, which as my primary source of inspiration in these recent works becomes the captured moment of energy-infused visual phenomena. Rather than paint the object, I paint the emotional response created within me by that-which-appears-before-my-eyes.”
Working in this medium since the ‘90s, I constantly discover new ways of portraying things that other mediums have never satisfied me with: the color saturation, resin’s ability to overlay imagery, the ways it can be carved, sculpted, polished, and manipulated. I have found a material that allows me to paint what I need to see, which is often through the assumed object or surface to the way it has been created for me to observe it. To sum it up: “why is this so beautiful, and how can I paint it?”
So our exhibition’s theme of Immersion is one of Water, but is also one of Culture and one of Society and of Friendship and mutual Admiration and Support and hopefully one of Healing the planet upon which we continue to survive.
Ginny Parsons Artist Statement
This year sucks. My dad died and the pandemic hit. But my mom taught me to “look for the good,” so I’ve been kayaking every day and making art using everything from seaweed to leftover Crisco.
The large water paintings with peanut butter and Borax were started before the virus hit. I added cardboard cutouts that represent infection, since the shapes rub against the surface and some become greasy while others stay healthy and pristine. (Shout out to my neighbors Heidi Prutton for the cutouts and Chris Fetzer for the Crisco.)
I’ve also been making landscapes of San Leandro Bay painted on chunks of old drop cloths. I enjoy using leftovers and I’m worried about global warming.
I’ve been picking up trash from the Bay and when I find a ball, I wrap it with seaweed. As sea levels rise, Alameda will need to adapt and Josie Iselin’s book “The Curious World of Seaweed” has been teaching me about the mysteries of seaweed and their ability to survive.
Finally, I’ve been painting watercolors of the natural world of Alameda because that is where I find solace. If I had to be sheltered in place, there’s nowhere I’d rather be.
I dedicate this exhibit to Colin Brooks Morris (7) who I’ve seen nearly every day since Covid-19. As I pull my kayak past his house, he pops out to say hello. As I sign off with “have a good day,” his reply is, “it already is a great day, Ginny, all my days are awesome.” If we adopt Colin’s attitude, we’ll get through this pandemic with a greater appreciation for nature and the value of staying close to home and family.
Tinker Bus
The Tinker Bus will be at Rhythmix ‘Round the World Festival inspiring creativity and innovation with fun STEAM activities for kids! Arrive early to reserve your space. $5 per child.
More info at: tinkerbus.com
Community Art Wall
Add your personal color, style and ingredients? to the community art wall! Ginny Parsons, an Alameda artists who is inspired by nature and paints with everything from laundry detergent and bacon grease to beeswax and acrylics, facilitates this free art experience for kids of all ages (that means adults, too!). Learn more about Ginny Parsons.
Suminagashi / Japanese Paper Marbling
The Alameda Education Foundation presents FREE Suminagashi / Japanese Paper Marbling workshops for youth. Experience the art of suminagashi and take home your very own hand made marbled paper! More info about Alameda Education Foundation.
Image: Marbled endpaper from a book bound in France around 1880 (detail)
826 Valencia Tenderloin Podcast Project with artpaul cartier
Presented by artpaul cartier
Sea of Stories, 20-minute audio loop
The podcasts you hear in this collection were written and recorded by San Francisco youth, ages 12-18, during field trips to 826 Valencia’s Tenderloin Center. 826 Valencia is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting under-resourced students with their writing skills, developing their confidence as writers and amplifying their powerful voices. Many of our students are recent immigrants or first-generation Americans. With the support of volunteer tutors, students wrote podcasts exploring the elements that influence their identities and beliefs. Vibrant and varied, their podcasts are grounded in reflection on culture, community, challenge and celebration. In many, students describe the diverse places they are “from.” They are from “my home back in Kuwait, where the people were chargers with energizing attitudes”; from “rice that’s left over in your bowl”; from “Canada, Korea, and thoughts passed down for generations”; from “Narnia and Hogwarts”; from “music spiraling through my bones.” These brief sonic journeys showcase the writers’ backgrounds and origins, while pointing to the inspiring places they’re headed.
artpaul cartier is a photographer and artist who compiled and presented this installation. He recounts: “As I have been volunteering as a recorder with 826 Valencia Tenderloin podcast project I have been struck by the beauty of students’ writing and performances in this medium. As many of the students come from the San Francisco Unified School District, there is a wide variety of perspectives on topics ranging from food and sports to learning English and relating stories of immigration – and their after-effects. Culled from hundreds of podcasts taken over the last three years, this presentation assembles a loop of a selection of the students’ stories and poems.”
Jennifer Berkowitz
Crossing the Aegean, 2019
Oil on canvas, 48×36
“My current series, 68.5 Million, follows the river of tears from the millions of forcibly displaced people around the world. My family left Russia long ago and were given an opportunity to make a new home, strive and succeed in safety. This is not the world we live in now. I refuse to look away from the suffering that rips our world apart. It motivates every mark I make. The paintings are windows into the unthinkable and unseen stories of innocent people. This series bears witness to the humans, all of whom could be us, who are being told to disappear. Where can they go? For a moment they can rest across my canvas, lost and found, defined and undefined. It’s time to notice.”
Jennifer Berkowitz worked for many years as a creative director and designer of motion graphics for television and film. She created award-winning productions and taught at the University of California, Los Angeles before she decided to dive into a submersive exploration of painting. The psychological and emotional challenges of life fuel her work, which follows a thoughtful and introspective thread. Her paintings are primarily figurative, exploring dislocation, rites of passage and coming of age. Jennifer lives and works in San Francisco, where she is actively involved with the homeless community — another displaced population.
Cynthia Brannvall
Indigenousness, 2019
Rice paper, bees wax on panel, 20×16
“I am interested in creating visual language that is engaged in individual and collective identities and the history, culture, economies and geographies that they are tethered to. This piece is from a larger body of work that I call the Belonging series. Indigenousness is an identity portrait comprised of the countries and continents of my own heritage. The maps range from historical to satellite imagery and include “outdated” versions with countries that no longer exist or illustrate first nation territories in what would become the United States of America. It is a visual exploration of my interest in the instability of place in regard to notions of nativism and identity. The first nation peoples offer an understanding of identity as connected to seven generations before and seven generations forward. When I consider this in terms of the geography and nationalism of my own ancestry, it is more accurate to understand my indigenousness as a journey. A path that meanders through time and place with changing borders, political systems, names and dates that are determined by exploration, conquest, colonialism, opportunity, greed, benevolence, lust and love.”
Cynthia Brannvall is a California native of African American and Swedish descent. A multimedia artist and art historian, her artwork has been selected for juried group exhibitions in Berkeley, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, San Rafael, Palo Alto, San Luis Obispo and Los Angeles. She teaches Art History at various community colleges in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Alex da Silva
Nunca Lavamos Os Shorts, 2019
Acrylic, oil on canvas, 36×36
Growing up in Brazil, Alex da Silva often accompanied his late father – a respected artist and famous art critic – to the outskirts of São Paulo where he painted and visited his peers. Alex’s earliest memories include visiting studios filled with strong smells and things he was told not to touch; travels to the coast revealed endless urban industrial areas pushing up against deep lush green mountains, and the ocean so vast, bright and inviting.
Alex’s work strives to represent this emotional space filtered by his current perspective, without nostalgia. Perhaps they are places that never existed beyond his imagination. His use of color in diverse mediums communicates the impact of these memories through symbolism and unlikely landscapes. His influences include the organic earth tones of his father’s paintings and the visual experimentation of the 20th Century American artists of his adopted home.
Najib Joe Hakim
Horizons (Detail), 1979
Horizons, 1979
Photography, B/W film, 12×36
Horizons does not celebrate the wonderful successes of migrants who have “made it.” Rather the focus is more on the unsettling process or journeys these people must survive before they can begin to establish new homes in a new land. Horizons is a solarized triptych of consecutive frames on a roll of film. It shows a Palestinian mother and her two young children disappearing over the horizon. Where are they headed? Why? Will they be accepted? What has become of them?
Najib Joe Hakim works as a documentary and editorial photographer in San Francisco. He is a Political Art Fellow at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and was also a nominee for the United States Artist Fellowship. Hakim’s current project, Palestine Diary, exhumes his 1978-1979 black and white photographs in Palestine and combines the images with excerpts from his contemporary journal, enlightening the deep roots of the crisis in Palestine today.
Kacy Jung
Free Will Is An Illusion, 2018
Archival inkjet print, 37×25
Kacy Jung is a Taiwanese visual artist working with digital photography and ceramic sculpture. Throughout her art career, she investigates the construction and reassembles of identity during socialization, as well as the relationship between an individual and the current capitalist society. The subject intertwines with her immigrant experience and the anxiety of being part of the disappearing middle class. Her current works are a series of self-portraits and quirky sculptures of everyday objects such as mobile phones that are inspired by her struggles of living in a capitalist society. With this work she intends to intrigue the viewers’ own experience and internal dialogue: what is this system becoming now? What are the American dreams we believe?
Kacy’s works have been shown in galleries and museums internationally, including the United States and Taiwan. She is the recipient of the 2016 SFAI Harlan Jackson Diversity Scholarship, the 2018 SFAI nominees of Graduate Fellowship at Headlands Center for the Arts and the annual International Sculpture Center Student Award in contemporary sculpture. She received her MFA in photography at San Francisco Art Institute after an MS in biology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is currently living in the San Francisco Bay Area and practices her art at the Root Division Studios Program.
Pantea Karimi
The Healing Garden of Asparagus, 2019
Digital illustration, archival print on aluminum, 20×20
“The Healing Garden of Asparagus” is inspired by The Herbal, a twelfth century manuscript from Andalusia, Spain. This piece evokes the memories of my childhood in the Southern city of Shiraz, Iran, known for its herbal medicine tradition. As a child I spent ample time shopping at the traditional drugstores in Shiraz with my grandmother who firmly believed in the healing power of herbal medicine for all kinds of minor ailments. The plants are designed after the original images from the manuscript and printed on metal medallions to evoke the Persian decorative tiles. The Healing Garden of Asparagus showcases an introspective representation of my early memories of connection to nature and personal place between the worlds of reality, science and imagination.”
Pantea Karimi is a multidisciplinary artist with an interest in the taxonomy of image-text relationships. She researches visual representations in medieval Persian and Arab and early modern European scientific manuscripts in five categories: mathematics, medicinal botany, anatomy, optics/astronomy and cartography. Karimi’s works collectively highlight the significance of visual elements in early science and invite the viewer to observe science and its history through the process of image making. Her fine arts have been exhibited in Iran, Algeria, Germany, Croatia, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States. She is the recipient of the 2019 Arts and Cultural Exchange Grant in San Jose; the 2019 Silicon Valley Artist Laureates Award; the 2016-2017 Kala Fellowship Award; and the 2011 Multicultural Arts Leadership Initiative Fellowship. Pantea Karimi is an Adjunct Faculty at the College of San Mateo and maintains a studio in Cubberley Artist Studios in Palo Alto, California.
Purin Phanichphant
Lost In Google Translation, 2017
72x24x24
With his roots in Northern Thailand, where he spent part of his life as a Buddhist monk, combined with his background in Human-Computer Interaction and designing innovative products and experiences in the San Francisco Bay Area, Purin’s work explores themes of language and cross-cultural translations, human-machine coexistence and collaboration, as well as the tension between dogmatic rules and spontaneous expression. His media often incorporates buttons, knobs and screens, combined with a touch of code, resulting in simple, playful and interactive experiences for the audience.
Purin’s work has been exhibited in galleries, museums and institutions across the United States, Japan, Thailand and Iceland. He holds a BFA in Industrial Design and Human-Computer Interaction from Carnegie Mellon University and an MFA in Product Design from Stanford University. Prior to becoming an artist, he worked as a principal product designer at IDEO San Francisco. He has taught design courses at Stanford University, General Assembly and is currently teaching at the University of California, Berkeley.
Mayela Rodriguez
Letter of Request to Grupo México, 2017
University of Michigan Letterhead, 10×8
Arrival to Michigan, 2017
Saran wrap, copper particles, hair, debris from Mexico and Michigan, 12×12
“In 2017, I acquired an eleven-pound sheet of copper from the Buenavista del Cobre mine in Cananea, México. My father’s family is from Cananea and I grew up hearing stories of my uncle who, allegedly, pitched rocks into this mine and later played for the Detroit Tigers. As an MFA student at the University of Michigan, I used my position, and university letterhead, to request copper from Rene, a manager at the mine. This many-months correspondence was a way to explore my Mexican-American identity, my connection with family, and institutional power.”
Mayela Rodriguez is a practicing artist in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Mayela received her undergraduate degree in Art Practice from the University of California, Berkeley in 2015. Through research, sculpture, photography and social engagement Mayela’s practice explores collection-making, value and labor within a Latinx context. Mayela has exhibited her work in Ann Arbor and Detroit, Michigan, Santa Barbara, California, and several cities throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Mayela received her MFA in Art from the University of Michigan in 2019.
Joanna Ruckman
White Boxes: Harriet, 2018
Heirloom lace, chiffon, cotton thread, hair, ribbons, dress hooks, 28x19x4
Joanna’s work considers the intersections of cultural identities performed on and by our bodies. She is specifically interested in storytelling through adornment, female cultural lineages and hair as a medium mobilized to both create and deconstruct meaning. Her work proposes the braid as a cross-cultural ritual passed down through generations entangling past, present and future. In her White Boxes series she examines privileged spaces in relation to inheritance. Braids are interlaced with sartorial heirlooms, as altars to her historical and imagined heritage.
Joanna is an interdisciplinary artist based in Alameda, California. She received her BA in Cultural Anthropology and Visual Arts from Brown University and her MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute, where she is currently pursuing an MA in the History and Theory of Contemporary Art. She has exhibited in both the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the de Young Museum. Her works are part of several collections and she has exhibited internationally in Osaka, Japan. She prints actively with San Francisco Poster Syndicate.
Azin Seraj
In Honor of Syrian Refugees (Detail), 2018
In Honor of Jamala al-Baidhani (Installation), 2018
Inkjet print on linen paper, plexiglass, 5x7x1
Foreign Exchange incorporates the emblems taken from banknotes and utilizes images from news media to highlight voices of resistance from countries that have been impacted by U.S. national interests. The banknotes feature influential figures and monumental events that draw attention to socio-political tensions existing both within a country’s borders and beyond. Foreign Exchange offers an alternative platform to archive and share cultural currencies.
Azin Seraj is an Iranian-Canadian artist currently based in northern California. Her research based, multi media practice addresses socio-political concerns through a transnational lens. Seraj’s mission to amplify oppressed or silenced voices bridges her work as an educator and community organizer working with emerging artists and activists through exhibitions, screenings and actions. A recipient of the 2010 Roselyn Schneider Eisner Prize in Film, Seraj’s work has been featured internationally in exhibitions and festivals including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Tate Liverpool, Open Space Arts Society, (S8) Monstra De Cinema Periférico in Spain, Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA), Minnesota Street Project, Chicago Underground Film Festival and Croatian Association of Artists.
Elizabeth Sher
Saddlebag (From When We All Got Along) Morocco, 2019 Archival acrylic ink, paint on canvas, 16×16
This image is from the town of Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco. Before the state of Israel was established, the town had an equal mix of Jews, Muslims and Christians all living peacefully together. After 1948 most of the Jews migrated to Israel. The saddlebag pictured is a relic from that time.
Long time Bay Area Professor Emeritus (from CCA) Elizabeth Sher works in both 2 and 4D. Her films and artworks have garnered awards and been shown nationally, internationally and on TV (her films.) Her work focuses on women, art, healthy aging and the environment mixing digital and analog (handwork) modalities. Over the past decade her artwork has been inspired by residencies she has attended out of the country – most recently in Morocco.
Diaspora is a part of her background and her life. Sher’s family migrated from two shtetls in Lithuania to escape the pogroms. They settled in Minnesota and Wisconsin: equally cold and anti-Semitic areas – just like home. Says Sher, “Fiddler on the Roof is me!” Many of her mother’s family moved to Israel and stayed. While in Wisconsin, her dad was offered a job in FDR’s New Deal so her family migrated to Washington, DC where she was raised. Sher came to study at the University of California, Berkeley, and then stayed and raised her family. She now works and resides in Oakland, California. She is a member of Mercury 20 Gallery on 25th Street and will have a show Morocco Seen and Unseen from September 12th to October 19th, inspired by the sights, sounds tastes and smells from her residency in Tetuoan in 2018.
Inez Storer
Feet of Clay, 2018
Mixed media on paper, 21×18
Throughout her tenure, Inez Storer has used the narrative as the lynchpin for her work. Usually including collage, mixed media and text, although frequently peculiar in its vernacular. The images reflect that of a storyteller which include her personal observations and interpretative reflections of current events, past memories and magical thinking.
Inez Storer was born in Santa Monica, California. She studied at the University of California, Berkeley, Art Center, Los Angeles, San Francisco Art Institute, and received her MA from the University of San Francisco. Storer has taught at various universities, which include San Francisco State, University of California, Davis, University of California, Santa Cruz, Sonoma State University and San Francisco Art Institute. Storer’s work has been widely exhibited in the United States, Asia and Europe.
Her work has been exhibited in various museums including the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Oakland Art Museum, Montana Museum of Art, Philadelphia Museum of Jewish History and the Contemporary Jewish Museum of San Francisco. She has received numerous grants and awards, which include the Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant and twice has been an Artist-in-Residence at the American Academy in Rome. Her work has been critically reviewed in many publications including Art in America and many on-line reviews, most recently by Dewitt Cheng in Visual Art Source. Storer resides in Inverness with a studio in Point Reyes Station.
Ruby C. Tut
Peace Out, Patriarchy!, 2017
Gouache on handmade hemp paper, 17×21
Rupy C. Tut is an Oakland based visual artist working with two traditional art forms: Indian miniature painting (an 18th century Indian art form) and calligraphy. Rupy’s work is particularly remarkable for her strict practice with traditional materials and methods associated with these art forms. She creates work with intricate brushwork on handmade hemp paper using stone and organic pigments made in her studio. Being connected to traditional art making while innovating within its constraints, Rupy reaches back to a visual language that is centuries old but has relevance today. Her work dissects historical and contemporary narratives to portray the modern mix of influences from both the West and the East.
In Peace Out, Patriarchy!, Rupy challenges norms of identity and belonging as a first generation Punjabi Sikh immigrant. In this painting, she comments on post-migration trauma associated with gender roles imposed on women. This piece is centered on Heer, a famous character from Punjabi folklore who defies norms and stands up against social authorities. As the central character, Heer is a heroine who echoes the sentiments of many first generation girls around gender roles that become more strictly enforced in diasporic communities versus communities “back home.” For Rupy, this painting reiterates her role and responsibility as a traditional maker to capture the resilience of women who shaped history but have not been mentioned in history books.
Camilo Villa
Baila Conmigo Bolivar, 2019
Laser cut wood, 38×24
Camilo is a Colombian artist who utilizes his creative practice as a visibility platform. He is committed to unveil oppressive systems to recreate alternative communities. His love for craft and performance intersect in order to communicate symbolic narratives that encourage conversation about the role of art within social justice. He is currently working on the Baila Conmigo project, which invites queer Latinx people to occupy iconic public spaces of cities to the rhythm of Latin beats. Besides livening the daily routine of citizens, this project aims to create community through dance, a non-verbal bodily language that brings people together. The dance is documented though video and photographs that are then translated into vibrant posters, stencils, collages and laser cut wooden pieces of the dancers.
“This work represents a sub community within a community; the queer community within the Latinx culture. Many of us flee our countries in search of a safer place where we can be who we are meant to become without fear of being persecuted. While we are still living in our home countries, gay clubs become our haven, where dance becomes an act of liberation. The Baila Conmigo series captures the moments where the dancers allow themselves to shine in joy and no longer in struggle, fear or rejection. These works are meant to uplift our community with the use of vibrant colors and dynamic shapes. It is important to flip the narrative of victimization that often falls upon our community, and instead start empowering the representation of queer Latinx people so that the younger generations feel positively represented in art and the media.”
Sharon Virtue
Mawu – Creator Goddess, 2019
Acrylic on canvas, 36×24
Sharon Virtue is a British artist of mixed Jamaican and Irish heritage, currently living in Oakland, California. She has a strong social practice and has worked internationally in Mozambique, Uganda, Brazil, Haiti, America and England. She believes artists are agents of transformation. Her mission is to inspire, encourage and provide access to the greater community in the creation of art.
Sharon’s works narrate stories of shape shifting, initiation, metamorphosis and power. They contain mythological beings, which exist amidst the veils of humankind, the natural world and the supernatural. The viewer is invited to encounter the magical places and beings that inhabit her imagination: to explore, decipher and be immersed in an atmosphere of contemplation, remembering their own personal mythologies and the things that are being lost and devalued in our modern world.
Adreinne Waheed
Turbo’s Dream (D.E.K.Y.), 2015
Photography, 37×53
“As a visual artist and woman of color, I am drawn to the beauty, brilliance and resilience of Black people across the diaspora. Turbo’s Dream (D.E.K.Y.) is the cover image from my self-published coffee table book entitled Black Joy and Resistance. The book highlights Black and Brown people at cultural celebrations, festivals and “safe spaces” where we can proudly express ourselves without fear of reprisal. While making this work, I traveled throughout the diaspora to capture “The Souls of Black Folks” and the majesty that happens when we tap into our authentic selves. By focusing on the seemingly simple premise of Black joy, I create an entry point for conversation around our inalienable right to that pursuit.”
Adreinne Waheed is a photographer, photo editor and archivist based in Berkeley, California. An Oakland native, her love of photography begin at age thirteen and she has been committed to image making ever since. Ms. Waheed is an accomplished photo editor who has researched, produced and directed numerous shoots for publications including Vibe and Essence magazines. Her work has been published by The New York Times, National Geographic and Photo District News. In 2010, she created the Waheed Photo Archive, a collection of found photographs of African-Americans from Civil War to the present. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) acquired the archive in 2015. Adreinne’s first solo show, Black Joy and Resistance: The Exhibition, enjoyed a successful four month run at Betti Ono Gallery (Oakland, California) and closed June 20, 2019.
Ellen Bepp
It Wasn’t a Dream, 2016
Mixed media, 12×12
Ellen Bepp is a mixed media artist and taiko musician who has aspired to give voice to her Japanese cultural roots through visual and musical expression. Growing up as a third generation Japanese American in the Japantown community of San Jose, California soon after World War II, she was surrounded by Japanese art and textiles. As a child she was greatly influenced by her immigrant grandmother, who taught traditional flower arranging and kimono making, and her grandfather who was a photographer, calligrapher and painter. She was raised with the philosophy that spiritual forces are “alive” in all objects. For her, that force emanates from each scrap of fabric or paper like a metaphor for identity at the core of her art. She reveals her cultural/political legacy as she strives to evoke personal and collective memory, addressing broader experiences of injustice and historical displacement of people.
Since 1980 she has exhibited nationally, including at the Oakland Museum of California, Berkeley Art Center and Euphrat Gallery. Her work has spanned various media including wearable art, theatrical design, mixed media and hand cut paper. She also developed a kinship with pre-Columbian art and weaving traditions of Latin America, which inspired projects in Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Nicaragua and Cuba. In 1974 she began taiko training under Grand Master Seiichi Tanaka of San Francisco Taiko Dojo and went on to perform with San Jose Taiko. In 1999 she co-founded Somei Yoshino Taiko Ensemble, allowing her to realize her multi-disciplinary aesthetic vision. Today she continues to explore the political connection between art, culture and humanity as it informs her identity as an Asian American woman artist.
Noah Breuer
Aurora Cascade, 2018
Woodcut, 22×15
“My current project examines the visual legacy of “Carl Breuer and Sons” (CB&S) my Jewish family’s former textile printing business in Bohemia. In 1897 my great-great-grandfather Carl began the business, which included a factory in Bohemia. In 1939, the company, along with all other Jewish-owned property in German-occupied areas, was seized and sold to Nazi-approved owners, my family members were killed and the product of their work was lost. When my father was born in 1944 in Los Angeles his parents were not yet citizens of the United States. They were part of a relatively small amount of asylum-seeking refugees to have gained entry to the United States during the thirties and part of a larger Jewish diaspora displaced by the War.
Through my visit to both the CB&S factory, its archive of fabric samples and designs at the nearby Czech Textile Museum, I have acquired a rich digital collection of primary source material in the form of scans and photographs. My research has opened a window to the material world of my lost European family and allowed me to create a physical connection to the past which only art can provide.”
Noah Breuer is an American artist and printmaker born and raised in Berkeley, California. He holds a BFA in Printmaking from the Rhode Island School of Design, and an MFA from Columbia University. He also earned a graduate research certificate in traditional woodblock printmaking and papermaking from Kyoto Seika University in Japan.
David Goldberg
A Family History 5, 2016
Photography, 20×30
In this work you see my father’s Polish passport and The Amsterdam, which is the ship on which he immigrated to America (probably in steerage), in 1920. He told me that, as a Jew, he had to stand well back from the desk of the official from which he would obtain the document so as to not accidentally touch him. Then he could step forward and place the fee on the desk, then step back while the official took it, and then go through the procedure again to pick up the actual passport. The family didn’t know that the holocaust was just over the horizon but they knew that things couldn’t possibly be worse in America.
I have been a working photographer since the 1980’s. I usually work in projects. This project, A Family History, attempts to give a narration of immigration and Jewish culture in America. I have been involved in various San Francisco photographic institutions over the years, including Eye Gallery Collective, Media Alliance and Camerawork. I’ve studied at City College of San Francisco and Columbia University. I was an instructor of photography at the University of California, Berkeley, Extension for twenty two years. My current project, called Truth, is a meditation on the fungibility of photographic and philosophical truth using photography, painting and a written essay. It was started before the dawn of the post-truth society but seems even more apropos now.
For more information visit: DavidGoldbergImages.com
Phillip Hua
Asset Abscission, 2018
UV cured acrylic print on Acrylite, gold metal leaf, panel, 32×32
“My works are inspired by brush painting from the Asian diaspora. Traditionally used by monks and scholars as a means to meditate on nature, I echo that sentiment by considering the role of nature in contemporary society. Compositions of flora and fauna are juxtaposed against a gilded backdrop of stock indexes. What do we value? What do we prioritize? And what are we willing to sacrifice for one or the other?”
Born in San Jose, California in 1979, Phillip Hua was raised in the city that would eventually become the heart of Silicon Valley. As a child, he spent his days wandering the many fields and creeks now replaced with redevelopment, fueled by the tech industry. He eventually received his BFA from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.
Hua’s work has been exhibited in galleries, museums and art fairs nationally and internationally. In 2016, he was awarded a public art commission from the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) for the redesign of the 19th Street Oakland BART station and a public art commission from the San Francisco Arts Commission in 2018. His work has been featured by Art Practical, The San Francisco Chronicle, SFWeekly, California Home + Design magazine, White Hot Magazine of Contemporary Art, Huffington Post, Interior Design magazine and 7×7 magazine, among others. Hua lives and works in San Francisco and is adjunct faculty at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco where he teaches Digital Media.
Andrzej Michael Karwacki
Equanimity Series, Draw Thoughts, 2018
Acrylic, resin on panel, 12×12
Born in Poland, Andrzej grew up during the years of political oppression and era of communist Poland. There, he attended the School for the Arts and Literature. Andrzej moved to New York in 1984 and received BFA in painting. He then received Master Degree from University of Pennsylvania in the field of Urban Architecture. His artistic direction began to take shape after integrating Eastern spirituality into his artworks. His recent paintings have become Cosmocentric. Andrzej’s artistic philosophy lead him to California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco where he received, in 2011, Masters in Integral Psychology and Certification in Expressive Art Therapy. His paintings are exhibited in LA, SF Bay Area, Chicago, New York, Paris, London and Hong Kong.
“My work strives to find balance between western and eastern concepts through the duality of the identity of man with the way I perceive the role of man within the cosmos. My paintings extend beyond the individual to intentionally embrace nature as inclusive of man and art. With each work, there is a push and pull that develops in my paintings, one color, image, text or textile at a time. Each step is an inspiration for the next. My composition develops freely allowing my paintings to form from the depths of the creative process. The essence of each work carries its own unique direction.”
Anita Sulimanovic
Home – Reflection, 2019
Ink, tempera on cotton paper, 16×12
“My work is based on my personal history; it explores the idea of home and the theme of displacement that was present in my family for several generations. Since leaving my country, the postwar Croatia, I moved to sixteen different places before establishing what I now call my home in Alameda, California. It is not always the case that we feel at home where we came from, or where we are living. I am exploring the definition of home as not being a single place. Is our definition of home evolving? Our physical home is just one of the spaces that define us. Is home space, a place or a feeling?”
Anita Sulimanovic is a visual artist known for her site-specific sculptures and installations made with recycled materials and found objects. Born in Croatia, she graduated in sculpture at the Zagreb Academy of Fine Arts. In 2002 Anita moved to Scotland, United Kingdom to pursue an MFA in Sculpture at the Edinburgh College of Art, graduating in 2004. She also won the competition to design the Planet Award sculpture for BBC World Music Awards. She has created public sculptures and shown her work in Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Poland, South Korea and the United Kingdom. Anita immigrated to the United States in 2008, and in 2014 she permanently moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and founded Studio 1.6 Art School in Alameda, where she teaches fine art disciplines and continues her studio practice. Anita recently had a solo show at Pro Arts, Oakland, and has been selected for NYFA Mentoring Program Oakland.
Kay Kang
Guests Missed, 2019
Mixed media, 48×36
The main theme in my art is alienation and assimilation of the immigrant in a foreign culture. As a Korean woman in the United States, I have confronted the challenges associated with race, language and geography that most immigrants encounter. But what has shaped my perspectives even more is my struggle with the cultural conflict that exists for women born in Asian cultures who must learn to cope with a new startling social model in the West.
This struggle is a consistent undercurrent throughout my work. Many of my pieces use calligraphic – and at times unintelligible – characters to convey both the frustration of incomprehension and the beauty and universality of understanding. The words should resonate on a very subtle and deeply personal level. My intention is to use the power of the art to soothe the mind. Recently I was one of seven artists of, In-Between Places: Korean American Artists in the Bay Area. The artists featured during In-Between Places reveal the reality and complexities of being a Korean American artist in the Bay Area – a location that has served as a gateway for Korean culture and a bridge between Korea and the West.
In-Between Places acknowledges the infinitely evolving and nuanced ways Korean Americans interpret and express history, culture and art. Reflecting on the relationship of Korean American artists to art making in the Bay Area, the exhibition offers fresh considerations on the intricacies of cultural identity.
Artesania y Botanica Del Sol
Unique and beautiful pottery, clothing, spiritual candles, teas, oils, kitchen items & home décor direct from Mexico.
5115 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94601
Capoeira Mandinga Alameda
Led by Professor Sumido (Sam Batchelder) since 2004, the Capoeira Mandinga Alameda community maintains the deep traditions of this Afro-Brazilian self-defense/art form. Balancing playfulness, respect and discipline with strong aerobic and dance elements, capoeira displays a harmony of forces providing power, flexibility, endurance and self-discovery.
Sam teaches Capoeira at Rhythmix on Fridays, 3:30–4:30pm and Saturdays, 11:15–12:15pm
Aki Kumar
Vintage Bollywood meets Windy City Blues and Soul in a powerful, ever-evolving musical vindaloo created out of the heart and soul of acclaimed singer/harpist Aki Kumar.
Known as the “Bombay Blues Man,” Aki Kumar brings together some of the Bay Area’s finest blues musicians to present his extraordinary fusion of Chicago Blues and Bollywood tunes.
Living the first half his life in India, Aki grew up on Bollywood films and classical Hindustani music. The other half of his life was spent on the West Coast discovering his love for the blues. Aki Kumar has blended these genres to create his own musical realm, Mumbai Meets Muddy, and is hailed as one of the top rising stars of the West Coast Blues scene today.
“…old school blues at its finest by way of India. And the lad has soul to spare.” –Dan Aykroyd aka Elwood Blues
Sekhou Senegal
Sekhou Senegal is a prominent, traditional West African ensemble under the direction of twin brothers Assane and Ousseynou Kouyaté. “The twins” as they are affectionally called were born and raised in Senegal, West Africa of a family line originating in Mali. They come from a long line of griots – the poets, history tellers, keepers and oral transmitters of West African cultural traditions.
Sekhou Senegal combines West African griot musical traditions with elements of mbalax, sabar, jazz, funk, reggae, contemporary and more. Infectious vocals, high-energy choreography combined with the collective creativity of traditional African instruments – the djembe, dun dun, sabar, talking drums, kora, ngoni, balafon and the added modern flare of percussion, keyboard and bass, make Sekhou Senegal one of the hottest world music bands in the U.S. and abroad.
Barbie's Island Keiki
Barbie’s Island Keiki is a small band of kids from the island of Alameda that comes together through a love of ‘ukulele and friendship. They enjoy writing their own songs, singing, and laughing. They have performed at the Wine Country ‘Ukulele Festival, The Northern California ‘Ukulele Festival, and the Alameda Pacific Islander Festival.
Ballet Folklorico Flor de Café
Ballet Folklorico Flor de Café is a multigenerational group of dancers dedicated to preserving and sharing the traditional folklore & dance of El Salvador, strengthening their cultural identity sharing positive and beautiful aspect of Salvadoran culture.
Satsuma Dojo - Alameda, Shotokan Karate
The Shotokan Karate-do International Federation (SKIF) is represented in roughly 130 countries around the world. The Satsuma Dojo – Alameda will be performing a microcosm of a standard class, which consists of three components: Kihon (basics), Kata (forms), and Kumite (Sparring). At the beginner level, each component is very basic, increasing in demand and complexity as students progress to the intermediate and advanced levels. The Satsuma Dojo’s beginning and intermediate students will demonstrate these skills at Rhythmix ‘Round the World Festival.
Shotokan Karate is taught by Sensei Enkhbold Amarjargal and Sensei Kevin Slauson at Rhythmix on Mondays, 5:00 – 6:15pm. And Wednesdays, 5:30 -6:45pm.
Michelle Nye
Michelle Nye is Interim Director at the SFMOMA Artists Gallery, where she has worked as a passionate supporter of the arts for 18 years. As a curator she has organized public exhibitions and as an artist she has practiced photography, painting and poetry, exhibiting and selling throughout the Bay Area. She serves on the advisory council of Kala Art Institute, Sensoree and Rhythmix Cultural Works. She received her bachelors of art at UC Santa Cruz, at the University of Bologna, Italy and l’Academia degli Belli Arte in Bologna, Italy and graduated from Alameda High in 1995. She lives in Oakland as a seventh generation Bay Area / Alameda resident.
Christelle Durandy Duet
Christelle Durandy combines colors of a rich tapestry of musical experiences drawing upon her heritage from Reunion Island and the French West Indies. Her fiercely passionate live performances have garnered critical praise and mesmerized audiences throughout Europe, Cuba, and the U.S. At Pour Your HeART Out, Christelle is joined in a musical conversation with pianist Odalys Caro exploring cross-cultural jazz combinations that draw upon a vast spectrum of soul, Caribbean and Latin inspirations.
Laurel Schenck
Laurel discovered her enthusiasm for craft beer while working at a gastropub during her undergraduate years. Her career in craft beer production began with a small pub system, brewing around 310 gallons at a time. Craving the opportunity to learn more, Laurel was given the chance to work at Drakes on their 60bbl system (~1860gallons) where her passion about quality and consistency continues to grow alongside a team with similar values.
Stevie Stacionis
Stevie (owner, Bay Grape) spent seven years working in the front of the house at restaurants in Minneapolis, Los Angeles and New York City in order to pay her way through the University of Southern California. After graduating magna cum laude with her Bachelor’s degree in Communication and a minor in Psychology and Law, Stevie traded her apron for a laptop and a career in food, wine and travel writing.
In addition to her editorial background, she worked in wine retail and copywriting, managing communication, media, marketing and brand management for New York City retail stores Alphabet City Wine Co., Crush Wine & Spirits, NYC’s premier wine bar/classroom/event space Corkbuzz Wine Studio and the professional non-profit organization the Guild of Sommeliers. Stevie is a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers and directed A Drink with Friends TV. In 2018, Stevie conceived and produced the inaugural Bâtonnage Forum addressing issues faced by women in the wine industry; it was attended by over 300 women and men.
Likes: White Burgundy, ginormous bowls of pasta, running around Lake Merritt, sleeping in, colorful tennis shoes
Dislikes: being cold, octopus and squid, scary movies, itchy tags on t-shirts
Julie Johnson
Julie Johnson is the winemaker and owner of Tres Sabores, a winery nestled into the western Rutherford bench land of the Napa Valley. Passionate about food, wine, and the land, for the last 30 years Julie has lived on a certified organic farm, growing wine grapes, pomegranates, lemons and olives, raising her children, not to mention Golden Retrievers, Guinea Hens, and sheep.
A native of California, Julie graduated from Columbia as a P.H.N. after receiving a B.A. from Bowdoin College. Relocating to the Napa Valley in 1980, she practiced nursing even as she founded Frog’s Leap Winery (with her first husband, John Williams and partner, Larry Turley) in 1981. In 1990 she joined with Michaela Rodeno, past CEO at St. Supery Winery, and founded “Women for Wine Sense, a vital national organization whose “vision is to support the appreciation for and responsible consumption of wine”. Julie started Tres Sabores in 1999 as a single vineyard estate and soon began making her own wine. She speaks and participates in seminars on the subjects of Women in Wine and Regenerative Farming for a variety of clients and at educational venues around the country. She is currently active in C.C.O.F (California Certified Organic Farms), Wild Farm Alliance and the Rutherford Dust Society. At the end of the day, she sleeps best if she feels that she has been a thoughtful and energetic steward of the land and has capped off the day with a good glass of wine!
Tres Sabores: Celebrating the “three flavors” in each glass of wine: those of the vine, the terroir, and the spirit of the good company around the table.
Cary Quintana
Cary Quintana, winemaker/owner of Cary Q Wines, was born and raised in Miami, Florida, (of Cuban descent) and set off on her winemaking journey to beautiful Northern California in 2013. UC Davis alumni and equally self-taught, Cary Q was fueled by an innate love for the fermented grape and aims to highlight Grenache in its truest essence. The East Bay, specifically in the historic building of Camelia Street, near the corridor on 4th street in Berkeley, California is home to Cary Q Wines.
A minimalist at heart, Cary Q believes in keeping it simple, with a focus on the fruit source, intentionally sticking to small lots and getting out of the wine’s way. This marks a distinction of place, climate and varietal. She likes the idea and philosophy of working with unique vineyards that are conscientious and practice meticulous and organic farming. The soils are what she believes to be the start of the real story to a varietally expressive wine. She also believes in being fully hands-on by hand harvesting and hand sorting her fruit, being fully transparent throughout her winemaking process. Throughout the year, Cary’s time is spent patiently watching, being sensorially vigilant, and witnessing the beautiful development of must to wine, and vineyard to bottle without intervening or adjusting its natural evolvement. For Cary, the most important part of this journey is finding that balance and always remembering the land and vines that brought us this wine.
Dr. Chris Wachira
Wachira Wines is a family owned Urban Winery and a culmination of the extraordinary vision and effort of Dr. Chris Wachira (CEO/Owner/Winemaker, Wachira Wines), an unabashed wine lover and the only Kenyan-American, female, wine maker in the United States. While working her way through college, earning her Doctorate, and dedicating her life to Clinical Outcomes research, Chris fell in-love with the science of winemaking. She also developed a deep appreciation for the sense of community and bridges built from sharing a bottle of wine with complete strangers. Wachira, her family name, has been passed down for generations; in translation it means “one who deals with cases” such as an attorney or a judge. Hundreds of years later, she now deals with “cases” of wine. Chris chooses to believe wine-making was written in her stars.
Carolyn West
Carolyn was a founding board member of Rhythmix Cultural Works. She studied classical music throughout her youth, but it was the visceral experience of taiko drumming that really changed her life! Just days after seeing her first taiko concert in 1998, Carolyn West joined Emeryville Taiko, and studied and performed extensively with the group for seven years. In 2001, she participated in the first KasaMix trip to Japan, a cultural exchange cosponsored by Kodo Arts Sphere America and Rhythmix Cultural Works. In 2006, she joined Maze Daiko, the ensemble based at RCW, known for combining traditional taiko forms and rhythms with non-traditional instrumentation and cross-cultural grooves. Carolyn has also held a progression of positions in small businesses involved in entertainment, manufacturing, construction and law. Since 1996, she has been practicing trusts and estates law, and is currently with a firm in downtown Oakland. An Alameda resident for over 20 years, she is grateful for the opportunity to help Rhythmix’s founder, board and staff create new cultural arts opportunities in a beautiful community venue — and beyond!
Ebb and Flow (East Bay Belly Dancers)
American Tribal-Style belly dance (ATS) is known for its improvisational choreography with movements that are inspired by folkloric dances of the Middle East, North Africa, Spain and India. Sandi Ball, EBB & Flow’s Artistic Director, has studied ATS with Carolena Nericcio and FatChanceBellyDance® for over 20 years and is an FCBD® Instructor, Emerita. Sandi’s style has a rich subtlety, with a strong air of confidence. Maintaining the earthy origins of tribal improvisation, Sandi focuses on creating inside the immediate experience through collective thinking within the group.
Sandi teaches ATS® classes at Rhythmix on Wednesday evenings.
Susan Brady
Susan Brady chooses to see discarded materials as a resource. Brady sees horses everywhere. Legs in the form of broken furniture discarded along the street; a head resting in a brush pile in the form of a twisted branch; even tails appear in a tangle of string on the ground.
Displaying different sizes of horses, including a heap of source materials—wood, metal and fiber—Brady provides delight, joy, and whimsy, using refuse, discards and detritus. Perhaps this will help us reframe the way we look at other problems and allow for an expanded outlook, opening ourselves to unforeseen outcomes.
Susan Brady has been working in mixed media for over two decades. She is always on the lookout for materials on the street, in dumpsters, at estate sales and on walks in the woods.
Hopi Breton
Hopi Breton’s current work focuses on the land as physical and spiritual sustenance. She uses redwood, specifically to describe a local resource that has both economic and spiritual relevance. In Redwood Gold, the hollowed out forms with gold interiors allude to the loss of redwoods as a natural resource as well as a loss of connection to the land. At the same time, the color gold references the potential of redwoods to inspire reverence, and alludes to a kind of revaluation of the naturalness of natural resources. Hopi Breton is currently Chairperson of the Art Department at Diablo Valley College, where she also heads the Sculpture program.
Jessica Eastburn
For more info, visit Jessica Eastburn’s website.
Deborah Sullivan
For more info, please visit Deborah Sullivan’s website.
Danielle Giudici Wallis
For more info, please visit Danielle Giudici Wallis’ website.
Josie Iselin
As a photographer, visual artist, designer and storyteller, Josie Iselin has been investigating the secret world of seaweed for many years. The marine algae of the California coast are a treasure that few realize is there, not far from our busy lives in the city.
With floor-to-ceiling larger-than-life-size images of iconic California seaweed and kelp, Iselin’s seaweed curtains serve as a reminder to drop one’s phone. Iselin invites the viewer to go out and look, explore an unfamiliar zone, and give it one’s considered attention, along with some empathy perhaps.
Using a flatbed scanner, Iselin creates these images by pushing light through the algal specimen as the scan is captured to create seaweed portraits that glow and vibrate. The dye-sublimation printing process allows light to come through the fabric/image much as sunlight filters through the ocean waters and is captured by photosynthesizing seaweed and kelp.
These spectacular and odd organisms speak to us; they compel us to think about our oceans and the richness of a world just off our shores. They allude to evolution in extreme environments, to ingenuity and resilience. The world of kelp and seaweed is so visually striking and so at odds with our assumptions, that one cannot help to perk up and take notice.
Sophia Lee
Through Beauty in Transformation, Sophia Lee shares the beauty of things found in everyday life with the viewer. What we throw out as trash can be re-purposed and given another life, even for a short while. Lee’s version of beauty is bared to all using disposable “to-go cup lids” and different colored LED bulbs to form ornament-like discs that glow like fireflies.
Sophia Lee grew up straddling the two cultures of Taiwan and America. Her work utilizes reclaimed material (including some from Harbor Bay Landing Shopping Center) and reveals the inner beauty of rhythm and movement observed from her surroundings. Lee is currently an artist at the journal building residency program in San Francisco.
Maze Daiko
Taiko Fusion Ensemble
Maze Daiko brings a fresh twist to taiko drumming with the addition of East African Shona marimba, Persian santur and violin. This unusual combination creates culturally diverse music with the physical elegance and discipline of taiko, but with an entirely new approach.
Mary Lou's Apartment
All Women Jazz Ensemble
Mary Lou’s Apartment, a 12-piece, all-women ensemble celebrating the legacies of trombonist-arranger Melba Liston and pianist-composer Mary Lou Williams, two essential and often overlooked figures in jazz’s evolution from the swing era to bebop and beyond.
Salsa Lab Dancers
Alvaro Batista and his Salsa-Lab Dancers present Cuban Salsa and Rueda de Casino. Alvaro has been promoting this music and dance genre since 2002 with parties, clubs, concerts and dance classes.
Arts Africains
At Arts Africains, we celebrate the African culture and we want others to as well. During our travels to Africa in the past we brought home small items to sell. Now, with over 20 years of experience, our woman-owned business is thriving and we are bringing back more and more items for you to cherish. Our company specializes in African crafts, beauty products, clothing, and more. https://www.artsafricanstore.com/
Dragon Rouge
Celebrating 10 years, Dragon Rouge is a waterfront Vietnamese eatery offering inventive cuisine & a lively bar scene in a contemporary space. https://dragonrougerestaurant.com/
Ballet Afsaneh
Afsaneh Art & Culture Society (AACS) (nonprofit 501(c)3 status since 1991) promotes understanding of diverse and enduring cultures, with a primary focus on the Silk Road regions of Eurasia, we support artists in their roles as teachers and community visionaries, inspiring people through the presentation of both traditional and new art works. Ballet Afsaneh is the professional performance ensemble of AACS, producing up to 20 public performances for festivals, theaters, diaspora community events, schools, museums and other cultural institutions in the SF Bay Area and beyond. Today, dance artists, Samia Karimi and Natalie Nayun will showcase dances of Iran and Tajikistan.
Mambo Diablo Café
Mambo Diablo Café, Inc. sells premium coffee primarily from Latin countries and fair trade farmers. The coffee beans are carefully selected and then roasted by Q grader and master roasters who bring out the best flavors making for a delicious cup of coffee. Mambo Diablo Cafe, Inc. owner and GRAMMY®️ Award-Winning Musician, Javier Cabanillas, understands the importance of having good coffee and listening to music; a combination he feels is essential to human experiences, hence our slogan, “Taste Your Rhythm.” Try our various flavors to find your rhythm.
Duniya Dance and Drum Company (DDDC)
Duniya Dance and Drum Company (DDDC) presents traditional dance and music from Guinea, West Africa, showcasing how these elements relate to life events, including initiations, celebrations, farming, and spiritual rituals. Co-directors, Joti Singh and Bongo Sidibe, create a unique blend of energetic dance and music from Punjab, India, and Guinea, West Africa, to cultivate respect for the artforms, foster cultural exchange, effect social justice and engage in community building.
Alameda Education Foundation
Alameda Education Foundation (AEF) raises funds and coordinates programs to support and enhance the quality of K-12 public education in Alameda. Through Art Across the Island, AEF engages the community, presenting hands-on art activities for the whole family.
Cocoa Case – World Chocolate Tastings with Sharol Nelson-Embry
Join chocolate expert Sharol Nelson-Embry as she guides you on a journey through the world of chocolate! Discover the flavors of a fine selection of single-origin dark chocolate grown and harvested from around the world. https://www.cocoacase.com/
Chhandam School of Kathak
Chhandam School of Kathak was founded by legendary kathak master Pandit Chitresh Das and succeeded by his senior disciples, Seibi Lee, Rachna Nivas, and Rina Mehta. The Chhandam School of Kathak has been a pioneer of excellence for the education, promotion, and advancement of kathak dance and Indian classical music.
Ka-Hon Latin Percussion Ensemble
Ka-Hon Latin Percussion Ensemble performs an explosive array of global rhythms that can be played on a simple wooden box known as a cajón. In a highly interactive and engaging performance, Ka-Hon shares songs and music from Peru, Mexico, Spain, Cuba and Venezuela. The ensemble features Bay Area musicians José Roberto Hernandez and Pedro Rosales, with Grammy Winning Artists Omar Ledezma, Jr. (founder/artistic director), Javier Cabanillas and Braulio Barrera.
Salsa Lab dancers
Alvaro Batista was born in Panama and has lived in the Bay Area since 1980. Dancing most of his life, Alvaro has been dancing Cuban Salsa and Rueda de Casino as well as being involved in the Cuban music scene in the Bay Area. Along with two partners, he started Añejo Productions in 2002 and has been promoting this music genre and dance style through parties, clubs, concerts and dance classes.
Tiare Tahiti
Tiare Tahiti intrigues and delights audiences with their presentation of traditional and contemporary ‘ori Tahiti, siva Samoa and Hawaiian hula. Adding context and interaction to their performances, Tiare Tahiti engages audiences in the Polynesian arts in new and innovative ways. Formed by Jennifer Radakovich (MA, Dance Ethnology), Tiare Tahiti includes professional dancers and dance educators from the islands and beyond.
ghost ghost teeth
Simon Tran’s (aka ghost ghost teeth) work is about reconfiguration, resistance, and a hearty bowl of soup. There are sensibilities in his work stemming from post-punk, Vietnamese-American culture, retro video games, his daughter’s beautiful imagination, and his dad’s flea market finds. The organic shapes he makes reference to the human body through painting and wood cut-outs of organic shapes. Either a swaddled child or an contorted figure that inhabit the compositional landscape of patterns that stop, start, and overlap. Color is a strong influence on Tran’s work. He combines nostalgic colors that reshape memories. There is no resolve in the narration of his work, instead there are slow meditative builds that lead to chunky riffs that wormhole into hard-edged noise, all loopy-loopy and stuff.
Tomyé: Living Artist
Tomyé: Living Artist, through consistently drawing ink renderings every day, has amassed hundreds of images. They are filed as folders containing landmarks, people, objects, landscapes/cityscapes, nudes, and the preponderance compiled of portraits of musicians. She loves music and sketching musicians as they play their instruments. In her studio at home, Tomyé reinterprets the drawings as gouache paintings, dubbed linear paintings. Fast forward at least 20 years. Shifting to fused glass, the images come to life in light shining through them. Working with glass is more intriguing.
Deborah Parker Wong
Deborah Parker Wong, DWSET (Speaker Panel Moderator) is Global Wine Editor for SOMM Journal, The Tasting and Clever Root magazines where she reports on the wine and spirits industries with an emphasis on trends. As a San Francisco-based Wine & Spirit Education Trust school she offers Level 2 and Level 3 WSET certifications to students in the United States and she teaches as an adjunct professor in the Wine Studies department at Santa Rosa Junior College. In addition to writing and speaking about wine, Deborah provides strategic consulting services, judges wine competitions and scores wine for Planet Grape Wine Review. Her motto is: To learn, read. To know, write. To master, teach.
Jessica Clare
Jessica Clare (Cleophus Quealy Brewmaster/Manager) is a Certified Cicerone® and General Manager of Cleophus Quealy Beer Company, where she oversees business operations, beer quality, marketing, and industry leadership. She has more than five years of brewery experience, with previous roles at Anchor Brewing and Almanac Beer Company. Jessica is a vocal advocate for education, approachability, and inclusion within the beer industry and among its customers.
Alison Crowe
Alison Crowe (Picket Fence Wine and Plata Wine Partners) is a native Californian, UC Davis enology graduate, professional winemaker, published author and calls the Napa Valley home. She is the Winemaker for Plata Wine Partners, LLC, and provides custom winemaking services and consulting to nationally distributed as well as small start-up brands. Her wines, crafted entirely from her company’s own appellation-driven vineyards, can be found all over the United States, from family-owned boutique wine shops to internationally-acclaimed restaurants. Above all, she believes in letting the grapes speak their own particular truths through the medium of the winemaker.
J. Absinthia Vermut
Absinthia Vermut had her first taste of absinthe in 1996. She served her first bootleg bottles to friends a few months later on April Fool’s Day 1997, where she received the nickname, Absinthia. She continued making absinthe until suddenly one day, March 5, 2007 to be exact, the ban on absinthe was lifted. She immediately set to work to produce an organic absinthe and founded Absinthia’s Bottled Spirits, LLC. In September 2017, Absinthia™ Organic Absinthe Superieure began to appear in bars, restaurants, and bottle shops and won its first gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2018.
Rhonda Benin
Jazz, Blues & Soul Vocalist
San Francisco Bay Area vocalist, Rhonda Benin has earned a reputation for not just a good voice but showmanship, magnetic stage personality, humor, and of course her great dancing. Rhonda’s impressive resume includes performances at SF Jazz, Yoshi’s, MOAD, The Healdsburg, Sonoma, Burlingame, Sausalito, Filmore, and Calistoga Jazz Festivals.
In addition to singing, Rhonda is producer and founder of the Women’s History Month’s show “Just Like A Woman” a tribute to Bay Area Women In Music. Benin is a 22 year member of The GRAMMY nominated vocal ensemble Linda Tillery and The Cultural Heritage.
Rhonda is on the teaching staff of Healdsburg Jazz ‘s Operation Jazz Band, San Francisco Arts Project, LEAP, Cal Performances, Youth In Arts and conducts her own school assemblies and workshops, “The Voice, The Hands The Feet” “Twist and Shout” and “Love Letters Make Me Misty Blue”.
Maze Daiko
Taiko Fusion Ensemble
In Japanese, the word mazeru means “to mix,” daiko the word for drum. Maze Daiko is a world music ensemble that continues to evolve by mixing Japanese taiko with West African drums and marimba, and European violin, creating an innovative sound. Seiichi Tanka, the father of North American taiko, has described Maze as pioneers of the art form. Artistic director, Janet Koike trained with San Francisco Taiko Dojo, and was part of San Jose Taiko’s artistic team. The members of Maze Daiko include Kathryn Cabunoc, Tina Blaine (aka bean), Carolyn West, and Elaine Fong have many collective years of experience in taiko or musical groups including Emeryville Taiko, D’CuCKOO and Rhythmix ensemble. This mix of musicians combined with Maze Daiko’s newest member, violinist Jeannie Mckenzie, create original music with a unique cultural style.
Taller Bombalele
Taller Bombalele strives to promote our Afro Puerto Rican roots music and dance tradition of Bomba, by teaching its history, dance, music, and songs through classes, lectures, workshops, and Bombazos to continue to preserve and expand this form of expression in community. Taller Bombalele is also proud to be part of a diverse community in the SF Bay Area and is therefore committed to teaching, learning, and collaboration and in reflection of this community, we welcome our community of different cultural experiences and intergenerational participation. We strive to continually learn, grow and support each other in our learning. “De Santurce a la Bahia, La Bomba es Vida”.
Chris Rummell & Dickson Schneider
Chris Rummell is a mixed-media artist, often combining elements of printmaking, collage, and traditional sign arts. Gold leaf plays an important role in his work, carrying heavy connotations around wealth, value, and social class. His work tends toward revision and chance, seeking to understand how we attach meaning to symbols and representations. By contrasting mechanical precision with the human hand, layered works speak to the place where reality and ideals meet.
Dickson Schneider lives and works in the San Francisco Bay Area. His work has been represented by a number of galleries, including Big Pagoda, San Francisco; Donna Seager, Mill Valley; D.P. Fong, San Jose; and Ellis Pilcher Gallery, San Francisco. With the recession of 2008, the last of Schneider’s galleries closed. This loss of prescribed liaison between artist and public led him to create his current project, The Free Art Project, in which Schneider creates art works and takes them to the street or gallery to offer them to the public free of charge. The project has been presented at Aqua Art Fair Miami; Takt Project and Kunstraum Tapir in Berlin, where it was featured on Deutsch Radio; Paolo Mejia Gallery, San Francisco; T Moro Projects, Santa Clara; Start Up Art Fair, San Francisco; and the Torrance (CA) Art Museum.
Joanna Ruckman
Joanna Ruckman is an Alameda-based interdisciplinary artist and MFA candidate at SFAI. She received her BA from Brown University in Cultural Anthropology and Visual Arts. Ruckman is a socially engaged public artist and activist working with the SF Poster Syndicate, as a Fellow at the YBCA, teaching Digital Printmaking at Berkeley City College, and is a resident artist at The Phoenix in Alameda, where she teaches printmaking workshops. Her work has been collected by the DeYoung Museum and SFMOMA.
RoCoCo
The collaborative duo known as RoCoCo is comprised of KC Rosenberg and Modesto Covarrubias. These interdisciplinary artists describe their practice as a dialog of making, and they are interested in the juxtaposition of materials and response to space (architectural and natural) in their exploration of complex emotional states, social justice, and contemporary culture. RoCoCo’s work most often takes form through sculptural installations, but has also included video, performance, drawing, painting, and audience participation. RoCoCo began collaborating in 2015, showing their first work at Mercury 20 Gallery in Oakland, California. They have continued to show work at such venues as the Oliver Arts Center in Oakland, Montalvo Arts Center in Saratoga, and at Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana (MACLA) in San Jose. They were artists-in-residence at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles in 2017.
Jerome Rivera Pansa
Jerome Rivera Pansa is a genderqueer interdisciplinary artist involving installation, sculpture, text, and performance. Their work consists of reusing collected objects and sourced information concerning the impermanence of beingness, and the intersections of queerness and the abjected. Rivera Pansa received their BFA at University of California, Berkeley. They have shown work in Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, AS Gallery at San Francisco State University, California Center for the Arts, and ARC Gallery as part of Kearny Street Workshop Annual APAture exhibition. They have also shown in Worth Ryder Art Gallery, Kruglak Gallery, and the San Dieguito Art Guild. Rivera Pansa is a recipient of the Wendy Sussman Prize in Painting, and the 2017 Eisner Award. Their studio practice is based in Oakland.
Ginny Parsons
Ginny Parsons is an Alameda environmental artist who paints with everything from laundry detergent to peanut butter. Her current work was made with kids weaving trash and nature into kites. Inspired by Tyrus Wong, the Chinese-American artist who painted Bambi and made kites in his later years, Nature Trash Kites celebrate Alameda because the island has always been a place for play. Parsons is a self-taught artist who has been painting for 40 years. She shows at Rhythmix K Gallery and Gray Loft.
Nicole Mueller
Nicole Mueller is a visual artist and painter exploring color, light, and relationships in flux through her large-scale collages, murals, and installations. She is currently based in San Francisco. She began her career in Baltimore, Maryland, where she earned her degree in painting and illustration at the Maryland Institute College of Art. She has been an artist-in-residence at the Vermont Studio Center, Proyecto ‘ACE (Argentina), and Creative Paradox (Maryland). Her work has been exhibited in Maryland, California, and New York. In 2017, she was the recipient of the Mark M. Glickman and Lanette M. McClure Artist Award for emerging artists creating innovative work in California. She also co-hosts a podcast interviewing artists about their professional practices called Beyond the Studio, which received an Alternative Exposure grant in 2017 from Southern Exposure in San Francisco.
Malcolm Kenter
Malcolm Kenter was born in San Francisco. His artwork is a narrative account and portrayal of his observation and experience of urban industry and modern architecture. He has created miniature replicas of buildings for public art display, video and commission. His work has been shown at the Kiosk Museum, Guerrero Gallery, and Ratio 3.
Sonja Hinrichson
Sonja Hinrichson graduated from the Academy of Art in Stuttgart, Germany, and received a master’s degree from the San Francisco Art Institute. She has been invited to group and solo exhibitions worldwide, amongst others the DePaul Museum (Chicago), Shelburne Museum (Shelburne, VT), Kala Art Institute (Berkeley), Chandra Cerrito Gallery (Oakland), San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery, CPAC Denver, Saarlaendisches Kuenstlerhaus (Germany), Organhaus (China), and Pier 2 Art Center (Taiwan). She has won numerous artist residency awards, including Bemis Center for the Arts, Djerassi, the Santa Fe Art Institute, Ucross Foundation, Valparaiso (Spain), Fiskars (Finland), Taipei Artist Village (Taiwan), Saari (Finland), and Blue Mountain Center. Her community arts project, Snow Drawings, has been featured on the Huffington Post, IGNANT, Spiegel (Germany), WIRED, The Creator’s Project (Germany), KQED-Spark (PBS San Francisco), MSNBC, The Discovery Channel and public TV Tokyo.
Angela Hennessy
Angela Hennessy is an Oakland-based interdisciplinary artist and Associate Professor at California College of the Arts, where she teaches courses on visual and cultural narratives of death and contemporary textile theory. She leads workshops and lectures nationally. Recent talks and performances include Death Salon Seattle, University of Cincinnati, CTRL+SHIFT Artists Collective, You’re Going to Die, IDEO/Reimagine End of Life, Disclose Silence: We See Violence and Dead Black at Nook Gallery. Last fall her work was featured in a solo exhibition When and where I enter at Southern Exposure and in the recent publication Fray: Textile Art and Politics by Julia Bryan Wilson.
Najib Joe Hakim
Najib Joe Hakim works as a documentary photographer and photojournalist in San Francisco. His work has been published in national and international magazines and newspapers. He has been honored with numerous awards, including Best Photo Essay from the California Newspaper Publishers Association for a series on 9/11’s effects on San Francisco and first prize in the Luminance Exhibition (NYC) for a digital composition critiquing the War on Terror. His Born Among Mirrors project was included in the top 10 documentary photo projects of 2008 by Social Documentary Network. He was also a nominee for the US Artist Fellowship.
Mark P. Fisher
Mark P. Fisher’s experience with installation stems mainly from numerous Fourth of July Celebration piñatas fashioned in collaboration with his friend, the late, great Michael Carraher. When Carraher passed away a few years ago, Fisher was forced to make and/or supervise both the building and painting of any further July 4 piñatas. As a child in the 1960s, his father made many constructions (and signage) in papier-maåché and other methods for Mardi Gras floats, galas, and one wax museum. His grandmother painted pictures of chickens in watercolor. So much depends on these watercolors painted like chicken.
Heather Deyling
Heather Deyling is an artist and educator whose current and ongoing body of work, the “Invented Hybrids” series, includes works in drawing, glass and fiber-based sculpture. Her studio practice is driven by research and observation of natural forms, such as succulents, fungi and marine invertebrates. She earned an MFA in painting from Tyler School of Art at Temple University and a BFA from Kent State University. Deyling has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions across the United States. Recent projects and exhibitions include a residency and exhibition at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles and a public art project for the City of Emeryville Art in Public Places Bus Shelter Art Program. Deyling is Professor of Foundation Studies in eLearning at the Savannah College of Art and Design. She lives and works in San Francisco, CA.
Elizabeth Dante
Elizabeth Dante works in bronze, stone, clay, and found objects in a combination of ancient and modern rituals that pay homage to the many facets of the human spirit. Her works have been showcased in “Art on the Rock at Alcatraz” and “The Day of the Dead” at the Museum of Mexican Art. In 1990, she received the prestigious Art of Peace Award from the Artist Embassy International for her sculpture Woman’s Liberation, which was chosen by the Oakland Art Commission as a gift to Nelson Mandela and the people of South Africa.
Jennifer Brandon
Jennifer Brandon lives and works in San Francisco. In 2007, she received her MFA at Mills College, preceded by an MA in 2005 and BA in 2004 in Art at California State University, Northridge, as well as a BA in 1997 in English Literature at San Francisco State University. Brandon’s work has been shown at Bay Area venues including the Mills College Art Museum, Stephen Wirtz Gallery, Headlands Center for the Arts, Swarm Gallery, Pro Arts Gallery and The San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art. Residencies, awards and fellowships include The Rayko Artist in Residence, The Herringer Prize for Excellence in Studio Art and The Catherine Morgan Trefethen Fellowship in Art.
Janet Koike / Artistic Director, Founder
In the early 80’s Koike Textile, hand printed women’s fashions, taught Janet how to run an artist owned business. At 30, Janet changed careers, to teaching dance and movement through Oakland Park and Recreation and became been an Artist in Resident for the Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning through the Arts, in Head Start Programs. This led to a position as Arts School Program Coordinator for the Oakland Museum. Then, following the call of the drums, she joined the artistic staff of San Jose Taiko as Outreach Coordinator creating, performing and booking approximately 150 school shows through out the Bay Area. In 1998 Rhythmix world percussion ensemble was formed. In 1999 RCW became a 501 (c) (3) organization, with the intention of someday creating a community arts space. That day has come.
Laili Gohartaj / Operations Director
Laili joined Rhythmix in 2015 coming from a background full of music, art, and nonprofit administration. Laili holds a Bachelors of Music in Clarinet Performance and Masters of Arts in Creative Writing both from Holy Names University. While at HNU she explored her interests in Middle Eastern music, sound healing, 19th and 20th century chamber music, feature writing and poetry. Since leaving HNU Laili has gone on to manage administration and operations for nonprofits in the performing arts, publishing, and education. Laili was drawn to Rhythmix for its diversity of programming and mission to promote cultural awareness and encourage participation in the arts. She is especially happy to oversee the PAL program, which provides Alameda and Oakland students with an opportunity to experience world music and dance free of charge. In her free time Laili is a competitive sweep rower, occasionally plays in chamber groups, and is an artist focusing on pottery, fused glass, mosaic and collage. To learn more about her artwork please visit www.LailiBug.com
Peter Fletcher
Peter is a Bay Area real estate broker and an Alamedan since his kindergarten days at Franklin Elementary School. He is a trained Mediator, a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist (CPRES), and was integral in establishing the first multiple listing service for Alameda properties. He is a past president (twice) of the Alameda Association of Realtors and was voted Realtor of the Year by his peers. Peter brings a great love of music and the Alameda community to his involvement on the Rhythmix Community Advisory Board. As the “Pete” in Pete Fletcher’s Hand-Picked Oldies, Peter has deejayed and emceed events, parties and high school reunions throughout Alameda and in cities over the bridges. If you’ve found yourself dancing up Park Street at the annual Park Street Classic Car Show it is probably because he was spinning oldies on his I-Pad. Peter is particularly proud of his effort to restore and raise the Encinal High School jet with a group of talented collaborators—and all this inspite of being an Alameda High School Hornet. Married to Donna Toutjian Fletcher, they have two grown daughters, Hannah and Hope.
Julie Baron
Julie Baron, owner of Julie’s Coffee & Tea Garden in Downtown Alameda, has spent her life supporting and helping to create wholesome community. Her life’s work has been focused on nurturing those in her community through farm, food, & creativity. Julie engages in Alameda culture on many levels: as Board member of Downtown Alameda Business Association, dancing as a “Yay Girl” at Rhythmix Bingo, participating in 2nd Fridays Art Walk, and simply being an engaged patron of the Arts. She believes the core of community is in the arts.
Dr. Jannett Jackson
Dr. Jannett Jackson received her doctorate from the prestigious Community College Leadership Program in Educational Administration at The University of Texas at Austin and holds a Masters in Education emphasis in Curriculum & Instruction and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Liberal Studies from CSU, Fresno. Dr. Jackson has over twenty-seven years of experience in support services, instruction and administrative areas within the California Community College system and is currently serving a 3 year terms as President of the College of Alameda.
Kathryn Cabunoc
Kathryn Cabunoc has been playing taiko since 2000. Before joining Maze Daiko, she studied and performed with Emeryville Taiko. Since then, her taiko journey has taken her to Japan on a KASA/MIX tour to the Kodo Apprentice Center, performing at the North American Taiko Conference in Las Vegas, leading taiko classes at Rhythmix Cultural Works in Alameda, CA, and working on productions with First Voice, On Ensemble, members of Kodo, and many others. She enjoys learning new rhythms and instruments from around the world and would someday like to play the zabumba.
Jeannie Mckenzie
Jeannie Mckenzie is an accomplished violinist and renaissance woman. With a background in jazz, Jeannie started her performance career as a street musician in San Francisco. Later she joined Potingue (Chus Alonzo), playing Flamenco and Afro-Cuban music for seven years. She has accompanied belly dance at the Renaissance Faire and post-modern dance at Epiphany Productions. Jeannie was invited to perform with Somei Yoshino Taiko in their production, “Runaway moon.” Then, destined to combine violin with taiko, she joined Maze Daiko ensemble in 2014. Jeannie has been working with children in Bay Area Schools as an Orff music teacher since 1990. She is trained as a mime and a clown and is currently a goat farmer who makes blue ribbon cheese. Jeannie is also trained in Cranial Sacral therapy, Sound Healing, Chi Nei Tsang and is a certified Barefoot Shiatsu Teacher.
Janet Koike
Janet Koike is the Artistic Director of Maze Daiko. Her taiko training began with San Francisco Taiko Dojo. After touring Indonesia with Keith Terry’s “Body Tjak,” she became part of San Jose Taiko’s Artistic Staff and touring company. She has worked extensively with First Voice (Brenda Wong Aoki and Mark Izu) in Hong Kong at the “New Dimensions Festival,” and on “MU” with ODC choreographer Kimi Okada.
Janet has also performed with Anthony Brown’s Asian Jazz Orchestra, Theatre Yugen. Her compositions are part of San Jose Taiko, Emeryville Taiko, Moab Taiko and Odaiko New England’s repertoire. She has taught workshops at the Portsmouth Percussive Dance Festival, Born to Drum, the North American Taiko Conference and Earth Celebration on Sado Island, Japan. In 2007 Koike founded Rhythmix Cultural Works and in 2016 she conceived and was the creative director of multi-disciplinary site specific art event, Island City Waterways in Alameda CA.
Donna Layburn
Donna Layburn is the founder and master developer of the “Alameda Marketplace”, an adaptive reuse of the 1930 Ford Dealership in Alameda. The Marketplace started in 2003, and is now a hub of organic, natural and 8 independent food vendors from bakeries, coffee shop, groceries, meat and prepared foods. This project was instrumental in aiding the renaissance of the Park Street revitalization. Donna refers to her early passion in organics as her “Earth Mother Years”, involved in organics, beekeeping, “good food” co-ops and environmental issues. As owner of Alameda Natural Grocery, she is passionate and dedicated to educating customers on the importance of knowing where their food comes from, how and where it’s grown, how it supports local farmers, and affects the health of our bodies and the planet. A lover of the arts, Donna, along with Janet Koike and Alameda Municipal Power’s Rebecca Irwin, spearheaded the 10 power box art installations in the Downtown Alameda district. Currently, Donna is the President of the Downtown Alameda Business Association and involved in the movement to keep the Downtown District viable, vital and inviting to the community.
Island City Waterways 2016
Ewart Wetherill / In Memory and Appreciation (1928-2015)
Ewart (Red) was born and grew up in the Yorkshire town of Wetherby, England. He served a brief tour of duty in the Royal Navy, before emigrating to Canada, where he earned a B. Arch. degree at the University of British Columbia in 1954. Red was captivated by the field of architectural acoustics — he consulted with Bolt, Beranek and Newman for more than 25 years and taught at numerous universities in North America. He was universally acknowledged by his colleagues as a deep and original thinker, publishing numerous technical papers and continuing to consult and write until the end of his life.
Red and his wife Jinny moved to Alameda in 1985, where he vigorously engaged in community affairs, most notably as the President of the Citizens League for Airport Safety and Serenity, as a member of the Alameda Citizens Task Force Steering Committee, as an Alameda Land Use Commissioner, and as a member of both the Mastick Senior Center Advisory Board and the Rhythmix Cultural Works Community Advisory Board.
Red’s dry wit and sense of humor were legendary among all who knew him, as were his modesty, warm generosity, and intellectual curiosity. He was a champion for the arts and will be greatly missed.
Chikara
Naori
Chekere
Elaine Fong
“My path has humbly lead me to wanting to help other women find their “voice” through the power of rhythm.”
Elaine N. Fong is the founder and former artistic Director of Odaiko New England (www.onetaiko.org), the first professional taiko group in Massachusetts. She is a former member and currently honorary member of Soh Daiko, the first East Coast taiko group. She has performed with Taikoza, and is currently a member of the East Bay (CA) group, Maze taiko. She has over 25 years of taiko performance, teaching and administrative experience. Ms. Fong has taught taiko and rhythm workshops and classes in the West Coast, in the New England area, and in corporations. In addition to taiko, Ms. Fong has over ten years of dance training. She is a certified TaKeTiNa rhythm teacher and coordinates TaKeTiNa workshops in the United States (www.taketina.com).
Ms. Fong’s taiko compositions have included taiko-theater, spoken word, and movement-taiko. She has composed musical works for choreographers (Arawana Hayashi, Richard Colton and Amy Spencer, Tara Ahmed), for theater companies (Animus Ensemble and Concord Academy) and for film (the short, “Razor Man”). Her current project, a solo-show tentatively titled “Pulse of the River”, a collaboration with noted playwright and screenwriter, Professor Hortense Gerardo, will premiere in fall 2009.
Ms. Fong is a member of the Massachusetts Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (Mass AAPIP), and the Massachusetts-based giving circle, Saffron Circle. She received her undergraduate degree from Princeton University, and her MBA from Yale University.
Carolyn West
Whether in the broadcast booth, on the stage, or in the background, music has been part of the soundtrack of Carolyn West’s life since she started playing the xylophone at the age of two. She studied and played classical music throughout her youth, but when she saw her first taiko concert at Zellerbach Hall she was propelled in a new musical direction. In 1998 she joined Emeryville Taiko, and studied and performed extensively with the group for seven years. In 2001, she participated in Rhythmix’s first KASA/MIX Tour to study with KODO in Japan, where she gained new appreciation of the culture and expression of taiko. “The music combines movement, voice and drumming in a visual, audio and visceral experience,” she says. “Best of all, it brings people together in a very positive way.” She’s thrilled to be a part of the Maze Daiko ensemble, which pays homage to the traditions of taiko and blends the rhythms of the world today.
Michael Racela / In Memory and Appreciation (1959-2014)
As a founding board member and secretary from 2006-2010, Michael was an important voice in creating Rhythmix’s vision and mission.
In 2007 he was the stage manager of our grand opening extravaganza, helping us open our doors to the public.
Michael was our original Rhythmix Bingo ball caller and we will fondly remember his crazy characters (Lenny Leisure-suit and the accountant just out of San Quentin).
Michael was a class act, eager to contribute. He must have completely used up that generous heart of his.
Thank you Michael! We will miss you.
Teddy Tabor
Teddy Tabor was on the Board of Directors with the Alameda Civic Light Opera for 12 years and served as the Community Liaison. She also worked closely with the student interns through out ACLO’s production years. Teddy is currently with the Alameda Film Commission and the Alameda Boys and Girls Club Advisory Board.
Jeff Cambra
Jeff Cambra is the Producer/Director of Alameda Currents TV and Board Member, Treasurer, Exec Committee member of the West Alameda Business Association.
Sherilyn Escoto
Sherilyn Escoto’s appreciation for art history and photography somehow led to her becoming the Vice President at Bank of the Orient with 15 years of banking experience. She started her banking career at Bank of America (SF), and her first manager roles were at First Republic Bank (SF) and Comerica Bank. At One Pacific Coast Bank, she was one of the original Bank Officers and played a significant role with opening the Bank in 2007. Sherilyn is also a Board Member for the West Alameda Business Association (WABA), a Board Member/Treasurer for The Golden Gate Chapter of RMA in San Francisco and Rotarian with Rotary Club of Alameda.
Mark Sorensen
Mark Sorensen, former owner and lead designer of Renwick & Wolfe and Fabulous on Park Street, is now the Executive Director of the Alameda Chamber of Commerce. He also serves as Vice President of Alameda Meals on Wheels and Alameda Friendly Visitors, the Alameda Fourth of July Committee and works on Chief of Police Michael Noonan’s Citizen’s Advisory Board of the Alameda Police Department.
Hadi Monsef / In Memory and Appreciation (1933-2014)
Hadi Monsef was dedicated to many Alameda community organizations. Rhythmix is grateful to have had him on our community advisory board. Hadi was an early supporter of Rhythmix, offering warmth and welcome. He understood the value of the cultural arts. Hadi suggested that Rhythmix create a community advisory board to build local relationships, a suggestion typical of his innate diplomatic talent to bring people and ideas together in an effective way. You could always count on Hadi’s cheerful greeting, thoughtful ear and smart ideas. Hadi loved to dance and graced the Rhythmix dance floor with his smile. We imagine him smiling that way, still. Hadi was Vice President and Broker at Omm Inc., served on the Island’s Public Utilities Commission from 1975 to 1983 and on the City Council from 1983 to 1989.
Tracy Zollinger L.Ac
Tracy Zollinger L.Ac. feels that the arts open us up to the world and allow us to experience different cultures, talents, and joys. Her passion for serving youth and her community are paired perfectly at Rhythmix where she can enjoy both coming together.
Carolina Yong
Carolina Yong, owner of Chicha bistro on Webster St. resident of Alameda since 2000 and former property manager for Alameda Point Collaborative. She firmly believes that fostering culture and art promotes education, tolerance and social peace. Carolina has dedicated over 15 years administering low income program developments, leading not only housing programs but also social outreach projects for youth and adults at risk. She has volunteered over a decade at La Peña Cultural center in Berkeley. Currently a member of the league women voter and active member for The West Alameda Art and Entertainment District as part of the vision of revitalization of the west end.
Vicki Varghese
Vicki Varghese teaches English Language Development at Otis Elementary School in Alameda, and is especially interested in integrating world culture and the arts into education. For the past ten years she has volunteered with several non-profit groups working to empower and support students in economically disadvantaged communities in El Salvador and in the East Bay. Prior to teaching she worked in the international adventure travel business, leading trekking and whitewater rafting excursions. She enjoys taking djembe drumming classes and participating in the P.A.L. (Performing Arts and Learning) at Rhythmix. She and her family have lived in Alameda for 20 years.
Kathy Moehring
Kathy Moehring is a generous contributor to the Alameda community in her involvement on many levels with local nonprofits such as Alameda Family Services, Alameda Education Foundation, Alameda Rotary Club, Girls Inc. of the Island City, and, of course, Rhythmix where she has performed on a number of occasions. Kathy loves her job working for AEC Living, a local family owned company that provides assisted living and many other services to people in their senior years. She studied theater in her hometown of New York City and performed on many stages off-Broadway in New York City to off-Broadway in Alameda!
Kari Thompson
Kari Thompson, approaching 25 years experience in the local banking community, Kari Thompson is the Assistant Vice President & Branch Manager of First Community Bank in Alameda. Born and raised in Alameda, Kari has been actively involved in the Alameda Community in both service and leadership roles. She currently serves as the President of the Alameda Chamber of Commerce, the Secretary of the Alameda Homeless Network (a.k.a Midway Shelter), and is actively involved in the Alameda Girl Scout Service Unit. Education, youth services, and protecting our senior population from financial and elder abuse are areas that Kari is particularly passionate about. She strongly believes in the philosophy that your day is not complete until you’ve learned something new. Rhythmix Cultural Works brings that philosophy to the Alameda Community and Kari is very proud to be a part of Rhythmix Cultural Works.
Sandy Russell
An entrepreneur and artist with a strong commitment to all things art and music, Sandy Russell is co-owner for the last five years of The Fireside Lounge a local bar, lounge, community meeting place and music venue with a diverse live music program. The Fireside Lounge participates in the 2nd Friday Art Stroll and hosts a monthly art opening called ArtSmash for emerging Bay Area artists. As co-director of West End Arts & Entertainment District (501c3), Sandy works diligently to develop the art and entertainment scene for Alameda’s West End businesses and to provide Alameda youth with scholarships for local music and art programs. Sandy’s company, Crate Big Ideas, repurposes wood wine crates and many other items into beautiful home décor. She looks forward to bringing together Alameda’s artistic and musical communities as a member of the Rhythmix Community Advisory Board.
Becca Perata
Becca Perata has spent nearly 25 years in communications across a range of industries, including online, telecommunications, children’s health and education, land use and the energy sector. Becca founded Vox Populi — a full-service public relations/public affairs firm — in 2001. She serves as strategic advisor to non-profit organizations, start-ups and large corporations. Her firm has managed community engagement, media relations, corporate communications, special events, crisis management and direct marketing for clients, including YCS Investments, the Oakland Zoo, Calpine Corporation, Tim Lewis Communities and SaveMart/Lucky Stores. Previously, Becca was vice president of corporate communications for Women.com — a top 50 online media company owned by Hearst Media. She also held internal communications positions with SBC/Pacific Bell, Beyond.com and Sun Microsystems. Becca has worked as media relations director for political campaigns and served as a communications consultant, fundraiser and writer for statewide ballot measures and initiatives.
Ginny Parsons
An Alameda-based artist inspired by nature, Ginny Parsons paints with everything from laundry detergent to bacon grease. Ginny also teaches art to children and finds inspiration and creativity in the areas around the shoreline, estuary and parks. Her work involves chance, and uses found wood and other materials in her art making. She is interested in dripping, pouring, splashing and moving paint, working intuitively, using a variety of common household ingredients including beeswax, bacon grease, borax and castoff house paint. Ginny’s imagery comes from nature, a place where she feels the greatest connection and concern.
Donna Layburn
Eric Kos
Eric Kos is the co-founder and co-publisher of our only locally owned and most widely distributed newspaper, the Alameda Sun, now in its 13th year. Eric and Dennis Evanosky teamed up in 2004 to write East Bay Then & Now. Since then they’ve been contracted to write five other California history books: San Francisco Then & Now, San Francisco in Photographs, Lost San Francisco, Lost Los Angeles, and Los Angeles from the Air Then & Now. With Dennis as author, Eric has helped publish three local history books including Alameda an Architectural Treasure Chest. They have about two dozen presentations on local history they can present and they also host the Web site www.oaklandhistory.com. Through the Alameda Recreation and Parks Department’s Alameda Walks program, they lead free history walks in town. Eric’s degree is in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design with a focus on design using the computer. Eventually he came back to using his traditional hand painting skills through his association with the Pacific Pinball Museum. As an artist in the museum’s mural painting program, Eric has created four giant reproductions of pinball backglass art on canvases averaging 10 feet by 10 feet. Eric also plays bass with the Bay Area garage punk band, Cleveland.
Elaine Fong
Elaine N. Fong is the founder and artistic director of Odaiko New England, one of the few taiko (Japanese drum) groups in Massachusetts. She has over twenty five years of taiko performance, teaching and administrative experience. In addition to taiko, Ms. Fong has over ten years of dance training. Ms. Fong is also a certified TaKeTiNa rhythm instructor at the basic level. Ms. Fong received her undergraduate degree from Princeton University, and a Masters in Public and Private Management from the Yale School of Organization and Management. In addition to her experience in the arts, Ms. Fong has over sixteen years of not-for-profit administrative experience. She has also worked in the public and private sectors. She is currently a board member of the YWCA Boston, and a United Way allocations committee volunteer.
Hiro Cooper
Hiro Cooper began her professional music career at 18, then transitioned to living a dual life as an occupational therapist by day and singer/band promoter by night. As a therapist, working with a vast population of patients has given Hiro a great appreciation of life. A transplant to the Bay Area by way of Kansas and Miami, Hiro became involved in the business community, booking events and entertainment through her husband Mike’s venture 1400 Bar & Grill in Alameda and the “Hiroko Sound Express”, a local access TV show. She also books talent for the “Battle of the Bands” at the Crab cove festival, as well as the Neptune Beach Celebration on Webster Street. Hiro recently launched a silk screening business “The T-Hiro” and plans to transition to full time silk screening by 2017. As a co-founder of the non-profit West End Arts and Entertainment District, the organization provides grants to local youth to receive music lessons and a platform for those young students to perform. Hiro has a daughter attending Encinal High School and is proud to be a Jet mom!
William Wong
William Wong brings over 25 years of hands on experience developing and managing successful business ventures. He is currently pioneering a new business model called “Localize It”, by creating a Business Alliance of Independently Owned Local Businesses to come together as one to compete against the chain and big box businesses. William is also a Division Manager for EVO Platinum Services Group, building a team of Bankcard Sales Professionals to transform the Merchant Services Industry by providing Bank Card Processing and Gift & Rewards Programs and Services to all types of business on a foundation of honesty and integrity.
Amos White
Amos White is a marketing consultant, executive coach and an award winning American haiku poet and author. Amos has trained or coached thousands of executives, top producing professionals and companies with his marketing strategies. Recognized for his vivid poetic imagery and breathless interpretations as a Haiku poet, he was awarded in the NPR National Cherry Blossom Haiku Contest, and in “The Witt Literary Journal” Haiku Writing Contest. He is published in Area 17, Bones Journal, Brass Bell, Oakland Review, San Francisco BayView, the Wittenberg Review and World Haiku Association Anthology, and an active poet reader supporting San Francisco Bay Area literary organizations and others internationally. Amos has served in numerous community based organizations for more than 30 years, drafted state education reform policy, directed the Kids First! Oakland Fund for Children and Youth campaign and organization; and Assistant Director of Eureka Foundation–SF Bay Area. Classically trained as a concert bassist, and also a rock musician, Amos has a strong background in music performance and in supporting the arts.
Jan Mason
Making things happen is what Jan Mason is all about. Owner of OMM, Inc., an established Alameda real estate and property management company, Jan is known for her unique and artistic approach to the business of real estate. With her strong art background, her commitment to transformation – whether it is a building or a new idea, she is enthusiastic about championing Rhythmix Cultural Works to the Alameda community. She loves the TAIKO classes! Jan was awarded Business Woman of the Year 2007 by the Alameda Chamber of Commerce, and Professional Business of the Year, by the Park Street Business Association. With great joy, Jan Mason brings her business moxie plus her exuberant energy to Rhythmix Cultural Works.
Corey Hill
Corey Hill is passionate about social justice, art, and good food. As the founder and CEO of Indie Food Hub, an online resource center for small food businesses, he is committed to vanquishing the scourge of soulless chain restaurants off the face of the earth. He has served as a communications adviser to numerous nonprofit organizations, and his work as a freelance journalist has been featured in publications including Earth Island Journal, Alternet, the East Bay Express, and many others.
Audrey Lord-Hausman
Audrey Lord-Hausman brings a varied corporate as well as nonprofit management and board experience to Rhythmix. She is co-founder of Pedestrian Friendly Alameda and created the city-wide Walk & Roll to School Day program, aspects of which have been incorporated on a year-round basis in many schools and organizations. She sits on the City of Alameda’s Commission on Disability Issues and is a passionate theatre and music lover. Audrey also served for six years as the Administrative Coordinator of the Alameda Collaborative for Children, Youth & Families, City of Alameda. Some of the projects include children’s health, after school programming, safety, and the teen program produces the Youth Yellow Pages and a teen magazine, “Out Loud – Thoughts of a Teenage Mind.”
Bob Gonsalves
Born in New Jersey, but bred in Brazil, Bob Gonsalves demonstrated his skills with technology at an early age by ‘improving’ his parents’ stereo system. Mr. Gonsalves has previously served as a consultant to Panasonic, Atari, Xerox and numerous startup firms and museums (Exploratorium, Randall Museum). In addition to computer hardware design, he has won several awards for a series of interactive computer games. He holds two patents based on his work on The Lingraphica System for speech-language rehabilitation. He holds a BA in Comparative Religion from Swarthmore College and an MFA in Multimedia from Mills College/Center for Contemporary Music.
The Bubble Show
information about new show can be found here.