Marcela “Xela” Garcia, she/her/ella

Executive Director

Marcela “Xela” Garcia is a Xicana artist, innovator and cultural warrior, born in Guadalajara and raised in Milwaukee.

Calea Sowell, she/her

Community Arts Coordinator

Calea Sowell, a community artist, photographer, printmaker, and educator, graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2025 with a BA in Studio Arts, a minor in Digital Photography and Imaging, and a certificate in Cultures and Communities

Marz Ezeji, they/them

Membership Development Specialist

Marz is a local Black Queer Creative currently studying animation. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Marz has been organizing as a human rights advocate for BIPOC & Queer folks since 2016 and a Public Allies Alumni who served from 2021-2023.

MEET THE TEAM

SUMMER 2024

CaBeatrice Hart she/her/hers

Guest Artist, Summer Art Camp: Environmental Art

CaBeatrice is a multidisciplinary artist and Earth steward with a passion for gardening and herbalism. Her work spans paper crafting, mixed media, jewelry making, and face & body art. As the founder of Mystic Phoenix Art, a family-owned studio, CaBeatrice integrates her love for family, heritage, and community into her art. She uses her talents to educate, empower, and connect with others.

Cole Kirkendall, he/him/his

Guest Artist, Summer Art Camp: Stop Motion Animation
 

Cole graduated with faculty honors from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Film and Animation program in 2020. He has been teaching video production and animation classes and working as a full-time audio and video production editor for the past 2 years. Cole currently lives in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood, with his cat Hitch.

Adwoa Asentu, she/her/hers

Guest Artist, Summer Art Camp:
Mask Making

I am a Mother, Interdisciplinary and Multimedia Artist, Poet, 200 HR Certified Yoga Instructor, Community-Centered Educator, Communication Strategist, Revolutionary Peacemaker, and Holistic Health Advocate.

Taylor Hart, she/her/hers

Guest Artist, Summer Art Camp:
Mixed Media

Tayla Hart, known artistically as gloomyfawn, is a Black queer creative who channels a deep sense of sadness and her gentle nature into inspiring others. 

Daniel F., he/him/his

Summer 2024 Intern
 

As an inspired artist I would say that I make art as a way to show my thoughts In a creative manner, but more importantly to me, I create art as a way to make a lasting impression of myself on those who see my art.

Ignacio C., he/him

Summer 2024 Intern
 

I am 17 years old. I do a mix of mediums, but I am really into storytelling. I’ve been going to the Center’s art classes since I was 8 years old, now I want to give back to a place that has given me so many opportunities.

Nelson P., he/him/his

Summer 2024 Intern
 

I’m a rising senior at Rufus king high school. My medium of choice is producing music/making beats. I work at Walkers Point Center for the Arts because I love to help others create art works the love and can show off to others.

Yoltzin C., she/her/ella

Summer 2024 Intern 
 

I’m 15yrs old artist that works mostly at clay art, and want to focus more on photography. I choose WPCA for its great art program, I’ve been going since I was little and it brings many great memories.

 SUMMER 2023

Daniel, he/him/his

Summer 2023 Intern
 

As an inspired artist I would say that I make art as a way to show my thoughts In a creative manner, but more importantly to me, I create art as a way to make a lasting impression of myself on those who see my art.

Ethan, he/him

Summer 2023 Intern 
 

I’ve been making art my whole life, it’s something I pride myself on and display to others all the time.

Nelson, he/him/his

Summer 2023 Intern 
 

The reason I make music/ art is because I have always admired other peoples art work such in painting as well as in lyric or the melody of a song.

River, he/they

Summer 2023 Intern 
 

My art is just me put into whatever medium it is. It’s how I express my feelings, emotions, and identity. I make art because it’s kinda like a therapy for me, it helps me let out all of the tension I seem to have for some reason. Art to me is my home, my sanctuary, it’s me.

Ceci Tejeda, she/her/ella

Guest Artist, Summer Art Camp: Papel Mache
 
 
My name is Ceci Tejeda, I was born and raised in Mexico City. My parents are from Michoacán, Mexico, that is why I have Purepecha blood in my veins. I want to teach how our ancestors take care of communities by taking care of nature and giving offerings to their gods. I want youth to understand how important the cycle of life is, because if we take of nature nature takes care of us.

Abigail Engstrand, she/her

Guest Artist, Summer Art Camp: Textiles

Abigail is a professional artist who draws, paints and felts. “Felt” is not a typo, it’s a medium!

Antonio Vargas-Nieto, he/him/his

Guest Artist, Summer Art Camp: Poetry

Antonio is a Mexican born writer and emulsion enthusiast. He is a 2022-2023 Poetry Coalition Fellowship recipient and has been featured in Moody the Zine and Silver Operation. Antonio is BASED in Milwaukee, WI Writing is a powerful tool to find yourself, connect with others, vent, criticize, laugh and so much more! 

Cole Kirkendall, he/him/his

Guest Artist, Summer Art Camp: Stop Motion Animation
 

I always feel better after working on creative projects. In my classes, I will talk about fundamental concepts of stop motion animation, photography, and scale model fabrication.

Emmanuel Guerra, he/they

Guest Artist, Summer Art Camp: Printmaking @ Lynden Sculpture Garden
Emmanuel is a queer Latine artist and graduate student in the Peck School of the Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Their practice utilizes drawing, printmaking, and sculpture to explore their identity as third-generation Mexican American. 

Board Members

Adam White, Co-Chair
CK Ledesma, Co-Chair
Jeanette Arrellano, Secretary
Brianna Hernández, Treasurer
Harvey Held
Melissa Soberalski
Colleen Campbell