MEET THE TEAM
Marcela “Xela” Garcia, she/her/ella
Marcela “Xela” Garcia is a Xicana artist, innovator and cultural warrior, born in Guadalajara and raised in Milwaukee.
Marz Ezeji, they/them
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.
Oscar Quinto Zamudio Jr., he/him
Oscar Quinto-Zamudio Jr. is a versatile artist and educator, with a BFA from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Brian Huynh
Digital Storyteller
Brian is a visual storyteller from Milwaukee who uses words and images to reveal the truth in everyday life. He started with his father’s old Coolpix and developed his writing skills through slam poetry. He interned at WPCA in high school and college, where he studied journalism at UW-Madison.
Lucero Gallegos, they/them
Lucero is a Latine, queer, nonbinary graphic artist that utilizes design as a tool to engage, intergate and reflect the varied stories of folxs and their identities.
Calea Sowell, she/they
Spring 2024 ArtsECO Intern
Calea is a student in the Community Arts program at UW-Milwaukee with a concentration in photography. Besides photography, she is passionate about printmaking, collaging, and plants.
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
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
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. I am a black & indigenous (Natchez) woman. I am the walking manifestation of my ancestors’ legacy and I honor that legacy by sharing my inherited gifts with the world, loving on my loved ones, and uplifting aspects of my culture in the work that I do. I have a B.A. in Communication with a minor in Ethnic Students and Community-Based Learning and am now on the path of receiving my Master’s in Art Therapy.
Taylor Hart, she/her/hers
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. Through a somber yet beautiful understanding of life’s complexities, Tayla encourages authentic living and the transformation of negative emotions into joyful, impactful art.
Daniel F., he/him/his
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
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
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
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.
2023
Daniel, he/him/his
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
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
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
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
Abigail Engstrand, she/her
Guest Artist, Summer Art Camp: Textiles
Antonio Vargas-Nieto, he/him/his
Guest Artist, Summer Art Camp: Poetry
Cole Kirkendall, he/him/his
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
Board Members
Lona Long Velasco, Chair
Michael Flanagan, Secretary
Brianna Hernández, Treasurer
Ben Juarez
Jordan Mendez
Kim Storage
KT Mullen
Adam White
Harvey Held
Rosana Lazcano
Melissa Soberalski
Colleen Campbell
CK Ledesma