Thank you for joining JEDI in the Arts (Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion), a program coordinated by Arts Habitat, at an Arts in Progress presentation titled, Artistic Influences of Cultural Heritage.
At the 6/12/24 event, photographer Samantha Nunes and poet Garland Thompson engaged in a lively conversation, moderated by Kenji Tanner, with an opportunity for audience members to take part. Nunes and Thompson focused on how their cultures and backgrounds have influenced their work, the ways in which their artwork has progressed, and the barriers they’ve overcome to making a living as an artist in our community. Kenji has been an arts educator for 24 years and is the lead teacher for the Arts Council for Monterey County.
The AIP event took place on June 12, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at SandBox Sand City, 440 Ortiz Avenue, Sand City. Refreshments were served, and networking took place before and after the presentation. Click here to view a video of Garland's presentation.
At the 6/12/24 event, photographer Samantha Nunes and poet Garland Thompson engaged in a lively conversation, moderated by Kenji Tanner, with an opportunity for audience members to take part. Nunes and Thompson focused on how their cultures and backgrounds have influenced their work, the ways in which their artwork has progressed, and the barriers they’ve overcome to making a living as an artist in our community. Kenji has been an arts educator for 24 years and is the lead teacher for the Arts Council for Monterey County.
The AIP event took place on June 12, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at SandBox Sand City, 440 Ortiz Avenue, Sand City. Refreshments were served, and networking took place before and after the presentation. Click here to view a video of Garland's presentation.
This AIP event was held in conjunction with the Celebrating Our Cultural Heritage Exhibition, running through June 27, at the Walter Lee Avery Gallery, at Seaside’s City Hall, 440 Harcourt Avenue, Seaside.
Arts in Progress (AIP) events encourage participation, appreciation, and understanding of varied art forms. Local artists describe their creative processes and inspiration to transport the audience to the workings "behind" the artwork. It provides an opportunity for artists and art lovers of all disciplines to develop and renew acquaintances and build collaborations through conversation and networking.
Arts in Progress (AIP) events encourage participation, appreciation, and understanding of varied art forms. Local artists describe their creative processes and inspiration to transport the audience to the workings "behind" the artwork. It provides an opportunity for artists and art lovers of all disciplines to develop and renew acquaintances and build collaborations through conversation and networking.
Garland Thomson, Jr.
Garland’s writing has carried him coast to coast and across the pond. His words have even been heard in Singapore and Malaysia! As a published poet and poetry producer, he hosted the RUBBER CHICKEN POETRY SLAM & OPEN MIC in Monterey, CA for 18 years until the pandemic hit. Recently, Garland was published in “NYC FROM THE INSIDE-THROUGH THE EYES OF THE POETS WHO LIVE HERE (Bluelight Press-2022) and is the Executive Director of the Frank Silvera Writers’ Workshop Foundation (www.thefsww.org), a non-profit theatre organization rooted in the Black experience, dedicated to new play development.
Samantha Nunes
Samantha Nunes is a fine art portrait photographer in Monterey County. She is the owner of Sterling Reverie
Photography. Samantha is a published photographer. Her latest work is exhibited at San Francisco’s Academy of Art
Spring Show. She is an active photography educational mentor. She is a committed philanthropist and is currently
serving on two local nonprofit organizations.
Photography. Samantha is a published photographer. Her latest work is exhibited at San Francisco’s Academy of Art
Spring Show. She is an active photography educational mentor. She is a committed philanthropist and is currently
serving on two local nonprofit organizations.
Kenji Tanner
Kenji was born in Los Angeles, California, and raised by her Japanese and African American parents. For over 40 years, Kenji’s rich ancestral experiences have influenced her creative expression. Her art conveys a profound sense of spirituality and deep messages that ignite the imagination. Kenji is certified with the UCLA Healing in the Arts and has worked with the Arts Council for
Monterey County as the school's lead teaching artist for over 20 years. She facilitates Healing seminars with all who desire to tap into their creative abilities.
Facebook: @kenjiartdesign Instagram: @Kenjiartquee
Monterey County as the school's lead teaching artist for over 20 years. She facilitates Healing seminars with all who desire to tap into their creative abilities.
Facebook: @kenjiartdesign Instagram: @Kenjiartquee