I am a practicing artist based in the Fox Valley, originally from Sheboygan, Wisconsin. I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, where I fell in love with the intersections of art, community, and identity.
Much of my work is rooted in community engagement. I enjoy creating spaces where people feel seen and like they belong. I believe deeply in the power of art to connect, to transform, and to break down barriers. Youth empowerment plays a critical role in my creative process. They are our future and it is important that I build spaces where they can see themselves as change makers.
As a Latino artist, I understand firsthand the importance of representation and of having opportunities to shine. My art seeks to uplift marginalized voices and bring belonging to the forefront of community discourse. When we come together to paint something beautiful in our shared spaces, we erase the lines that divide us and create room for authentic connection and collective pride. Through my work, I aim to use art as both a mirror and a bridge; reflecting the beauty of our diverse experiences and connecting us through shared purpose and possibility.
"Artists are innately dreamers, inside of us we have these ideas to want to make things work..."
Paint the City is a two-week, youth-centered community mural initiative in Appleton, Wisconsin that advances youth empowerment, placemaking, and community engagement through large-scale public art.
This project engages 20 high school students from Appleton East, West, North, and Central High Schools in the creation of a 4,000+ square foot public mural. Students participate five days a week over two weeks, earning an elective credit and receiving a stipend that recognizes their labor, commitment, and leadership. Through paint to wall instruction, students build technical art skills while also developing transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and project management. According to our research Paint the City is the only program of its kind in the nation.
Paint the City is intentionally designed to strengthen the web of support surrounding participating youth. Volunteers from across the Appleton community ranging from artists, neighbors, educators, to local leaders are invited to paint alongside the students. This collaboration positions youth as leaders and mentors, giving them opportunities to teach, guide, and inspire community members while building confidence and instilling optimism and hope.
We end the project with a community block party celebrating the mural’s completion and the students’ accomplishments. The finished mural serves as a lasting impression on our landscape that reflects youth voice, enhances the public environment, and reinforces positive perceptions of young people as creative, driven change-makers. The ripples of this project can be seen in the conversations with the participant’s family members as well as in the positive changes that occur in our students as they enter the school year.
