CultureWorks seeks to provide equal access for art and design classes to all middle school and high school students, regardless of physical ability, ethnic, racial, gender, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds.
middle school bookish with evan nickel
Grades 6-8 // Oct. 26, Nov. 2, 16, 30, Dec. 7, Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1 // FREE // CultureWorks Studio
Join us to read in good company and make art! Each student will receive a copy of the Lakeshore Big Read, “The Wednesday Wars.” We’ll spend time reading and let our books inspire us in our artmaking. If you have other books you love, bring them and get cozy! We can’t wait to read with you! This class starts at CultureWorks and then we’ll walk to Herrick District Library.
middle school intro to art with jaer medina
Grades 6-8 // Tuesdays, Oct. 27, Nov. 3, 17, Dec. 1, 8, Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2 // FREE // CultureWorks Studio
Have you been looking to get into art? Our Intro to Art course is a great place to start! This entry-level course introduces students to artmaking and the creative process. No previous experience in making art is required. Each week, students will have the opportunity to experiment with different mediums, such as collage, photography, drawing and printmaking.
high school bookish with evan nickel
Grades 8-12 // Tuesdays, Oct. 27, Nov. 3, 17, Dec. 1, 8, Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2// 3:30-5:30 PM // FREE // CultureWorks Studio
Nestle into cozy nooks and gobble up your favorite books! At bookish, we’ll spend time reading in good company, and then pursue poetry and other creative writing adventures. Each student will receive a copy of the Lakeshore Big Read, “The Wednesday Wars.” Feel free to bring any other books you think you’ll love. We can’t wait to read with you!
evening graphic design with jamie Phonthalyhane
Grades 8-12 // Tuesdays Oct. 27, Nov. 3, 17, Dec. 1, 8, Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2 // 6:00 – 8:00 PM // FREE // CultureWorks Studio
Learn how to turn your ideas into eye-catching designs! In this hands on class students will explore color, typography, composition and digital design while creating fun projects and learning the tools graphic designers use every day!
HIGH SCHOOL OPEN STUDIO WITH CULTUREWORKS STAFF
Grades 8-12 // Wednesdays Oct. 28, Nov. 4, 18, Dec. 2, 9, Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3 // 3:30-5:30 PM // FREE // CultureWorks Studio
Printmaking, ceramics, iPads, and more! Learn new skills or continue to develop your favorites. Pursue whatever medium you’d like, with access to the full studio and instructors skilled in collage, fiber arts, ceramics, photography, and printmaking. Let your creativity run wild!
EVENING HIGH SCHOOL INTRO TO IMPROV WITH BRYAN JACKSON
Grades 8-12 // Wednesdays Oct. 28, Nov. 4, 18, Dec. 2, 9, Jan. 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3 // 6:00-8:00 PM // FREE // CultureWorks Studio
Learn the basics of improvised comedy and short form improv. Whether you’re wanting to be a performer or just wanting to have some fun, we’ll play a lot of games designed to help you think less, react quicker, listen better, and of course, laugh a lot!
HIGH SCHOOL SONGWRITING WITH MIRANDA CRAIG
Grades 8-12 // Thursdays, Oct. 29, Nov. 5, 19, Dec. 3, 10, Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4 // 3:30-5:30 PM // FREE // CultureWorks Studio
The best way to grow (or begin) as a songwriter is to find some friends on the same journey. We’ll explore imagery, rhyme, different writing techniques, and how to give feedback. This is a great opportunity to experiment for both spoken-word poets and songwriters alike. When this class ends, we’ll offer a follow-up music production class for you to bring your finished songs to life!
cut, paste, print with jaer medina
Grades 8-12 // Thursdays, Oct. 29, Nov. 5, 19, Dec. 3, 10, Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4 // 3:30-5:30 PM // FREE // CultureWorks Studio
During this class, we’ll explore zines and art books as a creative form. Using collage, photography, writing, and a little graphic design, we’ll make zines and books using everyday materials. Along the way, we’ll learn about the history of zines and artist books and discover how artists use books to share ideas, stories, and images in unexpected ways. We’ll also have the opportunity to design a publication featuring poetry by CultureWorks students. No previous art-making experience is required. Just come curious and ready to experiment!
middle school drawing & painting with alexandra quintero
Grades 6-8 // Thursdays Oct. 29, Nov. 5, 19, Dec. 3, 10, Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4 // 3:30-5:30 PM // FREE // CultureWorks Studio
“Art has the role… of helping [people] become like themselves instead of more like everyone else.” – Sydney Gurewitz Clemens
Express yourself through drawing and painting! Together we’ll explore how to convey specific emotions and experiences through various drawing and painting techniques, color palettes, and compositions. We’ll also learn a bit of art history along the way!
Club de lecture para secundaria con evan nickel
Grados 6-8 // Los lunes 26 de oct., 2 y 16 de nov., 30 de nov., 7 de dic., 4, 11, 18 y 25 de ene., 1 de feb. // 3:30-5:30 PM // GRATIS // CultureWorks
¡Acompáñanos a leer en buena compañía y a hacer arte! Cada estudiante recibirá un ejemplar de la lectura de Lakeshore Big Read, “The Wednesday Wars”. Pasaremos tiempo leyendo y dejaremos que nuestros libros nos inspiren mientras hacemos arte. Si tienes otros libros que te encantan, ¡tráelos y ponte cómodo! ¡Estamos deseando leer contigo! Esta clase comenzará en CultureWorks y después caminaremos hasta la Biblioteca del Distrito de Herrick.
introducción al arte para secundaria con jaer medina
Grados 6-8 // Los martes 27 de oct., 3 y 17 de nov., 1 y 8 de dic., 5, 12, 19 y 26 de ene., 2 de feb. // 3:30-5:30 PM // GRATIS // CultureWorks
¿Te interesa comenzar a hacer arte? ¡Nuestro curso de Introducción al Arte es un excelente lugar para empezar! Este curso para principiantes introduce a los estudiantes al proceso de creación artística y al proceso creativo. No se necesita experiencia previa haciendo arte. Cada semana, los estudiantes tendrán la oportunidad de experimentar con diferentes técnicas y materiales, como el collage, la fotografía, el dibujo y el grabado.
Club de lectura para preparatoria con evan nickel
Grados 8-12 // Los martes 27 de oct., 3 y 17 de nov., 1 y 8 de dic., 5, 12, 19 y 26 de ene. // 3:30-5:30 PM // GRATIS // CultureWorks
¡Ponte cómodo en un rincón acogedor y devora tus libros favoritos! En Bookish, pasaremos tiempo leyendo en buena compañía y después nos aventuraremos en la poesía y otras actividades de escritura creativa. Cada estudiante recibirá un ejemplar de la lectura de Lakeshore Big Read, “The Wednesday Wars”. Si quieres, trae cualquier otro libro que creas que te encantará. ¡Estamos deseando leer contigo!
Diseño gráfico por la targe con jamie phonthalyhane
Grados 8-12 // Los martes 27 de oct., 3 y 17 de nov., 1 y 8 de dic., 5, 12, 19 y 26 de ene., 2 de feb. // 3:30-5:30 PM // GRATIS // CultureWorks
¡Aprende a convertir tus ideas en diseños llamativos! En esta clase práctica, los estudiantes explorarán el color, la tipografía, la composición y el diseño digital mientras crean proyectos divertidos y aprenden a usar las herramientas que los diseñadores gráficos utilizan todos los días.
estudio abierto con cultureworks staff
Grados 8-12 // Los miércoles 28 de oct., 4 y 18 de nov., 2 y 9 de dic., 6, 13, 20 y 27 de ene., 3 de feb. // 3:30-5:30 PM // GRATIS // CultureWorks
¡Grabado, cerámica, iPads y más! Aprende nuevas habilidades o continúa desarrollando tus favoritas. En esta clase de 9 semanas, emprende el medio que desees, con acceso al estudio completo e instructores expertos en collage, artes de fibras, cerámica, fotografía y grabado. ¡Deja volar tu creatividad!
Introducción a la comedia de improvisación para preparatoria con byran jackson
Grados 8-12 // Miércoles 28 de oct., 4 y 18 de nov., 2 y 9 de dic., 13, 20 y 27 de ene., 3 de feb. // 3:30-5:30 PM // GRATIS // CultureWorks
¡Aprende los fundamentos de la comedia de improvisación y la improvisación de formato corto! Ya sea que quieras presentarte como artista o simplemente divertirte, jugaremos muchos juegos diseñados para ayudarte a pensar menos, reaccionar más rápido, escuchar mejor y, por supuesto, ¡reír mucho!
Composición de canciones para preparatoria con miranda craig
Grados 8-12 // Los jueves 29 de oct., 5 y 19 de nov., 3 y 10 de dic., 7, 14, 21 y 28 de ene., 4 de feb. // 3:30-5:30 PM // GRATIS // CultureWorks
La mejor manera de crecer como compositor o compositora (o comenzar a escribir canciones) es encontrar amigos que estén recorriendo el mismo camino. Exploraremos el uso de imágenes, la rima, diferentes técnicas de escritura y cómo dar retroalimentación. Esta es una excelente oportunidad para experimentar, tanto para poetas de poesía hablada como para compositores de canciones. Cuando termine esta clase, ofreceremos una clase de producción musical para que puedas dar vida a tus canciones terminadas.
CORTA, PEGA, IMPRIME con Jaer Medina
Grados 8-12 // Los jueves 29 de oct., 5 y 19 de nov., 3 y 10 de dic., 7, 14, 21 y 28 de ene., 4 de feb. // 3:30-5:30 PM // GRATIS // CultureWorks
Durante esta clase, exploraremos el libro de artista como una forma de expresión. Usando collage, fotografía, escritura y un poco de diseño gráfico, crearemos fanzines y libros con materiales cotidianos. A lo largo de la clase, aprenderemos sobre la historia de los fanzines y del libro como forma de arte. No se necesita experiencia previa haciendo arte. ¡Solo ven con curiosidad y ganas de experimentar!
DIBUJO Y PINTURA PARA SEcunDARIA con Alexandra Quintero
Grados 6-8 // Los jueves 29 de oct., 5 y 19 de nov., 3 y 10 de dic., 7, 14, 21 y 28 de ene., 4 de feb. // 3:30-5:30 PM // GRATIS // CultureWorks
“El arte tiene la función… de ayudar a las personas a ser como ellas mismas, en lugar de parecerse cada vez más a los demás.” — Sydney Gurewitz Clemens
¡Exprésate a través del dibujo y la pintura! Juntos exploraremos cómo transmitir emociones y experiencias específicas mediante diversas técnicas de dibujo y pintura, paletas de colores y composiciones. ¡También aprenderemos un poco de historia del arte en el camino!
© 2026 Cultureworks. all rights reserved
Emily Christensen is an interdisciplinary artist and educator who is passionate about creating art for communities and communities for artists. With a BA in International Studies and Sociology from Hope College and an MA in Middle Eastern Studies and Arabic from the University of Chicago, Emily offers a global perspective on how the arts impact individuals and cultures near and far. She has volunteered and worked with youth in Holland, Zeeland, Chicago and Lansing for over 25 years through organizations like Young Life, Youth for Christ, Catholic Social Services, local schools and churches, Cran-Hill Ranch, Hope College and the University of Chicago. In addition to teaching and directing after school and summer arts programs, she served as a founding board member of Capital City Vineyard Church, 3-Sixty, and Eighth Day Farm. Emily is delighted to work alongside an incredibly talented team of staff, students, and board members at CultureWorks, where she has served as Executive Director since 2017.
Erin taught with CultureWorks from Jan. 2015 to August 2017. During that time, she helped develop and teach a variety of camps and classes, but most consistently taught the Open Studio class (ongoing for 2.5 years), in which students explored social & political issues in the context of creative advocacy.
Erin is excited to be on the CW team as an Instructor Program Developer. She has a B.A. in Art History from Hope College with minors in Communications and Studio Art, and an M.A. in Theology from Western Theological Seminary. Erin is also the Program Coordinator at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. When she is not at CultureWorks or the SCA, she can be found teaching art in a number of places in our West Michigan Community. She also enjoys hiking, painting, reading, and comedy.
Jack Burk is an independent video producer. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University, with a degree in Media & Information. Jack has always had a passion for youth development and is committed to building up young artists at CultureWorks not only through photography and teaching, but fostering open community among students as an instructor and member of our board of directors. He and his wife Kailie live in Grand Rapids with their daughter, June, and dog, Joey.
Cassidy Stock spent her formative years in Holland where her drive for creative expression was continually nurtured. She earned her BFA in Studio Art and Art History from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she contributed to many multi-media performance productions. A cartoonist and a skilled draughtsman, Cassidy feels very privileged to share with, create with, and teach like-minded young people! She is currently active as a freelance illustrator and also spends much of her time coordinating volunteers and co-managing the Community Action House community kitchen.
Sammie is a recent graduate of Hope College, where she studied Studio Art and Sociology. In college she was introduced to CultureWorks as well as some other local organizations, where she developed a love for teaching youth how to express their voice through art and creativity. Even though she grew up near Holland, CultureWorks led her to a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the Holland community. Her favorite mediums to work with are ALL of them, but she most enjoys teaching Botanical Illustration, Landscape Painting, and Ceramics.
Matt has been volunteering with and teaching for CultureWorks since 2018 and loves sharing his passion for creativity and knowledge with students. With in-depth knowledge of physics, history, civilizations, geography, and geology, Matt is an avid world builder through character design, creative writing, and gaming.
For over 19 years, Jo has produced and directed musicals and plays for schools, summer camps, after-school recreation programs, churches, and community theater groups. Most recently, Jo worked as a Teaching Artist for First Stage Theater Academy where she created and led youth theater programming. She especially enjoyed teaching First Stage’s arts-integrated education workshops in classrooms throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. These innovative lessons brought core curriculum to life and addressed differentiated learning needs while meeting grade-specific academic objectives. Jo is thrilled to join the team of teaching artists at CultureWorks, and to share her love for the art of theater with youth in the Holland Area.
Sara holds Masters degrees in Education and Theology and has been a volunteer Translator, Intern and creative writing Instructor at CultureWorks since 2019. Her education and teaching experiences have focused on Curriculum and Instruction, English & Spanish, and Psychology. Sara is a native Spanish speaker from Honduras and has taught Spanish Immersion and Psychology at Holland Christian High School since 2017 and has actively brought Art, Culture, and Justice to our community through other organizations as well, as a volunteer for Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates, a DJ for WTHS Radio, and an assistant with the Visiting Writers Series at Hope College.
Joshua is a recent graduate of West Ottawa High School and is hoping to continue his studies in film production in New York in the near future. Joshua loves watching, discussing, and making movies & videos and he is an avid writer as well. He loves all things art, and working with any and every medium. We've loved getting to know Joshua in our Earthworks and Improv classes ,and he's excited to be an Intern this summer because it will give him the opportunity to work with artists of all kinds and get to know more people.
Mar is a global brand manager at Amway with an MBA in Design Innovation Management and a BBA in International Business. Prior to her role at Amway, Mar developed creative strategies in global brand marketing and product marketing at Herman Miller. Her passion for travel, culture, and education led her to create The Adventure Projects, the Community Foundation of Holland/Zeeland’s first study abroad scholarship focused on empowering diverse students in underserved communities through transformative travel experiences. Mar also served as a member of the board of directors for Herman Miller’s corporate foundation. Mar loves creating art and music in her spare time. She lives in Holland with her husband, Abraham, and two stepchildren.
Dr. Llena Chavis earned her doctorate in Education Psychology from Southern Illinois University and has over 20 years of clinical experience working with individuals, families, as well as with couples and groups, and she has been teaching at Hope College since 2013. Her clinical experience has stemmed from a variety of settings including domestic violence shelters, psychiatric units, juvenile detention centers as well as private practice. Dr. Chavis currently is an Associate Professor of Social Work at Hope College and is the Field director. Her clinical background is in Mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and is also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) which has historically geared towards working with individuals with a trauma background. Her research area of interest is in mental health wellness including but not limited to: mothering and anxiety, mentoring, sex trafficking prevention, and suicide education and prevention. Llena lends her wisdom and advocacy to CultureWorks as we seek the holistic development of students as artists and as healthy individuals. As an African American woman from the southside of Chicago who was a first generation college student, Llena has a heart for advocating for those underserved and advocating for diversity and inclusion in the greater Holland community. Chavis lives in Holland with her four children and dog Ruby.
Ken is the senior pastor of Lakeshore Vineyard Church, where he has served for the past twelve years. He was a manager at AT&T for 25 years concluding his career as Strategic Partnerships Vice-President. In addition to business and computer degrees, Ken has a Masters of Divinity degree and has been involved in leading the planting three churches. Serving the lost, broken, and forgotten has been Ken’s passion for many years which causes him to be involved personally with many broken families and serving in community organizations with those of similar interests. Ken and his wife, Robin, have five children ages 18 to 35, seven wonderful grandchildren, and reside in Holland, Michigan. Fun for Ken is any building project or sports involving the water.
Candice is a Holland-based artist and illustrator with degrees in Psychology and Social Work from West VA University. She moved from Appalachia to Holland in 2018, where she worked until recently with Hospice of Holland, and has served on the CultureWorks Board of Directors since 2019. Candice works mainly with digital illustration as well as gouache, ink, and other mediums. Her work often includes natural elements as well as exploration of heritage and identity. As Program Director, she looks forward to promoting emotional and mental health through the arts as well as diversity and inclusion.
Myla has been a part of CultureWorks since the 7th grade and graduated from WOHS in 2021. She was a founding member of the Student Advisory Council in 2016 and received the CultureWorks Creativity in Leadership Award in 2019. She says: "CultureWorks has always played a big role in my life and I want to share the experience with more youth in our community!"
Odalis is a multimedia artist who has been involved with CultureWorks for over 5 years. She graduated from WOHS and completed programs in Cosmetology and Animal Science through Careerline Tech Center. She's excited to plug back into CultureWorks as a leader this summer, and to share her passion for the arts with others.
Iain has been attending Cultureworks since 5th grade and has been on the student board since 8th grade. He loves drawing and painting and plans to go to school for Graphic Design. We love Iain’s commitment to CW, passion for social justice, and dry sense of humor. When it comes to what art and community mean to him, Iain says,
“Art is something that makes the world a better place. A world without art is sad and bleak; art means creativity and life to me. Community is super important and something we all need. It means working together for the greater good of a group.”
Suzy Parker is a self-taught artist based in Chicago, IL, and Holland, MI. Suzy is a photographer and videographer, specializing in editing, producing, and directing. They have used their practice to provide families and businesses across West Michigan with meaningful images for 7+ years. Suzy is also passionate about graphic design and digital media art. They work primarily within Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to make abstract art and logo designs.
Suzy is excited to teach and collaborate with students and artists at Culture Works. They believe in creating a safe space for all to create freely and express themselves authentically.
Elizabeth Jenkins is from Holland, Michigan. She graduated with a BA in poetry from the University of Michigan. She has painted people in New Orleans, St. Louis, Washington DC, New York City, and Beijing. She works in charcoal, pencil, gouache, ink, and oil.
Evie Peacock is 10th grade at WOHS. She has been involved with Cultureworks since 2017 and has been on the student board since 2021. She loves expressing herself through painting, digital art, and ceramics and is also passionate about music and gaming. She believes that Cultureworks creates an amazing outlet to be creative and socialize with other artists. We're often floored by her level of technical artistic skill and emotional depth of understanding.
"To me, art is an escape from reality and a fun way to let out your feelings and creativity. Community means having others around you who enjoy doing the same things and being creative."
Jax Zavala is a Mexican-American Transgender artist who's passionate about music, people, social issues, and video gaming. He has been with Cultureworks since 2018 and loves helping others and expressing himself through artwork. He loves serving the community around West Michigan through Cultureworks. Jax is an amazingly uplifting person, a gifted artist, and a natural leader. We've enjoyed seeing the way he makes new people feel welcome, and brings joy and kindness to the room.
“Art is my way to express what I might not be able to speak. Community is very important because it helps everyone in it stay supported.”
Josephine is a recent graduate from Holland High School and will complete her associates degree next year through Holland Early College. She is a compassionate, bright, thoughtful, justice-seeking individual who has been on the Student Advisory Council since 2019. She loves to experiment with different media, clay, and oil paint, and hopes to have her own practice as a therapist someday.
Duncan, a former CultureWorks student and SAC member, is passionate about Photography and Graphic Design and most of his creative work is inspired by nature. Outside of photography, Duncan is a gamer, and loves biking or skateboarding around the city. He's also wickedly talented at Improv and voice acting, and we'd love to see him on stage someday. Duncan is currently studying at Hope College and looking into majoring in business with a minor in psychology.
"Art to me is a beautiful thing to look at, a way to calm yourself, it's a hobby, it does so many different things for different people. Community for me is people you can count on helping you and you helping them, Its a place where you feel you belong."
Camila has been at Cultureworks since 2018 and on the student board since 2019. She is currently attending UWC ISAK Japan and participating in the IB art program. For Camila, art is a way to share ideas, and a way to make change happen, must most importantly, a way for a community to be together. She loves exploring new mediums and is inspired by learning about and sharing other peoples' experiences and stories, through art.
"CultureWorks has helped me grow both as a person and as an artist, the sense of community and the talented instructors of every class I took were vital to my growth, they provided me with valuable feedback, helped me whenever I needed, and were overall very welcoming. I feel that helped me develop not only my artistic abilities, but also helped me see a side of the artistic community here at Holland that I never thought I would be a part of, helping me to also grow as a team member, and a person in general."
Madden has been with Cultureworks since 2018 and on the student board since 2021. He enjoys creating patterns & botanical illustrations, and sees art as sort of a gateway into someone's personal human experience. We’re impressed with the way he can combine specialized knowledge and artistry into a single piece, as he did in a recent advocacy project about plastic pollution in our water. Madden loves connecting with others through the shared joy of creating, and he has a stellar sense of humor.
“Art is such a beautiful form of self-expression. Among people from all different places and viewpoints and experiences, art is a common language with which we communicate. I love how limitless it can be...it is so many things but the one thing I see the most is expression.
Community to me is a body of people in which a person can be cared about but also care for. I look at the community as an outlet of support, but also an outlet for change. When people are able to center around a common idea or motive, amazing things can happen.”
Jazlyn studied dance and choreography at Hope College and has been teaching creative movement and dance for over 4 years. She's passionate about using movement to reduce stress and improve physical awareness & mental health. Jazlyn fell in love with dance at an early age while watching liturgical dancing her church, and loves exploring expressions of faith through movement and dance. She has extensive experience in ballet and modern dancing, along with some hip hop, social, and tap.
Virginia loves to eat crumbs that people drop on the floor. She emotionally support the staff and students at Cultureworks with a plethora of licks and puppy eyes. As well as these important duties, she also oversees the Public Relations department at Cultureworks.
Gaurav is our youngest SAC member, and has been with CW since fall 2020. Gaurav speaks Spanish and Telugu, in addition to English, and he's inspired by the past as well as by the comic book works by Greg Capullo, Francis Manupal and Humberto Ramos. He's passionate about music, story crafting, and reading, and hopes to attend art school to become a writer and cartoonist.
“[CultureWorks] has taught me to look within myself & the world for ideas,” Gaurav says. We love his curiosity and perpetual quest for new knowledge.
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Dulcy is a midwesterner at heart and has recently moved back to Holland from Hawaii where she taught at an outdoor Project Based Learning School. Dulcy is a super proud mother of a Hope graduate (Vanea ) and a former Culture Works student (Eli). Dulcy is passionate about Equity in Education and believes that after-school programs like Culture Works are the way to a brighter future for our community.
Miles Hotchkiss has been an active member of Culture Works for the past 7 years. They spent three years on the Student Advisory Council before graduating from West Ottawa in 2021. Miles spent the past year at Laguna College of Art and Design working towards their B.F.A in Graphic Design and Digital Media. Miles excels in collage work, screen printing, graphic design, and skateboarding. They bring a fresh perspective and a sense of humor and excitement to the Cultureworks team.
Simone is a Sophomore at Hope College, majoring in Dance and minoring in Business. She is currently serving as Secretary of Hope's dance club and Dutchmen Dance Team. CultureWorks first connected with her when she was volunteering as a mentor for I Am Academy, and she felt compelled to join the CultureWorks BOD because she believes that all children should have access to creative classes, regardless of their socio-economic status. Simone is a native of Detroit and hopes to open her own dance studio after graduation.
Annabelle pretty much moved into the CultureWorks studio when she found us, and we're so happy that she’s continuing with SAC as our student facilitator. We love the energy and joy she brings to the studio - she is full of kindness & encouragement. Annabelle is inspired by a lot of different types of art, including fantasy digital art, and she currently loves drawing with inks and pens. She also loves reading, writing, and photography and is passionate about the earth - both saving and protecting its climate and animals and helping humankind.
"Art is a really cool way of self expression and a window into the worlds of others. Art brings so many people together and allows people like me to have a creative outlet. It has always helped me get my feelings out in a healthy and creative way, as I’m sure it does for many others. Art also creates community, which to me is a group of people who share similar interests or common goals."
Abi Nasari is a recent graduate from Hope College with a Studio Arts Major and Art History Minor. She is a multimedia artist primarily working with charcoal, paints, and fabrics. Her art reflects both her personal experiences and the communities she is been a part of. Art has been a place for her to process and interact with the world around her, she hopes to help others foster their own relationship with art-making and creative thinking.
Vi Villanueva is a freelance comic book colorist and animator. They've taught classes in both fields at CultureWorks since graduating from West Ottawa in 2020, and have taught retro comic illustration online through indie comic company Shape Comics. The community always brings Vi back to CultureWorks, where they love contributing their time and talent to help make it a great place for all students to learn.
Born and raised in Holland, MI, Sam is currently enrolled at Hope College where he is studying business finance. At the age of 15, Sam discovered a passion for digital music production and began creating his own compositions on Garageband. Through hundreds of projects, Sam honed his skills in digital production. He now releases instrumentals on YouTube under the alias "dontknowmorgan" and sells his creations to artists through BeatStars. In addition to his work as a music producer, Sam also serves Christ Memorial Church as a sound engineer.
Sam uses his talents to inspire other artists to share their stories through their art, and his music serves as a foundation for other creators to build upon.
Gabby is a Junior at Hope College, where she's studying K-12 Art Education. She's originally from Ann Arbor, MI, where she has experience teaching a ceramics camp at Clayworks, and she's currently a TA for Hope's ceramics program. Gabby also focuses on painting and sculpture, and we're delighted to have her as an Intern this semester! Gabby's internship is funded by the Mellon Foundation, in collaboration with the Department of Art and Art History at Hope College.
We’re so glad that Oliver is returning to SAC this year after joining us in 2023. Outside of art, Oliver is passionate about music, conspiracy theories, fashion, and poisonous plants and animals. They plan to attend college and pursue an art degree after high school. Oliver consistently brings creativity, comedy, and kindness to the room, and we’re grateful they’re a part of the team.
When asked what art means to them, they responded with, "Art is an outlet and a form of expression to me."
Miranda
Hannah Rumsey is a designer and artist based in Holland, MI. Hannah has her degree in graphic design and works as a digital marketer for DISHER. Her work is rooted in practical human-centered design and she strives to infuse curiosity and empathy into whatever she does. She is particularly passionate about web and digital product design. She balances her time in the digital world by developing more analog skills like printmaking, and mountain biking, and enjoying the simplicity of nature with her husband and dogs, Finn and Moose.
Jeff Long is a well-rounded Designer, Photographer, Artist, and Model Maker with a strong passion for the environment and for helping others. He grew up in Issaquah, Washington, and graduated from the Art Institute of Seattle with an associate’s degree focused on Industrial Design. He currently works full-time as a Senior Model Maker at Steelcase and lives in Holland where he and his wife Jennifer Long have 3 children. An online portfolio is available at jefficus.com.
Miranda Craig is a Holland-based singer-songwriter, potter, and fiber artist. Miranda believes deeply in the importance of art education as a means to empower, build relationships, and work for justice in a community. She's usually juggling a cup of coffee, 3 knitting projects, and her guitar. With a BA in Biology and Songwriting and Recording from Hope College, and an MDiv from Western Theological Seminary, Miranda is interested in the ways that disciplines overlap, and that art is born from the ordinary and pervades our everyday life. When not at CultureWorks, Miranda coordinates worship for a church in Grand Rapids, reads classic literature, and daydreams in her garden.
Andrew was born and raised in Holland and grew up working at the family business ever since he can remember. After high school he attended Grand Valley State and Davenport for Business Management. During that time he worked part time at Fris and also worked part time for Holland High School’s Theatre Department as the technical director for a little over 10 years. In 2020 he bought Fris Supply Shop in Downtown Holland and now works full time there. He still lives in Holland and keeps busy keeping up with his two dogs.
Sonnet is an educator with degrees in Theatre and Psychology from Central Michigan University. She is active in the local theatre community, leads a children’s choir, loves art, and is easily delighted by nature. Sonnet has worked in social justice, addiction recovery, social media coordination, costuming, volunteer management, and as a teacher of Visual and Performing Arts. She has also trained in commedia del arte, clowning, dramatizing scripture, and creative dramatics. She lives in Holland with her spouse, two teenage children, a dog, and a cat. Her family enjoys attending ComicCons, playing Dungeons & Dragons, and watching shows (often involving superheroes or anime) together. Sonnet owns an unreasonable number of costumes, books, movies, puppets, puzzles, and rocks.
Quinn was born & raised in W MI, where she graduated from Zeeland High School. ‘QV’ has been an entrepreneur for 20+ years innovating as a luxury stylist in W MI and curating her own unique design & business approaches, all while bringing modern motherhood in tow with 5 children. Having grown up with a single mother, Quinn has a unique perspective on youth development, bringing her to a place of lending courage where it’s needed, providing support to others in our community & giving inspiration to women being relentless in using their talents.
Jami has a sincere love for marketing and business design. She’s passionate about storytelling in the marketplace, making experiences more meaningful while meeting real human needs. She encourages both her students and team members to listen, empathize, and lead with honest, holistic, and empathy-driven marketing and business strategies. She has an undergrad degree in English from Grand Valley State University and a Master of Science degree in Marketing from East Tennessee State University, and she is currently in pursuit of her Doctorate of Business Administration with a specialization in leadership. Her dissertation work is using qualitative analysis and grounded theory to understand the return on objective of the activation of design and human-centered design theory within a consultancy. Most importantly, she’s a mom to four amazing kids. She also shows dogs in her “spare” time, advocating for breed health, sound temperament, and AKC events/sports.
Ava is a former student, founding SAC Member, and Intern at CultureWorks, where she devoted much of her extra-curricular time and creative energy for nearly 10 years. She is a Holland, MI-based artist and an avid gardener, watercolorist, and poet. Ava works at Waukazoo Elementary School as a Montessori Ed Assistant, and if she had 3 wishes, she would ask for: 1) the end of environmental injustice; 2) red hair; and 3) a pet dog as big as her so they could cuddle while watching cartoons.
My name is Miguel Ayala. I am a father of two beautiful children, I've been married for 21 years to the same, beautiful, woman. I am a family man.
CultureWorks is an amazing opportunity for our kids today. Something that was not available to us during school. High school was the basics, of history, of art, not modern or graffiti art! I have been asked throughout the years to speak about the differences between graffiti; at hope college on two occasions. I have volunteered at baseball camps my son has been a part of. I painted a few murals, one here in Holland and one in Allegan over twenty years ago. This particular style of artwork, graffiti, starts with pen and pencil then to markers, to paint markers, to spray cans, etc. My daughter has been a part of a few classes through CultureWorks. I hope that my experience with this will help the kids have fun with their creativity and imagination, the sky's the limit.
Sarah O’Neil is a senior at Hope College, and studies Studio Art and Communications. When she is not in the studio, she is probably on a long walk, taking photographs of her friends, or in the kitchen baking bread. One of the highlights of her week is being a DJ on WTHS, Hope’s radio station! She has enjoyed teaching her peers in the Art Department as a Teachers Assistant in Photography, Painting, and Sculpture. In high school she taught toddlers how to dance, and adults how to make mugs while sipping wine. Last semester in the Czech Republic, she spent a lot of time visiting non-profit Arts organizations and is looking forward to learning about how they work in Holland. She is thrilled for the new opportunity to be around creative middle and high school students this semester!
Maya (they/she) is a SAC member, a Senior at Holland High, and an aspiring Marine Biologist. They typically work in the mediums of written word and clothing upcycling/wearable art, and they have a passion for combining science and advocacy through art. Outside of CultureWorks, you can find them searching for yet another piece of uranium glass, or exploring the dunes with their family.
We're so grateful for Maya's skillful, steady leadership, and their thoughtful facilitation of Student Advisory Council!
Ryan is returning to SAC this year, and we’re so grateful for his wide variety of knowledge and interests; Ryan feels more comfortable with words than with drawing, and that comes out in his multi-media artworks. He’s also passionate about the world around him, awed by the tiny insects hiding in plain sight. He hopes to become an environmental biologist and work toward a better future for our planet.
When asked about what art means to him, Ryan said “Art is the most freeing form of expression. It's a way to take any mundane or wild thought you have and bring it into the physical world. Any thought. We live in a society that functions on whether you bring value to the world, but art defies that. Art doesn't have to be anything, because it can be everything.”
Jaer Medina is an artist and community organizer based out of Holland, Michigan. His work blends Mexican-American culture and new media practices. Having graduated with a BA from the Visual and Media Arts Department at Grand Valley State University, Jaer is interested in photography, sculpture, and space-making. He believes art can be a tool to strengthen community bonds through cultural appreciation. When not at CultureWorks, Jaer runs a community-based art gallery out of his garage. The space serves as an incubator for emerging and established artists to curate art shows, lead workshops, host lectures, or simply hang out.
Jaxon Zavala (he/him) is a CultureWorks alum, multi-media artist, and aspiring educator based in Michigan currently pursuing a BFA in ceramics from Northern Michigan University. Typically working in the realms of ceramics, illustration, and/or printmaking, much of his work explores themes of identity and the internal emotional landscape, taking inspiration from nature, alternative subculture, and his experience as a queer and Latino Midwesterner. As an instructor he hopes to inspire creativity, critical thinking, and confidence in students.
Tim Hackney grew up attending public schools in East Lansing, MI. After graduating with a BA in Art in Grand Rapids, Tim moved to Chicago to pursue a career in advertising. Shortly after, he married his (now) wife of 25+ years, Kendra. Tim’s first job was as a Junior Copywriter at Young & Rubicam, Chicago. His nine years in the city of Chicago also included copywriting jobs at BBDO and J. Walter Thompson. In 2006, Tim and Kendra relocated back to their home state of Michigan, landing in Holland. Tim continued his career in advertising for two agencies in Holland before starting his own (Next Creative Co.) with his partner in 2017. Next has grown to 21 people with offices in Holland and Grand Rapids. Tim is excited to be a part of the Cultureworks mission - specifically exposing students to the many successful careers an art degree can provide that kids might not be aware of. Tim and Kendra have two teenagers, and a very dumb, but sweet, yellow labrador retriever named Willow.
Abbie joined CultureWorks classes in 2017 and SAC in 2018 as a Senior at Holland High, and we loved her energy, generous spirit, and work ethic so much we created a summer internship position in order to keep her around longer. She was indispensable as we grew our summer outreach program in 2019 through community-wide special events and offered valuable feedback as we developed our internship program. Abbie has 4 years of experience in retail, where she developed skills in financial management, store operations, and customer service. She’s excited to support daily operations at CultureWorks, using her strengths in hospitality and organization. When not working, Abbie enjoys all forms of animation and loves working on character design, storyboarding, and comic ideation.
Jamie is a former student and volunteer at CultureWorks, where she took classes circa 2013. With a degree in Graphic Design and Illustration from Holland Early College and MSU, she's now a professional Graphic Designer at ODL and freelances on the side. She's always loved art and her time at CultureWorks helped inspire her to pursue a career in art.
She's excited to be involved at CultureWorks where she can give back to a program that holds a special place in her heart and teach teens who remind her of herself all those years ago. While her degree is in graphic design, she's been drawing characters since she was a kid, and has taken classes in making comics and visual storytelling. We love Jamie's ability to connect with teens on a wide range of artistic, cultural, and pop-cultural experiences, from gaming to growing up in Holland as a 2nd generation Latin/Asian American.
Kristie Winslow is a dedicated storyteller who is excited to apply her expertise as the grant writer at CultureWorks! With a diverse background, Kristie holds a BEI I ASL interpreter certification and has experience in marketing and communications, ASL interpretation, and development and fundraising. She earned her Bachelor’s in Writing and English Language and Literature from Grand Valley State University, where she received distinctions in writing and creative scholarship. As a former McNair Scholar, she delved deeply into the memetic evolution of fairy tales, while her work as a GVSU Library Summer Scholar focused on the Monomyth, both subjects on which she has extensively presented. Outside of work, Kristie can often be found curled up with a good book and her cat, diving in new hobbies, or keeping up with her active teenage children.
Felina is a Holland native and graduate of Holland Public Schools, where she was exposed to the rich diversity of our community, and given the opportunity to develop her leadership skills. Her passion for serving the community began when she won the title of Fiesta Queen for Latin Americans United for Progress. She helped plan their first ever Youth Leadership Conference and made connections among other organizations and community partners.
She attended GRCC and Cornerstone University. In her adulthood, she was able to come full circle with LAUP and served on their executive board of directors. She currently works in sales and service.
Family is #1 to Felina. They love to spend time together outdoors, at community events, and absolutely LOVE live music and dancing. Felina lives in Holland with her 2 children, including Oliver, who serves on CultureWorks Student Advisory Council.
Felina has also served with Black River Public School’s Parent Organization, and she’s excited for the opportunity to not only support the artistic and personal endeavors and development of her own children, but those of our community as well, through CultureWorks!
Ayanna is a Senior at Hope College taking advantage of the great opportunity to pursue her various passions by triple majoring in Environmental Studies, Studio Art and French. Ayanna has experienced a growing interest in education and is more than excited to be working alongside CultureWorks and have the chance to share with the students. Ayanna grew up both in Kenya and in the US. Her love for travel drove her to study abroad in both South Korea and France as well as experience countries such as the Dominican Republic, Scotland, England and Belgium and hopefully many more. As an artist she enjoys exploring her Kenyan roots and is drawn to patterns, drawing, painting, ceramics and printmaking. She is a makeshift creative and pulls inspiration for concepts and materials from people, spaces and experiences. The past few years Ayanna has found herself engaging with CultureWorks and is thrilled to be on the team as our college intern.
Oliver is new to SAC this year, and we're so glad we got to meet him in our Illustrating Bugs and Botanicals class last spring. Oliver has a knack for using inks to create really dynamic images, usually of people, most often his own original characters. When not inking, Oliver loves to listen to music and to write to find inspiration. He hopes to be a manga creator when he grows up, using images and words to tell stories. Oliver also streams his videogaming, has a red belt in Karate, and is currently really into Stardew Valley.
"Art to me is something that allows me to express my creativity and personality, and community would probably be a group of people I can be myself around, and feel safe doing so."
We met Lemmi through Retro Comic Illustration and Open Studio last year, and we're so glad that he agreed to join SAC. Lemmi is an amazing interdisciplinary artist with the ability to make cosplay pieces out of EVA foam, carve delightful stamps for block printing, and paint characters with gouache. Outside of art, Lemmi is also passionate about robotics, cooking, science, and botany, and he hopes to pursue botany or art in the future. If you've ever got a question about a houseplant that is struggling, Lemmi is the one to ask!
"For me art is not only a way to express my feelings and emotions but also a way to bring light to problems in the world. The art community means a lot to me, I had been one of the nicest groups of people that are all around awesome people with very cool and inspiring ideas."
Geniveve is new to SAC this year, and we're so glad they're around more. Geniveve has been around for Animation, Open Studio, and Character Design classes, and it's been so fun to see the animations she has been working on over the past year. Geniveve draws inspiration from music and movies, and is excited about collaborating more with others now that she's part of the Student Advisory Council. Geniveve is close to their family and loves spending time with them when she's not making art. Geniveve hopes to become an art teacher or an animator one day.
"Art to me is just expression of someone's creativity. I think anything could be art, someone's outfit, a poem, a hairstyle. Community to me means coming together and celebrating the differences of people."
Camila Monge (aka Cam) has been doing theater and making art since before she could walk, born into a traveling theater company and having studied theater and arts from diverse places and perspectives during her high school years abroad, she deeply believes in the transformative power of learning through art.
As a former CultureWorks student, Cam is thrilled to be back, eager to share her love for art, and to make learning an exciting adventure for students. Her goal is to inspire the same curiosity and impact in her students that her own teachers had on her, all while having a blast along the way!
MH Elder
MH joined the CultureWorks leadership team in 2018 and has served as a board member, volunteer, and instructor since that time. He teaches the Worldbuilding in SciFi and Fantasy creative writing class, and in addition to teaching, is now lending his writing skills as a staff member.
MH is a strong advocate for the arts in this intangible and isolated age, as a necessary and indispensable driver of the indomitable nature of the human spirit. He does so through his Worldbuilding class, equipping young writers with the tools they need to create inspired and internally consistent works of speculative fiction.
Outside of CultureWorks, MH is parenting, working on publishing a children’s book, writing a sci-fi novel, and developing a tabletop roleplaying game based on said novel’s world.
Mayra earned a BA in Business Administration from Davenport University and her Certification in Organizational Inclusion and Equity from Michigan State University. She has a passion for helping individuals be the best version of themselves, and strives for fairness and equity for all. She has a special place in her heart for nonprofit organizations, youth engagement, community involvement and volunteering.
Mayra was born and raised in South Texas, relocated to Holland in 2001 for school and work, and has lived in the Grand Haven area since 2010. She and her husband, Alex, have 2 boys and enjoy the great outdoors and Michigan summers. Her hobbies include gardening, reading, and sewing to awaken her creativity, and she’s a big sports enthusiast.
Jorg was born and raised in Germany, where he pursued his education in engineering. Germany's unique school system allowed him to attend a high school specializing in graphic design, nurturing his creative side alongside his technical interests. After completing his military service, Jorg maintained his passion for the arts while continuing his academic journey. He earned a Master of Engineering degree before relocating to the United States.
Jorg initially moved to the east side of Michigan, followed by nearly a decade in the southeastern United States, before settling on the westside of Michigan. With a career rooted primarily in the automotive industry and a brief venture into the medical instruments field, he is now back in the automotive industry at Burke Porter an Ascential Technologies Company in Grand Rapids, MI leading the project management team.
Inspired by his daughter’s positive experiences with CultureWorks, Jorg joined its Board of Directors to support the organization’s mission.
In his free time, Jorg channels his love of racing as an instructor with various driving clubs. He regularly teaches at racetracks like Gingerman Raceway in South Haven, Michigan.
Amanda has a degree in Accounting, and is engaged full-time in raising her four children and her NewFoundland dog. To maintain her sanity, Amanda immerses herself in art. She has taken multiple courses in painting and graphite drawing - with particular focus in abstraction. She fondly remembers learning directly from Kathy Kaunitz-Jones and Armin Mersmann at the Midland Center for the Arts. She continues to hunt for local classes in abstract painting. Amanda looks forward to sharing her love for art with the Culture Works family and resurrecting her background in finance to support the Board’s mission.
Myla joined CultureWorks in 6th grade and was a founding member of the Student Advisory Council from 2016 through graduation from WOHS. She joined our staff as a summer Intern in 2021 and helped CultureWorks navigate 3+ years of mobile programming, 4 major organizational moves, and a pandemic, during her years on staff and SAC. Myla was born and raised in Holland and loves to travel. Some of her favorite places are San Antonio, TX and Las Vegas, NV. When not at CultureWorks, Myla is usually in her garden taking care of her chamomile plants or curled up with a good book.
Ariana is a CultureWorks alum and frequented our drawing and world building classes before graduating from Black River. She's been practicing 3D illustration and design since 5th grade and is currently a student at College for Creative Studies in Detroit, where her work is already catching attention from the game design industry. She’s a little obsessed with the Warhammer and Halo Universes; check out some of her work @lord_cringefest!
Lauren is a violist, educator, and founder of Harmony Scholars, where she leads inclusive, experiential music programs rooted in equity and access. She is principal violist of the Holland Symphony Orchestra and performs regularly with her trio, Shoreline Strings. A passionate advocate for diverse and student-centered learning, Lauren was part of the 2023–24 Teaching Artist Training Institute Lab Cohort. She also serves as lead teaching artist and program manager for Tune Up, an El Sistema-inspired after-school program in Muskegon.
She holds a Doctorate and Master’s in Music Performance from Michigan State University, and a Bachelor’s from Hope College.
Lauren and her husband, Benji, are Holland natives and proud parents to 4 Holland Public Schools students!
Allyse Karam is an Art Director for Amazon Publishing overseeing publications in Germany and the UK, and we’re excited to announce that she’ll be teaching Graphic Design for high schoolers at CultureWorks this semester! Allyse brings a lot of research expertise to her field, digging into book genre, context and history to figure out the right images, artwork and fonts to be used in cover design.
Phil Quinn is a licensed therapist and unlicensed parent, Dungeon Master, storyteller, queer theologian, and general connoisseur of geek culture. Phil originates from the Upper Peninsula and has previously worked as a mentoring program coordinator, director of human resources at a Mackinac Island resort, director of life skills classes at a community resource agency, and as a pastor a local church. He is also a co-owner of Wayfolk Arts - a community of artist theologians - and a board member for Out on the Lakeshore - a community center serving West Michigan’s LGBTQ+ population.
Phil’s experiences growing up in a rural community, serving in the church, in human resources, and in social justice work have made him passionate about walking alongside people who have experienced marginalization and trauma in the workplace, in the church, at school, and in their communities –especially around issues related to sexuality and gender.
Whether in the counseling office, facilitating groups, or through writing, speaking, and advocacy, Phil is dedicated to creating and facilitating safe spaces where people can heal, grow, and know that they matter and belong.
Nathan Slauer
Nathan Slauer serves as Advancement Director at Good Samaritan Ministries, a housing-focused nonprofit organization, where he leads fundraising and communications efforts. He has served on several community boards and committees, contributed articles to area publications, completed freelance marketing projects for nonprofit organizations, and supported political campaigns.
Nathan holds a Master of Public Administration from Grand Valley State University and a bachelor’s degree from Calvin University. He lives in Holland with his wife, Meg, and their son, Evan. In his free time, he enjoys reading, running, attending community events, and exploring West Michigan’s outdoor spaces.
Evan Nickel
Evan is a Hope College graduate with a B.S in Biomechanical Engineering. During his time at Hope he also studied figure drawing, painting, ceramics, and piano. He loves learning and hopes to help students bridge the gap between art and materiality using his background in art and engineering. He believes in art’s power to foster exploration of our world and ourselves as well as a way to connect with our sense of play. In his free time he is climbing, cooking, teaching piano lessons, knitting, and spending time with friends.
Blake Matthews
Blake Matthews is a Grand Rapids based artist and printmaker who received their BFA in Studio Art from Grand Valley State University, where they were also a Studio Coordinator and Adjunct Instructor. Blake was a recipient of the Leroy-Neiman Fellowship from Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists' Residency, and the Windgate Fellowship from Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. Since graduating they have been making art and prints that emphasize the overlap of Queer and Midwest identities and traditions, with their shared spirit of ingenuity, resilience, and respect for family, chosen or otherwise. Along with their studio practice, Blake has a passion for teaching people new technical processes and ways to experiment with their artmaking, and they are excited to do so with the young artists at CultureWorks!
Adeline Lembright
Addie is a sophomore at Hope College, where she's majoring in Studio Art with a minor in Community Arts Pedagogy. She was born in Michigan but spent the majority of her life living in Bangkok, Thailand. She brings a global perspective shaped by 10 years of cross-cultural experiences, and she’s passionate about using art as a tool for connection and community support. Addie loves the outdoors, and while at Hope, she’s been active in the Outdoor Adventure Club as well volunteering with Zeeland Wyldlife.
Mallory Shotwell is an independent curator, studio management and consulting professional, and interdisciplinary artist based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She works with artists, arts organizations, galleries, and museums on curatorial projects, operational systems, and professional development. Previously, as the Founder and Director of Cultivate in Grand Rapids, she led initiatives that integrated curatorial practice with arts education, supporting nearly 10,000 students and 1,000 artists through exhibitions, workshops, and cross-sector partnerships.
An advocate for accessible arts education, she has designed more than 350 fine arts curricula and authored nine educational magazines that connect classrooms with contemporary art practices. Her programs emphasize critical inquiry, creativity, and cultural engagement.
Within a broader social landscape shaped by division and extraction, Sara Alsum-Wassenaar’s collective creative practice invites new ways of relating to land, community, and place. Her work centers on shared participation and the possibility of reimagining spaces through collaborative design and public engagement. At its core is an interest in how creative interventions can reshape our understanding of environment, policy, and collective life—opening space for more connected and reciprocal futures.
Sara Alsum-Wassenaar is currently on staff at Grand Valley State University. She received an MFA in New Media Art at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Sara was recently nominated for the Sustainability Champion Award, selected to conduct programming at the MDW Fair in Chicago and presented work at the CAA Conference in New York City.
Emanuel Silva-Lopez is a Mexican-American videographer, teacher, and multimedia producer. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Film and Video Production from Grand Valley State University in 2024. His passion for video began in his high school broadcast journalism program where he created his first mini-documentary. Since then, he has worked on set for several short films, produced videos for multiple clients, and taught at GRTV's Media Makers Summer Camp.
Desiree is a junior at Grand Valley State University, majoring in environmental and sustainability studies and minoring in photography. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Desiree is passionate about capturing visual documentation of nature and bringing awareness to environmental issues. Always looking to learn more about the world and different types of people, Desiree loves being active in the community and helping bring others together, sharing knowledge, and building relationships.
Meradi Ramirez | Technical Writer & Communications Specialist @ Mission Design & Automation
Meradi Ramirez resides in West Michigan and is a proud graduate of Western Michigan University (go Broncos!). She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminal justice before moving to Los Angeles to explore new professional avenues. While there, she dedicated her time to various youth homes and nonprofits, drawing deep inspiration from organizations that assist domestic and sexual assault survivors. A passionate believer in the arts, Meradi also immersed herself in the theater and film industries, working both on stage and behind the scenes in a variety of creative and operational roles.
Returning to the "Mitten State" provided the perfect opportunity to merge her core values of advocacy and the arts. This transition led her to Mission Design & Automation, where she serves as a technical writer and communications specialist. In this role, she loves honing new skills and growing within the professional writing and editing world. Outside of her career, Meradi stays active outdoors by playing volleyball, competing in triathlons, and hiking. She treasures time spent with her family and her puppy, Juno.
Marly Leighton-Colburn
Marly brings expertise in creating and nourishing impactful cause marketing and advocacy partnerships. In her time at the Human Rights Campaign, Discovery Education and DoSomething.org, she has secured and managed cause marketing partnerships with top brands like CVS, McDonald’s Match Group, and American Airlines. She was also a key member of DoSomething.org’s Get Out the Vote task force in advance of the 2020 Election, which garnered 250,000 voter registrations.
Prior to her roles in the impact partnerships space, Marly served as a publicist at Polk & Co. representing a portfolio of Broadway productions and performing arts projects including Wicked, If/Then, and The Color Purple.
Marly champions a culture of curiosity and loves exploring with her family.
Lauren Plockmeyer
Lauren Plockmeyer works as an English Language Learner Education Assistant for West Ottawa Public Schools, where she supports students from kindergarten through fifth grade. She is also continuing her education at Central Michigan University, studying elementary education with a minor in teaching English language learners. Lauren is passionate about creating welcoming classrooms where students feel comfortable expressing themselves, trying new things, and learning from one another.
Outside of the classroom, Lauren is a wife and mother of two children. She enjoys being involved in her school, church, and local community. She is excited to share her love of theatre with CultureWorks students while helping them strengthen their creativity, communication, and teamwork skills.
Jaxon Zavala (he/him) is a CultureWorks alum, multi-media artist, and aspiring educator based in Michigan currently pursuing a BFA in ceramics from Northern Michigan University. Typically working in the realms of ceramics, illustration, and/or printmaking, much of his work explores themes of identity and the internal emotional landscape, taking inspiration from nature, alternative subculture, and his experience as a queer and Latino Midwesterner. As an instructor he hopes to inspire creativity, critical thinking, and confidence in students.
Alexandra is an aspiring art educator and artist, currently earning her BA in Visual Arts Education (P-12) at Hope College. She is passionate about sharing her love for art with others as well as helping others express themselves authentically and creatively through art. Her own artistic practice primarily consists of graphite and charcoal drawings, acrylic paintings, and collages exploring femininity and body image. In her free time, Alexandra enjoys watching movies and reading with her cat, thrifting and exploring antique stores, and swimming in Lake Michigan!
