EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

@eslamaestra

Sabrina Alicea is the driving force behind Somos Arte Chicago, serving as our esteemed Executive Director. With a lifelong commitment to education and community organizing, Sabrina's work embodies the powerful synergy of education, art, and social justice.

A passionate advocate for using art as a vehicle for social change, Sabrina has dedicated her career to creating inclusive and transformative educational experiences. Her visionary leadership has been instrumental in shaping our organization's mission and expanding our reach within the community.

Sabrina's extensive experience as an educator informs her approach to program development, ensuring that our initiatives are not only artistically enriching but also socially relevant and impactful. Her dedication to fostering a supportive and empowering environment for both our team and the community we serve is at the heart of everything we do at Somos Arte.

Under Sabrina's guidance, Somos Arte continues to thrive as a hub for creativity, learning, and social activism. Her unwavering commitment to the intersection of education, art, and social justice makes her an inspiring leader and a vital asset to our organization.More of her work can be found on her website at www.eslamaestra.com.

CREAVTIVE DIRECTOR

@jibara.jibara

Melanie, a proud Latina woman, is the passionate and dynamic Creative Director of Somos Arte Chicago. With a keen eye for innovation and a deep commitment to community, Melanie is dedicated to supporting and uplifting local businesses nationwide. She is driven by a mission to champion influential individuals who are making unique and impactful strides within their communities and cultures.

Melanie takes great pride in her ability to connect people, believing firmly in the power of collaboration and teamwork. She spends her time and energy forging meaningful connections between individuals, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. Melanie's belief that we are stronger together underpins her approach to her role, making her an inspiring and effective leader.

Her creative vision and strategic thinking have been instrumental in shaping the vibrant and inclusive atmosphere at Somos Arte. Melanie's dedication to promoting cultural diversity and innovation is reflected in the programs and projects she leads, ensuring they resonate deeply with our community.

At Somos Arte Chicago, Melanie's leadership and passion for connecting people are key to our success. Her unwavering support for local businesses and influential community members makes her an invaluable asset to our team.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR

@byoodeart

Born and raised in the vibrant city of Chicago, our Educational Program Manager brings a rich cultural heritage and a deep passion for the arts to Somos Arte Chicago. As a proud Puerto Rican, she seamlessly weaves her cultural roots into her professional journey, enriching our programs with diverse perspectives and a genuine love for her community.

With four years of dedicated experience in the art industry, she has cultivated a dynamic skill set that bridges education and artistic expression. In addition to her role as Educational Program Manager, she serves as our Installation and Mural Director, where her expertise and creative vision drive the creation of stunning public art installations and murals that celebrate our community's heritage and diversity.

Her commitment to fostering creativity and empowering individuals through art education is at the heart of her work. She excels in creating inclusive, engaging, and innovative programs that inspire participants of all ages and backgrounds.

At Somos Arte Chicago, she is instrumental in shaping our educational initiatives, ensuring they are impactful and accessible. Her enthusiasm for the arts and dedication to community engagement make her an invaluable asset to our team.

OPERATIONS MANAGER /TEAM LEAD/ RESIDENT ARTIST

@sosa_theartist

Born and raised in Chicago, our Operations Manager, Team Lead, and Resident Artist brings a wealth of experience and a deep love for the arts to Somos Arte Chicago. With eight years of dedicated practice, she has honed her craft, specializing in acrylic on canvas. Her art is a profound exploration of themes such as hope, inspiration, struggle, and biblical narratives, offering a powerful and moving experience to all who encounter her work.

Her dual role as Operations Manager and Team Lead showcases her exceptional organizational skills and leadership abilities. She ensures the seamless execution of our programs and initiatives, fostering a collaborative and efficient environment for our team. Her strategic vision and unwavering commitment to excellence drive the success of our operations.

As our Resident Artist, her creative vision and technical expertise elevate our artistic projects, making them resonant and impactful. Her artwork, rich with emotional depth and storytelling, serves as an inspiration to our community and participants.

At Somos Arte Chicago, she is a cornerstone of our organization, blending her administrative acumen with her artistic talent to create a vibrant and dynamic space for art and education. Her dedication to her craft and her community makes her an invaluable member of our team.

10 10 10 CLUB PROGRAM MANAGER

@angieeva__

Born and raised in Chicago, Angela is the dedicated Program Manager for our 10 10 10 Club at Somos Arte Chicago. With a deep commitment to her community, Angela hosts free events every month, creating accessible and engaging opportunities for community members to connect, learn, and grow.

Her passion for community building and her organizational expertise make her the perfect leader for the 10 10 10 Club. Angela's events are designed to foster a sense of belonging and provide a platform for individuals to share their experiences and talents.

At Somos Arte Chicago, Angela's role is pivotal in ensuring that our monthly events are inclusive, enriching, and impactful. Her dedication to serving the community and her ability to bring people together make her an invaluable asset to our team.

@mena_arte_chicago

Mario Mena was born in Mezquitic, Mexico, and migrated to Chicago at the age of 6 years from Huron, California. Since 1998, Mario has primarily grown up in the Southwest side of Chicago, Chicago Lawn, and Gage Park. His work stems from an alternative underground subculture of musicians and visual artists in Chicago. Experiencing firsthand the lack of resources and disinvestment in his community has led to his focus on community mural work and public installations, using his art as a means of therapy. He is an advocate for mental health, especially when breaking generational traits about men expressing their emotions. Mena has been painting for over 15 years, since the recent pandemic and social unrest in Chicago, he has used his art to bring public works to the community, primarily the southwest side of Chicago. He hopes to brighten underserved communities with his works of art focused on hope, to inspire the youth to create art not only as a method of expression but as a successful choice of career.

@cookie.kwan

Marie Ferrer, also known as Cookie Kwan, is a Filipina visual artist based in Chicago. Her Filipino roots, city life, music, and spiritual connection inspire her vibrant and intricate art pieces that are often seen in group art shows and murals all over the city.

@bodegabri & @lolitasbodega

Brianna Ramirez-Smith is a Lakeview-born and bred Puertorriqueña. After spending 15 years in corporate America in various roles, she decided to forge her own path as an entrepreneur in her neighborhood of Humboldt Park. As the owner of Lolita’s Bodega, a community-centered mobile artisan market, she creates platforms for Latinx & Black entrepreneurs to thrive and shine. Learn more at www.lolitasbodega.com.

@paint.thecity

Paint the City was founded on June 4th, 2020, by Barrett Keithley and Missy Perkins in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and George Floyd Protests. Our mission is to create inspiring works of art that support the equality of all people and show that BLACK LIVES MATTER. Paint The City has worked with about 60 artists and has touched over 13 different neighborhoods and is still going strong. These artists' messages of hope, solidarity, and inclusion are our benchmark for each and every masterpiece created. Learn more at http://paintthecity.net