Six students from Sequoia High School in Redwood City, Calif., will take part in a year-long arts mentorship program at Art Bias studios in San Carlos, Calif. Dragonfly Community Arts in proud to be the major funder of this program, which will provide an opportunity for the students to explore several different art mediums with the artists/instructors at Art Bias. The program officially launched on January 17, 2023, with a welcome reception. Speakers at the reception included San Carlos Mayor Adam Rak and Redwood City Arts Commissioner Carol Sconzert.

The Art Bias mentors include Taryn Curiel, Sophie Zhu, Neil Murphy, Yucali Seki, Linda Manes Goodwin, ZdenkaBleile, and Yunan Ma.  

According to Art Bias, the mentors will meet with the students each week to not only demonstrate the technical aspects of their artform but also to express their own perspectives and narratives that have led them to their current work. The artists will share their personal journeys as artists, as well as their challenges and successes. Students will be asked to incorporate their own life experiences and narratives into their hands-on artwork.

Art Bias says the goal is to create spaces where both program participants and mentors are able to engage in conversations and ask questions about topics that feel authentic and relevant. Throughout the year, the students will not only learn several different art techniques, they will also participate in field trips, put together an artist portfolio, and curate their own art gallery opening to display their work.

Dragonfly would like to thank everyone who put together this amazing opportunity, including Terra Fuller, executive director of Art Bias, and Christle Waters and Mozelle da Costa Pinto, art instructors at Sequoia High School. We will continue to bring you updates throughout the year on the journey for the students and their mentors.  

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