Meet Our Artist Members
Latisha Baker is an Oakland-based artist producing fine art, wearable art and jewelry. Her primary medium is a primitive technique called pyrography (firewriter), also known as, wood burning or pyroetching. She uses a variety of types of woods and enjoys educating her clients on the creative process behind each piece.
Ajuan Mance is an artist, illustrator and professor of english at Mills College in Oakland, California. She holds degrees from Brown University (BA) and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (MA and PhD). As an author, Ajuan explores issues of race, gender, and literature.
She is the author of two books, Inventing Black Women: African American Women’s Poetry and Self-Representation, 1877-2000 and Before Harlem: An Anthology of African American Literature from the Long Nineteenth Century.
A traveler and visual artist, Brianna captures bold and bright images of world cultures, landscapes, and individuals. Originally from the Midwest, her life experiences inform her work, allowing her to honestly capture the world around her. Brianna’s photography company is Visuals by Bri.
Michelle Tompkins is a native East Oaklander and self-taught abstract artist. She finds inspiration in nature, architecture, everyday objects, and life itself. Her passion for creativity and love of bright colors allows for each piece to have its own personality and energy.
Orlonda’s origins incorporate Brooklyn, NY, and the Caribbean associated with it. Although very much an American, her mother's Caribbean ways have forever permeated her sense of self, her thoughts and her art. Sometimes painting feels like she’s feeding and energizing herself emotionally, spiritually and definitely visually - as if her visual receptors are on high octane.....and the world melts away.
Renata is an Oakland native and gradute of UC Berkeley with a Master's in Architecture. She took up graphic design while working at the Port of Oakland and now spends her time between creating functional ceramic "Clay Babies" adorned with her graphic images, and creating "Ancestral poles." "We all feel something when we view art. It can range from feeling love, peace, racial issues, empowerment..." Each piece is inspired by someone or some event in my life. This is my gift to you- from my spirit to yours.