My passion for art and storytelling has always driven me to create illustrations that capture the rich cultural histories of people and communities. Growing up as an Indigenous Latine woman, I have seen the power of stories in preserving cultural heritage, but I have also observed the barriers that prevent under-resourced communities from accessing opportunities in the visual arts. These experiences inspire my goal to give back to youth by using my skills in art and anthropology to foster cultural pride and understanding.
My family has faced many challenges, including financial hardship. Both of my parents were incarcerated while I was in high school and preparing for college, forcing me to put my education on hold as my family struggled to support themselves. During this time, we all chipped in to help one another. Though I dreamed of attending art school, I knew it was unrealistic at that time. However, starting at community college has allowed me to rebuild my confidence and access fundamental art education in a more accessible way.
I believe art is essential for everyone, but especially for those who are struggling. Art offers a means of expression, a way to honor stories, and a way to envision a limitless future. I incorporate this theme of accessible expression with the kids I interact with. I plan to give back to under-resourced communities by creating art that tells the stories of diverse cultures while empowering youth to see themselves in those stories. One of my long-term goals is to create a children's book or comic that reflects the diversity of our world, making cultural narratives accessible to younger generations. By focusing on underrepresented voices, I hope to inspire children from marginalized backgrounds to take pride in their heritage.
In addition to creating accessible art, I want to preserve cultural heritage through archiving and education. I aspire to become an archivist, preserving and sharing the histories of diverse communities. In this role, I hope to empower young people to understand the importance of their own history, instilling pride and purpose.
My educational journey, which includes plans to attend the University of Arizona to study both art and anthropology, will equip me with the skills and knowledge to make these dreams a reality. I am committed to giving back to under-resourced communities, creating pathways for youth to access the visual arts and connect with their cultural stories.
However, achieving these goals comes with financial challenges. While I am grateful for the financial aid that covers my tuition, I still face significant needs for school supplies and living costs. As a tutor, I find fulfillment in helping students, but my income is seasonal and unpredictable. Additionally, I assist my sister with her mortgage, further stretching my limited finances. Despite relying on food stamps and Medicaid, I continue to struggle to make ends meet while focusing on my education.
Additional financial support would allow me to concentrate on my studies and future projects without the constant worry of covering living expenses. This support would also enable me to save for future educational pursuits, ensuring I can continue my work in the visual arts without interruption. By alleviating this financial burden, I will be able to focus on giving back to under-resourced communities through my work in art and anthropology.
This scholarship would empower me to fulfill my goal of using art to inspire and uplift youth, helping them connect with their heritage and discover their potential. Through my work, I hope to break down barriers that limit access to the visual arts and provide mentorship for marginalized youth.
I came to the United States just in time to start kindergarden. My early memories of art revolve around the innocent need to create and share happiness with my family. At the time, I wasn’t aware that the support from my parents when I drew came from the joy they felt that I was in an environment that encouraged creativity. Apparently, the school system back in Ecuador is different. As I got older, I learned that not everyone is given the same freedom to express themselves and why my parents' effort to contribute in nurturing this new environment was important to them. I began to understand that the role of the arts extended past personal expression and got an appreciation for its role in representing communities and in paving the way for social change. I have been captivated by its ability to shape, provoke, and transform society ever since. To make my contribution to the existing efforts driving progress, I am pursuing Arts Administration and Policy programs for my graduate studies.
As an undergraduate student, my class: Art History: Methods and Research introduced me to the potential that arts administration has to bridge gaps and promote inclusivity. This drove me to seek an opportunity as a gallery assistant at The Fine Arts Center Gallery from my university. Its art exhibitions and cultural events feature students and local artists, serving as a space that shows work from underrepresented groups and promotes conversation around social issues. This gave me hands-on experience in planning, promotion, and management. The exposure to the intricate workings of the arts industry in a culturally diverse setting also showed me the impact that thoughtful administration has on a community. However, it was during an internship at Davis Square Park, a local nonprofit organization, that my commitment to this field truly solidified. Working alongside passionate individuals who were dedicated in making the arts accessible to underserved communities, I witnessed how well-crafted programs and initiatives could empower individuals from all walks of life, providing them with a platform to express themselves and engage in cross-cultural dialogue. This experience reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of art and solidified my resolve to pursue a career in Arts Administration.
As I enter my graduate studies in Arts Administration at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, I am interested in advocacy and social justice within the art world. Growing up in this Chicago since the age of five, I have personally witnessed its diversity along with the imbalance of resources that limit representation and opportunities across varying neighborhoods in Chicago. My goal is to aid underrepresented communities and their creative expression like it once helped me. The program's emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and its strong connections to the arts community align with my aspirations to collaborate with artists, organizations, and policymakers in shaping the future of our society. Looking ahead, using my position as a leader within the arts administration, will help me provide opportunities to communities that are lacking in resources and create spaces for young children and artists to learn more about art.
My journey into Arts Administration and Policy has been driven by a profound belief in the power of the arts to inspire, connect, and remodel communities. I am excited to become part of this field and continue to learn and grow. Pursuing my graduate studies at SAIC will give me the knowledge and experience to shape me into a leader in this field that can make a meaningful impact.
