We’re excited to dive back into collective conversation!
Our upcoming Empowerment Series is all about the beautiful, baffling, occasionally bonkers art of running a creative classroom. Join esteemed, experienced teaching artists Luciana Proaño and Julie Keefe, alongside facilitators Beth Wilson and Michelle Fujii, who work across different artistic mediums as they share how they cultivate brave, imaginative spaces while navigating the mayhem. Expect real talk, practical strategies, and plenty of laughter about the adventure of classroom creativity.
In this workshop, teaching artists from a range of creative disciplines will share how their mediums shape their approaches to classroom facilitation. You’ll hear concrete, practice-based examples, explore real scenarios, and have time for questions and discussion. Whether you’re an experienced educator seeking fresh ideas or new to the classroom, this session offers a supportive space to gather strategies for cultivating a learning environment where everyone feels free to explore and grow.
Panelist Bios
Luciana Proaño, Peruvian multidisciplinary artist dreamer, started as a dancer at age 3. Her passion is to create multimedia shows for stage and specific sites. Her teaching experience started at 10 years old tutoring neighborhood kids and then went on to create her own dance studio and production company “Aceituna Albina” funded by the Rockefeller Foundation with the purpose of international productions in Perú. She has toured Europe and the Americas and was Assistant Director and Assistant Choreographer at the National Choreographic Center in France. She now loves being a teaching and performing artist in Portland, Oregon, USA.
Julie Keefe is an accomplished artist with over 25 years of experience in documentary and community-based art. Renowned for her collaborative projects, Julie has worked with children, adults, and diverse communities to foster creativity and connection. She created the Hello Neighbor project, introducing children to their neighbors through art, and has led workshops and installations that empower participants of all ages. As Portland’s inaugural Creative Laureate, Julie advocated for arts education and equity, inspiring both youth and adults. Her dedication to teaching and community engagement continues to shape vibrant, inclusive spaces where people learn, share, and grow together.
This is our final Empowerment Workshop of the school year, and we’d love to have you with us!
