Diverse Community. Real Artists. Thoughtful Conversations.
In this Community Conversation, we will unpack the stereotypes of the “starving artist”. Inspired by the themes present in Sawyer Rose’s work, how can we dismantle misconceptions about artist labor?
Join the conversation with NUMU's Executive Director, Ami Davis, and Communications Manager, Alyssarhaye Graciano, in discussion with Carman Gaines of Local Color SJ and Pilar Agüero-Esparza, Bay Area artist and educator.
This event is free for all with an RSVP.
About The Panelists
Carman Tyra Gaines (she/they) has worked in the Bay Area's art nonprofit sector for over four years, supporting communities near home. Currently, Carman works with Local Color, a San José women-powered nonprofit stewarding multifaceted opportunities supporting local creatives. Their work centers on community, racial equity, and advocacy through arts.
Pilar Agüero-Esparza received a BA in Art from the University of California Santa Cruz, and MFA from San Jose State University. Agüero-Esparza has been an active artist, arts educator and arts administrator in the Bay Area exhibiting her work in numerous institutions including the San Jose Museum of Art, Triton Museum, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, The Santa Cruz Museum, MACLA, Palo Alto Arts Center, Galeria de la Raza, and the De Young Museum.
Alyssarhaye Graciano is our newest NUMU team member, joining as our Communications & Administration Manager. Outside of the museum, Graciano is a published author and fiber artist by the name of BlackSheepMade. Her artistic career has evolved into large public installations, long-term pop-ups, and traveling workshops.
Ami Davis is NUMU’s Executive Director and is committed to making art relevant and accessible to all audiences. Davis brings 22 years of experience working in museums throughout California as an educator, curator, and fundraiser.
About Community Conversations
NUMU is excited to be launching a new program series Community Conversations. This regular discussion series is open to all and will feature the voices of our diverse community of artists, guest collaborators, and museum staff. We will unpack the questions and ideas present in our current exhibitions.
“Artists should be valued for their work and there needs to be a paradigm shift from starving artist to thriving artist. We need to stop perpetuatIng arts as an unrealistic career option and create models that are sustainable with fair wages and benefits.”
-California Arts Advocates
Sawyer Rose, Anna and Hillary, 2017. Left, Archival Pigment Print. Right, Felt, Aluminum, Silver Solder, Rope. Courtesy of the artist.
Community Conversations: Unpaid Labor + Art
NUMU's mission is to make programming accessible to all. Donations directly support the museum’s exhibitions and educational programs. Please contribute whatever you are able.
Major support for NUMU's virtual programs and events provided by Badger Meter, Inc.
