The Artists Ink Team
A Committed Family of Passionate Artist & Community Builders
Composed of Graphic designers, animators, directors, writers, performers, and sound designers, Artists Ink is a collaborative organization that encourages artists of all disciplines to come together and push the boundaries of traditional art and create work that builds community and inspires change.
Mario Cortez
Y.O.L.I. Arts Mentor -
Ricardo Cortez
Y.O.L.I. Arts Mentor -
Emily Morales-Ortiz
Founding Director - A performing artist, writer, producer and director raised in East Salinas, Emily has been active in the arts for the past 18 years.
Kyra Fung
Program Manager - I am a teaching artist. My main ink is drawing, which I love to use to explore inner worlds. I graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a Studio Arts Degree and my dream is to write and illustrate books for children on mental health
Lisa Lopez
Creative Leader Mentor - Graduated from California State University, Long Beach, with a BFA in illustration. Lisa is an emerging artist, working in both digital and traditional media.
David Tapia
Y.O.L.I. Arts Mentor -
Carlos L. Cortez
Program Director - A working artist in Salinas and all over California for 20 years. Carlos has worked in theaters throughout the Bay Area working with local and international artists.
Dante Carballo
Editor, Sound & Light Technician - With over 15 years of experience, Dante is a theater technician, composer, performer, and sound engineer for various companies throughout the bay area.
Athena Enero
TXO Mentor
Ricardo Ibarra
Y.O.L.I. Arts Mentor -
Barbara Carballo
Administration Manager - Graduate of University of California, Davis. Barbara is the administrative manager, but also works as a stage manager and technical assistant in Artists Ink's various projects & productions
Alejandro M Casanova
Social Media & Digital Marketing Manager - Graduate of California State University, Monterey Bay, with a BS in Business Administration w/ a concentration in Marketing.
Yameli Manriquez
Outreach & Administrative Assistant
Andres Ortiz
Creative Mentor - A graduate from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX with a BFA in acting. Current Arts Education Manager for the Santa Cruz Arts Council and resident director with Artists Ink.
Board of Advisors
Raul Lara
Pediatrician
Rosalinda Godinez
Professor at Hartnell College
Ana Barrera
Educator at EAHS
Veronica Pulido
Educator at Alisal High School
Joey Martinez
Philantropist
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