Emma Copeland is a children's book illustrator, designer, and fine arts educator local to Cambridge. Following her BFA at the University of Connecticut, Emma went on to study at the University of the Arts London in the 3D Computer Animation program at London College of Communication. While in London, she interned at a disaster relief nonprofit committed to providing accessible education for children across language and financial gaps, and upon her return to the US, began work as a graphic designer. As the elected Design Chair of Boston Roller Derby, a league to which she is a dedicated athlete, Emma strives to emphasize gender diversity in sports and celebrate the beauty of finding community in our differences and similarities. Emma teaches as an Adjunct Professor at Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in the Digital Media Technology Program, with a focus on student preparedness to succeed in the modern world as working artists. Supported in her art career from a young age, Emma believes in passing along that encouragement by elevating the artistic voices in her own neighborhood; as great artwork can come from any student given the confidence and platform to share. At the MFA, Emma is the Community Arts Liaison with United South End Settlements (USES).
Jessie James is an educator and lens-based artist in the greater Boston area. She received her BFA in Photography from Lesley University. Her work investigates universal themes of adolescent memory and has been exhibited nationally. As an educator, she practices an approach that prioritizes an inclusive and sociocultural lens applied to her content and relationships with learners. She has assisted studio classes in higher education and led her own courses and workshops at several non-profits around Boston. She aims to guide learners to make connections with their creative making and personal histories. Jessie currently works at the Museum of Fine Arts as the Community Arts Liaison with the Yawkey Boys & Girls Club.
Kara Stokowski is a creator and educator living in Boston. She works at the intersections of art, science and technology and is passionate about creating public learning experiences that are accessible to all. She is a dedicated environmentalist and her art explores the interconnected web of all living things and our connection to the planet using words, performance and digital media. She helps artists use and understand video and animation in their own practices and she holds a BFA from the Studio for Interrelated Media at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. At the MFA, Kara is the Community Arts Liaison with the Edgerley Family South Boston Boys & Girls Club.
Gustavo Tavares Barceloni is an educator, organizer, and ceramic artist living in Boston. He creates illustrative tableware, installations, and community-based projects that promote working class power and explore the complexities of living within the Brazilian diaspora. Gustavo holds a BFA in ceramics from Massachusetts College of Art and Design and a M.Ed from University of Massachusetts, Boston. At the MFA, Gustavo is the Community Arts Liaison with the Jordan Boys & Girls Club.
Beatriz Whitehill is a Puerto Rican-American multidisciplinary artist. Her work addresses diasporic communities through a visual representation of the resilience and endurance of culture. She is an aspiring public artist, combining traditional painting techniques with animation and three-dimensional installation to build immersive and inclusive worlds. Beatriz holds a BFA in painting from Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Beatriz is currently a resident of Boston Center for the Arts. At the MFA, Beatriz is the Community Arts Liaison with the Vine Street Community Center.
Gina Yu is an interdisciplinary artist and educator whose practice focuses on being at the intersection of many marginalized identities. Currently they are particularly interested in working in printmaking and fibers. They are a first generation Korean-American currently pursuing a master's degree in Art Education at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University, where they also earned their BFA and a BS in Biology. At the MFA, they are the Community Liaison with the Charlestown Boys & Girls Club.