Aya Art Co. is a nonprofit art organization based in Southern California that curates empowering spaces for K - 12 youth to freely create and fully embody their unique, authentic expression.
OUR PROGRAM
Creating environments for students to deepen their connection to their individuality, our classrooms are consciously designed to inspire our students to trust their instincts and claim their creative power while bringing extremely detailed and unique mixed media works of art to life.
Emphasizing innovation, creative problem solving, confidence building, mindfulness, environmental stewardship, and cultural diversity, students explore art practices throughout history, natural sciences, art therapy, and expressionism while experimenting with a large variety of artistic processes and sustainably sourced materials.
Our intention behind this is to not only guide children to develop confidence and a profound sense of self, but to simultaneously help them be more motivated and compassionate young adults who are attentive to the colors of life that exists around them.
OUR MISSION
We whole-hearted believe art has a direct impact on the lives of children in our community. By engaging with the transformative process of expressive arts, young people are empowered with the confidence to create, a magical tool which extends beyond the classroom.
After years of serving Southern California through our non-profit art program, we've expanded our reach by providing free art programming to at-risk youth living below the poverty line who otherwise would not have access to creative curriculum.
We are now accepting donations to support this mission.
Help us provide free art classes to at-risk youth!
OUR FOUNDER
I founded Aya Art Co. in 2018 with the intention of creating soul-enhancing, empowering, and safe creative spaces for youth to learn of their power to create infinitely. For my students, art becomes so much more than creating something beautiful to display on a wall. Making art becomes a bridge between our dreams and our ability to manifest those dreams in the world.
Whether you are creating a painting, building a business, redesigning your home, or even transforming the way you naturally think or feel, that ability to dream and visualize something bigger is the medium we use to bring something new into existence.
I believe that by helping my students trust in their ability to create anything, they will naturally develop skills that allow them to lead their lives with confidence and curiosity. My goal through Aya Art Co. is to contribute to building a world where people are empowered to create, innovate, and unapologetically give their magic back to the world to help make it a better place.
OUR TEAM
Aya
Founder & CEO
Aya is the founder and CEO of the non-profiit Aya Art Co. Inspired, intentional, and authentic, Aya leads her team of artists and instructors with grace and compassion, always ready to take on any challenge that the excitement of business ownership presents. Through her soulful embodiment, she facilitates soul-enhancing, empowering, and safe spaces for her team and her students to learn of their power to create infinitely, reminding them daily of their ability to manifest their biggest dreams in the world.
Mari
Executive Creative Assistant
Mari is an incredibly talented artist that specializes in graphic design, product development, photography, videography and mixed media visual arts. Mari graduated from the Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design in 2019, and has been a key member of the Aya Art Co. team since 2020! Mari is the design wizard behind Aya Art Co.'s website and marketing, and additionally collaborates directly with our founder, Aya, to innovate Aya Art Co.'s art program curriculum & products.
Tracy
Lead Teacher & Team Manager
Tracy is a self taught hyper realistic painter who has 10+ years of experience managing and operating art education based businesses nationwide. Tracy is a key member of our leadership team that oversees hiring and training new team members, as well as supporting our instructional staff. Tracy has a contagious passion for creativity that empowers our staff and students on a daily basis!
Jamie
Lead Teacher & Community
Outreach Manager
Jamie is a multimedia artist with 7+ years of nonprofit management & community outreach experience. Jamie is a key member of our leadership team who manages community outreach and fundraising for our 'Art For All' free art program designed to support youth living below the poverty line in San Diego. Additionally, Jamie is one of our most seasoned lead teachers, and she consistently serves 1,000 Aya Art Co. students every month.
Melody
Lead Teacher & Mural Program Manager
Melody is an incredibly skilled realistic artist that also specializes in mural project management. Melody has painted murals at dozens of elementary schools in San Diego, and has additionally painted murals in orphanages in Tijuana. In addition to facilitating our expressive art classes all throughout San Diego, Melody also manages our mural program that allows us to add more color and inspiration to schools throughout San Diego.
Nona
Lead Teacher & Muralist
Nona is one of Aya Art Co.'s veteran art instructors that specializes in mixed media realistic art. Nona truly brings joy to every Aya Art Co. student and staff member through her creative expression and kindness! In addition to being an Aya Art Co. lead instructor, Nona is one of our team muralists that supports the expansion of our Aya Art Co. mural program.
Sarah
Lead Teacher
Sarah has been a part of Aya Art Co. since the moment we were officially incorporated in 2018. Sarah is a natural teacher that has a passion for helping people find their purpose in life through creative expression. Sarah's creative background is in expressive dance and mixed media arts. She is also Aya's younger sister and has been one of Aya's biggest supporters since day 1!
Micaela
Brand Specialist
Micaela is an entrepreneur, life coach, and brand specialist based in San Diego that supports Aya Art Co. to develop marketing and social media strategies that intentionally communicate our mission to empower youth through expressive and healing mixed media arts. Micaela is also Aya's best friend and business partner in an event company that they co-own and operate in San Diego, CA.
