This So Much Together workshop will take in person. Advanced registration is required.

In this workshop, we’ll explore how collaboration across mediums and creative backgrounds can lead to innovative processes and expressions in our art and lives. Presenters Manya Yana and Gabriel Barrera will share their own creative practices as writer /poet, visual artist, social justice advocates, and mentors for other BIPOC artists. Through writing and visual activities, we will consider the impacts and importance of the collaborative process—from concept to creation—particularly for BIPOC artists and audiences.

This workshop is made possible in part by The Ford Family Foundation. 

Please note that registration is limited to twenty-five participants. Register here.

Venue and workshop details

• This is a wheelchair-accessible venue.
• Free, accessible parking is available at the venue.
• There is a Rogue Valley Transportation District Line 10 bus stop located roughly four blocks from the venue. 
• This workshop will consist of a mix of activities, conversation, and presentation. Seating will be available.
• There will be a 5–10 minute break between activities. Participants are encouraged to break as needed for their own comfort.
• Water and light snacks will be provided. 

About the presenters

Gabriel Barrera is a Visual Artist living in Southern Oregon. He works in various mediums from traditional art methods to multimedia and graphics. The identity of his art work is rooted in social justice, advocacy, and mentorship. Being influenced by his mother, a school teacher, and his father, an artist/tool designer, he has found his strength in merging his influences to produce his practice of Artivism. He has been practicing as an artist ever since his parents provided him with sketch pads and pencils when he was a child. Gabriel received a BFA from Pratt Institute in NYC. He has also been greatly influenced by his experience as a scenic artist with 20 years in the theater industry working for theaters such as South Coast Repertory, Oregon Shakespeare Festival and numerous colleges in California, Oregon and others. His experience and advocacy for social justice developed while working in theater. His ideology is heavily influenced by BIPOC women in the field. While developing as an artist, he also developed as a mentor for BIPOC youth. Gabriel is considered an influencer and mentor among his community. He currently operates ScenicG with his spouse Merilee, a visual art and design company providing services in art/design, workshops, consultation, facilitation and mentorship. Gabriel is always available to mentor BIPOC youth and advocates for the leadership, hiring and promotion of BIPOC artists in all fields of creativity. His vision is to create an art/performance space centered with social justice values to provide a creative outlet for himself, colleagues, collaborators, mentors and mentees. Together we can advocate for the empowerment of BIPOC creatives!

Manya Yana is a chicana poet, writer, visual artist, community organizer and mother creature. She has been published in: Ofrenda magazine, We’Moon, the Jefferson journal, Main Squeeze, and Essential Oil. She is the author of two chapbooks: Blue Corn, Mixed Masa, and the Occasional Magic Trick and a look of defiance.radiant. She is currently working on a series of interviews turned poems turned textiles titled, Latina Geniuses are Everywhere. Manya received her MFA from Pacific Northwest College of Art.