Alicia is an award-winning visual artist, body painter, and teaching artist. Her biggest inspirations are connection, transformation, emotion, nature, healing and the human body. Her original art works can be found on many surfaces including but not limited to, canvas, walls, and people. Alicia is certified in therapeutic arts. She facilitates professional development workshops, student workshops, student residencies, as well as private lessons, and commissions. Alicia serves as chair on several boards including the Bridgeport DSSD and Bridgeport Arts & Cultural Council. She enjoys giving back and participates in community events and organizations frequently. She acts as a mentor to many young aspiring artists, and she specializes in social emotional learning through visual art throughout Connecticut & internationally." 

Casey is an artist, writer, and Director of a non-profit Makerspace in New London, Connecticut, where he helps foster creativity, hands-on learning, and community engagement. He creates paintings, sculptures, puppets, films, performances, books, and plays. His work tells theatrical stories that are comical, dramatic, mystic, and heartbreaking- set in a soap opera world of characters marred by smudged mascara, cigarette breath, and social ineptitude. His art is a celebration of the drama, beauty, and imperfection of the human experience. Through his nonprofit leadership, Casey advocates for accessible and inclusive creative spaces that encourage positive social connection through learning.

Joe has dedicated nearly four decades to presenting arts and music, establishing himself as a significant figure in the arts community. For the past twelve years, he has owned and operated Willimantic Records, a vibrant hub for artistic expression located in Willimantic, Connecticut. Under Joe's stewardship, Willimantic Records has become a beacon for creativity, hosting a variety of programming that includes a monthly film series, comedy nights, art exhibitions, lectures, and poetry readings. A notable highlight of Joe's impact on the arts community is his ability to connect legendary musicians with emerging talent. He has facilitated collaborations between renowned artists, such as jazz icon Linda Sharrock, and younger musicians, creating opportunities for inspiration and growth. Furthermore, Joe has opened the doors of Willimantic Records to hundreds of touring musicians from around the globe, including Asia, Australia, South America, Europe, and North America. In doing so, he ensures that up-and-coming musicians from Connecticut share the stage with these artists.  Joe has organized many cherished community-driven events, such as The Sticky Pad Art Show where the walls were transformed into a vibrant gallery featuring artwork created on Post-it notes by local residents. Additionally, the "Magical Trash" event, born from a partnership with Vulturetown Arts, encouraged community members to creatively repurpose bulky waste into unique sculptures, exemplifying both sustainability and artistry.

Joey is a multifaceted individual known for his contributions as a high school English teacher, musician, and community organizer. He has been teaching in the Hartford Public School system for over 17 years. Beyond teaching and music, Joey founded the nonprofit organization "Hip Hop for the Homeless," which uses hip-hop culture to raise awareness and support for homelessness. A modern-day Renaissance man, he has also gone back to his roots as a visual artist, live painting at events with spray paint and mixed media. Joey exemplifies a commitment to education, music, and community engagement, making a significant impact in each of these areas.

Juanita is a curator and cultural producer with a passion for Afrofuturism. She bridges the gap between traditional and digital media to create immersive and thought-provoking experiences with a keen focus on amplifying Black narratives. Juanita has worked on various projects ranging from art exhibitions to music festivals, and her expertise lies in creating dynamic experiences that engage and inspire audiences. She is dedicated to using her skills to uplift Black culture, always.

A lifelong advocate for inclusivity in the arts, Laura has dedicated over 35 years to creating enriching opportunities in arts education that empower individuals to discover their full potential, find purpose, and foster a sense of belonging. In 2005, she founded Shoreline Theater Academy – Kidz Konnection in Clinton, Connecticut, to provide a safe, nurturing space where all children of all backgrounds would be welcome and could thrive through theater arts—strengthening leadership skills, positive social interaction, and personal agency. A recipient of the Women in Excellence Award (2016) and the Business to Community Award (2019), Laura remains a fierce champion of community spirit, lifting others up so that everyone can find their light and shine for the greater good.

Laura, originally from New York, currently resides in Newtown, Connecticut where she plays a pivotal role in fostering the arts within her community. Laura has dedicated her career to the world of education and the written word. With a strong academic background, boasting a BS in English and a minor in Education, as well as a MS in the Teaching of Reading, she has left her mark on various institutions. Her teaching journey took her to Harlem, Western Connecticut State University, and Henry Abbot Technical High School, where she inspired young minds and fostered a love for learning. Laura's passion extends beyond the classroom. Laura was an integral part of the New Milford Times and The Bee as a reporter and associate editor. Her writing skills and dedication to her community shined through in her work. Laura's unwavering commitment to serving others is exemplified by her volunteer work. She is the President of the Newtown Choral Society, Chairman of the Newtown Cultural Arts Commission and one of the Chairs of the Newtown Arts Festival. She also finds time to manage and curate the Newtown Municipal Art Gallery.

Rafael is the founder of the Afro Caribbean Cultural Center (ACCC), a beacon for Afro-Caribbean heritage located in Greater Waterbury and throughout the State of Connecticut.  Under his leadership, the ACCC has enhanced appreciation for Afro-Caribbean traditions, promoting social cohesion and cultural understanding. Through numerous exhibitions, performances, and workshops, the ACCC has introduced various art forms—music, dance, theater, and culinary arts, significantly enriching the city's community. He leads the ACCC as a  "center without walls".  This approach has fostered collaborations with multiple organizations in the region and throughout the state, like Mattatuck Museum, leading to significant exhibitions, including a showcase about Taino Culture from the Smithsonian in 2026.  Rafael exemplifies passion and dedication, leaving a profound mark in Greater Waterbury and showcasing its diverse inhabitants. He champions local residents, fostering belief in the community's vibrancy and future potential.  His commitment to the arts inspires lives, ensuring the legacy of Afro-Caribbean culture thrives in the community for generations.  

Renée has been a driving force in dance at Pilobolus since 2000, captivating audiences as a performer and shaping the company’s artistic and educational evolution. As Executive/Co-Artistic Director she has expanded Pilobolus’s reach by working closely with Education Director Emily Kent to develop groundbreaking educational programs across Connecticut and the country, while also collaborating with Artistic Director Matt Kent on innovative, world-renowned choreography and productions—from the Academy Awards to OK Go’s Grammy®-nominated video. Their work on Round House Theatre’s The Tempest, directed by Aaron Posner and Teller, earned Pilobolus the Helen Hayes Award for Best Choreography in a Play, affirming her visionary approach to dance, theater, and arts education—something she is proud to foster as a Connecticut artist.