Santa Ana Community  Artist(a) Coalition>>> 

Alicia Rojas (1976) is a Colombian-born artist, living in Orange County, CA. She participates in movements of immigrant rights, anti-gentrification, social economic equity, and ecology. Alicia's artistic practice is characterized by its collaborative and narrative-driven approach. Integrating elements of nature, land, place, and people as both mediums and layers in her installations and public art pieces. She creates immersive experiences that invite viewers to engage with the interconnectedness of the environment and human stories. Her ability to weave together diverse elements results in artworks that resonate deeply with audiences, fostering a sense of connection and reflection on the relationships between people, place, and their surroundings. Her work contributes to the historical memory of the collective and facilitates placemaking within communities of color. The artist is a California Arts Council, Established Artists Fellow grantee, and an 18th Street Arts Center -- Creative Corps Fellow. She has held residencies at Grand Central Art Center, funded through a grant by The Andy Warhol Foundation, and a Community Engagement Residency in Akumal-Mexico. Alicia is the Director and Co-founder of the Santa Ana Community Artis(a) Coalition, an organization founded with the mission to connect artists to their communities in a collaborative process to create public art focused on anti-gentrification efforts. She's also a founding member of the City of Santa Ana arts steering committee and a participant in the Occupy movement. “I am shaped by my experiences and relationships with others but I am an artist because of my own immigrant experience. My story is not unique, quite the contrary it’s very common in many immigrant children. What we do with that is what is extraordinary. We are extraordinary Americans.”

Roger Reyes, also known as artist Roger Eyes R., examined the worlds of animation and graffiti from an early age, demonstrating a deep curiosity and talent for visual arts. He pursued his passion further by studying fine art in college, which laid the foundation for his artistic career and helped him establish himself in the vibrant community of Santa Ana, California. As a lifelong resident of this dynamic city, he takes immense pride in his committed role as a community-driven artist and enthusiastic creator, actively connecting diverse communities to art through his innovative and creative work. His engaging applications include thoughtful exhibitions and communal art production, along with accessible instructional workshops, both online and in-person, often times with a special focus on underserved communities since 2013. As a dedicated professional, he possesses a proven ability to produce successful creative solutions that serve the artistic community. Trained in visual merchandising within the retail sector, this painter and student of design initially focused on mural painting for many years. Currently enjoys pursuing his passion for sculpting and art installation within a contemporary artistic practice. As the Art Director of the Santa Ana Community Artista Coalition, he is known for contributing to award-winning projects, and his unwavering commitment to the arts is further evident in their tireless efforts to restore culturally meaningful public art regionally, ensuring that these artistic legacies endure for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

Stephen Craig Anderson is an internationally exhibited artist, curator, and designer based in Santa Ana, California. With a background in fine art, graphic and textile design, Anderson’s work explores the complexities of human identity, social structures, and psychological introspection. His mixed-media sculptures, constructed from found imagery, wood, and philosophical texts, investigate the intersection of the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of the human experience. Anderson has exhibited his work globally, earning recognition for his thought-provoking and deeply introspective approach. As a curator, he has extensive experience shaping exhibitions and fostering creative dialogue. During his tenure as Executive Director of the Orange County Center for Contemporary Art (OCCCA) from 2009 to 2018, he led over 90 exhibitions, collaborating with artists and cultural institutions to develop innovative programming and strengthen community engagement. Currently, Anderson serves as an Exhibits Coordinator at UCI Libraries, where he develops and curates exhibitions that enhance scholarly and cultural discourse within the university and broader community. Previously, as Exhibits and Education Coordinator at the OC Fair & Event Center, he played a key role in organizing large-scale exhibitions and overseeing the coordination of over 10,000 annual competition entries for one of Southern California’s most significant cultural events. Beyond the art and curatorial world, Anderson is a seasoned designer with expertise in graphic design, UI/UX, and digital media. His work spans branding, exhibition design, and large-scale visual storytelling, utilizing his proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, web development, and multimedia production. stephen@mixedmediaexpressions.com