I was born in La Paz, Bolivia, and immigrated to New York as a child, where my passion for art and education developed. I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from C.W. Post/Long Island University in 1998 and a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Phoenix in 2006. Volunteering on the Kumeyaay Indian Reservation in California was a pivotal experience that fueled my commitment to using art for educational and empowering purposes. In 1998, I moved to Phoenix and began teaching art in local schools while working on custom metalwork and sculpture. I founded after-school art programs and developed partnerships with local art organizations, shaping my philosophy as an artist-educator. A sabbatical at Ironco Enterprise allowed me to expand my skills in fabrication, CAD design, and project management. By 2009, I dedicated myself to being a professional artist, co-founding the Calle 16 Mural Project, which focuses on revitalization through muralism and storytelling. My work reflects my immigrant experience and Bolivian heritage. Now based in Ithaca, NY, I continue to create art that fosters connections and inspires community engagement. “¿Rendirme yo? ¡Que se rinda su abuela, carajo!” — Colonel Eduardo Abaroa Hidalgo

I am a children's book author with long experience visiting schools around the country, from California to South Carolina, Texas to Illinois. I am especially happy to visit ANYWHERE in New York State, from Long Island to the North Country and everywhere in between. I've published a range of books from PreK to Young Adult, and I'm still actively publishing today. I love visiting schools and I'm grateful to meet and try to inspire young readers and writers.

We offer a broad array of experiences to visitors through a variety of methods to encourage understanding and appreciation of the multifaceted story of a pioneer family in WNY. We strive to develop a ‘hands-on’ experience for visitors. From this site, the only fully restored stone dwelling of the early 1800's in Erie county, 200 years of history can be told through the Hull family – the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 & the burning of Buffalo, the opening and impact of the Erie Canal, early pioneer life, the Abolitionist movement, and much more on into the 20th century. Learn about the rich history of the Hull family and their role in shaping the local community! Student field trips to the Hull Family Home & Farmstead are being scheduled from May through October. Currently, we offer interactive lessons which align with the New York State Social Studies Framework for Grades 4 and 7, but we can also work with you to develop a trip tailored to your specific needs and interests.

We offer writing workshops, motivational speaking, Basketball workshops from a former professional. Workshops* can be tailored to audiences at the Kindergarten level all the way up through the High school level. *Cultural Writing workshop *Motivational Speech *Basketball Skills Session (Played in NBA and Europe) *World Travel Experiences (Lived in over 15 different Countries) *Author visit: author of the book "Love" https://www.amazon.com/LOVE-Willie-Deane/dp/1633084671

Taikoza is a Japanese Taiko drum group that uses the powerful rhythms of the Taiko drums to create an electrifying energy that carries audiences in a new dimension of excitement. The Taiko is a large, barrel-like drum that can fill the air with rolling thunder. Drawing from Japan's rich tradition of music and performance, Taikoza has created a new sound using a variety of traditional instruments. In addition, the Taiko Taikoza incorporates bamboo flutes. Taikoza has performed in Europe and Asia. Taikoza appeared on the History Channel and “The Last Samurai “DVD set. Taikoza presents a unique and exciting program using Japanese Taiko drums (weighing 200lb drums) and bamboo flutes. The program will take you on an unforgettable journey through Japan. It will take students to different areas and through the seasons of Japan. Students will be experiencing a new culture in a fun and exciting way, they will get a chance to see and at times touch the ancestral drums. The taiko drum can touch everyone with its thunderous sounds and vibrations. Taikoza hopes to open the student’s eyes to the richness of Japanese culture and spark an interest. We hope that this will spark an interest in other world cultures. Taiko has been associated with many aspects of Japanese culture since ancient times. It is said that Taiko was used to drive away the plague and evil spirits. In the Shinto religion, it was used to call upon and entertain the gods, or kami, and in Japanese Buddhism, its sound was the manifestation of the voice of the Buddha. Taikoza’s programs can be tailored to your school’s needs and interests. In a performance by Taikoza your students may experience: They will hear and see taiko songs. Taiko is often compared to martial arts, as the drums are played very physically using sticks that resemble baseball bats. They will hear songs played on the bamboo flutes. Some will get to play on the drums and interact with the performers.

Over the past 25 years, I’ve had the honor and privilege of inspiring students all over the world to create and write stories. My presentations are approximately 45 to 60 minutes of high energy, immersing students in my story creation process. Using time-lapse video, music, and digital technology, I discuss writing, biology, research, illustration, and editing while addressing how and where I get my ideas. I keep a journal full of ideas and drawings. My stories start from those ideas, and I show the process from idea seed to finished story. I narrate a new or previously published story to the students, engaging them with video and music. I follow with a live computer drawing demonstration, usually projected onto a screen or big TV behind me. In most instances, it’s a simple drawing created from scratch that contains many concepts learned in curricula: insect biology, the difference between a bug and a beetle, primary and opposite colors, symmetry, and horizontal/ vertical placement. It also has just the right touch of humor :-) I airdrop a digital copy to the teachers to take back to their classrooms afterward. I like to take questions from the students at the end of the presentation. I appreciate the efforts of all the librarians, PTOs, and school administrators who have made my visits possible. My presentations have been described as engaging, educational, and a lot of fun.

The REV Theatre Company's Sequential Dramatics Program brings live professional theatre to over 180 school buildings and over 70,000 students in grades K-12. With more than 40 years of expertise, we are a pioneer and a leader in arts education. Our complete series of curriculum-based plays, classroom lessons, and creative workshops spans the school year to provide a continuum of learning across the grade levels.

Journeys Into American Indian Territory brings an immersive, curriculum-based exploration of Native American cultures directly to schools through a dynamic, hands-on program rooted in cultural anthropology. Designed for grades K–5, this unforgettable experience features a fully assembled on-site museum and four interactive workshops in a single day, covering the traditional lifeways of either the Plains or Eastern Woodlands peoples (Native Americans of NYS). Through authentic artifacts, storytelling, music, dance, and participatory activities, students gain a deeper understanding of Native American history, values, and cultural continuity—all aligned with state learning standards.

Built on the historic footprint of the terminus of the Erie Canal, Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum sits at the crossroads between canals and bridges that have become year-round community destinations on the city’s waterfront at Canalside. This totally unique location makes it the perfect place to learn about the region’s roots as an innovative port at the turn of the century, while using hands-on play to spark the imagination of the next generation of great minds. Now serving children birth-12 years of age, we have expanded our footprint as we also expand our reach. Our seven educational play zones offer hands-on exhibits that tell the unique story of Buffalo and what makes us proud to be from Western New York. The zones reveal stories of our region’s history, geography, culture, agriculture, architecture, athletics, commerce and innovation through exhibits that celebrate the power and benefits of play. Explore & More is the perfect place to learn about the region’s past roots with child-led and family friendly play that helps develop the whole child. These exhibits are located on the second, third and fourth floors. Explore & More Children’s Museum is very excited to welcome everyone to our new home at Canalside. To help make your visit as enjoyable and engaging as possible, we have developed customized visual, social, communicative, sensory, and behavioral supports. You will find these supports throughout the museum – from our sensory backpacks and call-ahead accommodations, to our sensory-friendly rooms. We would love to have you visit!

I'm a kids' graphic novel author who over the last two years has presented at over 350 elementary and middle schools across America. My interactive, fast-paced presentations focus on the power of collaboration and the strengths of neurodiversity. As a dyslexic, one of my favorite things to present on is the strengths of neurodiversity. My books like Lumberjackula, Martian Ghost Centaur, and Indoor Kid have received starred reviews from most major trade journals, named to several state lists, and made the ALA best graphic novels list. I also used to work in higher ed at Boise State University where I taught classes on publishing and creative writing. I'd love to come speak with your students about creativity and persevering through learning differences!

Student or Teacher Raku Pottery Workshops Are you interested in doing raku firing with student artwork? Interested in a teacher raku firing day? I bring the firing to you! Contact me for information about how to set up a day-long visit.

In Matt's programs he talks about the process of writing and illustrating picture books. Each talk focuses on one of his books and includes an interactive reading of the book, sharing background stories and talking a little bit about what authors and illustrators do, and an interactive demonstration of creating the illustrations. Matt will do either 3 auditorium sized or 4 library sized (smaller group) presentations per day. Four library presentations is highly preferred so Matt can better interact with students. Matt can also do an additional smaller group Q&A talk with select students (usually older kids who are interested in writing or drawing), such as a meeting over lunch or an "afternoon tea." Matt has a variety of educational and entertaining presentations suitable for students K through 6th grade, as well as presentations for parent's nights or literacy nights for an additional fee.