AKO ITO

Christine Santos, Fellow in the Emerging Leaders in the Arts MCASB

An event to celebrate community & practice self-love through the cultural fabric of the Filipinx/a/o diaspora.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara

<h3><strong>Join us</strong> for a pleasant evening to celebrate the cultural fabric of the Filipinx/a/o community and diaspora in Santa Barbara County. By celebrating together with food, music, vendors, art, and storytelling, we including myself as a Filipinx/a of Tagalog descent create belonging not only through our shared experiences but also to honor the unique aspects of each other's experiences. Let us claim, appreciate, and love the parts of ourselves that demonstrate our Filipinx/a/o identity. </h3><h3>While AKO ITO centers the Filipinx/a/o diaspora, we welcome any persons who genuinely wants to participate, learn, and show up in support. </h3>

<h3><strong>Program Schedule</strong></h3><h3><strong>5 PM </strong>Opening announcements with Sarah Dildine and Christine Santos. </h3><h3><strong>6 PM - 7 PM</strong> Community panel discussion to dive into the cultural fabric of the Filipinx/a/o diaspora with <a href="https://www.dannahmarihidalgo.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Dannah Mari Hidalgo</a> from UCSB MFA Program, Jan Javier Hunter from <a href="https://www.uaatelier.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">UA Atelier</a>, Joanna Lawlor from <a href="https://www.eatingwithjomarie.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Eating with Jo</a>, ReGina from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ReGinaChristineSB" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">ReGinaChristineSB</a>, and Solange Aguilar from <a href="https://linktr.ee/shesanargonaut" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">shesanargonaut</a>.</h3><h3><strong>8 PM</strong> Closing announcements.</h3><h3><em>Food, music, vendors, and interactive art activities are available throughout the whole duration of the event. </em></h3>

<h3><strong>Dannah Mari Hidalgo </strong>(1994.) is a Filipina-American artist based out of Santa Barbara, California. Hidalgo obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Painting) and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa in 2019. Hidalgo has also attended the Lorenzo de’ Medici Institute in Florence, Italy in 2015 and 2016. She is currently a Master of Fine Arts candidate at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her work often explores daily life experiences and relationships while deconstructing space -coupling figurative and representational work with abstract surface activation through paint. Currently, Hidalgo’s work observes socially constructed truths and expectations, and how these social constructs fabricate detrimental pressures. An emerging artist of the Pacific Coast, Hidalgo has participated in exhibitions in Hawai‘i and California. </h3><h3>IG: dannahmari_art</h3><h3>Website: www.dannahmarihidalgo.com</h3>

<h3><strong>Jan Javier Hunter </strong>creates handmade jewelry inspired by the islands, ocean, and earth. Freshwater pearls and different types of shells (mother of pearl and abalone are my favorite) adorn gold filled metals to bring special, unique pieces for all. </h3><h3>IG: ua.atelier</h3><h3>Website: www.uaatelier.com</h3>

<h3><strong>Eating with Jo/anna Lawlor </strong>grew up in a loud, loving, half Irish and half Filipino family. She serves Californian inspired foods with an Asian flare. Incorporating her heritage with her cooking helps her learn more about who she is! She wants to share that cooking can be a simple and graceful dance in the kitchen, while the grand finale gathers at the table. For her, presentation is key, and that delicate little bowl makes a difference! When else can all types of people gather together in one spot, at one time in harmony.</h3><h3>IG: eatingwithjo</h3><h3>Website: www.eatingwithjomarie.com</h3>

<h3><strong>ReGina Sabens</strong> is an old school crafter with an urban twist. I make handcrafted felt cactus, hand wrapped and hand sewn rainbows, and wood burned pieces. I believe there is an art in the process of creating and taking no shortcuts. My desire is to bring hope and smiles to those that see my work and for people of all ages to identify with the different pieces that I create.</h3><h3>IG: reginachristinesb</h3>

<h3><strong>Ruben Zarate from Dante Elepante</strong> is a musician and songwriter, native to Goleta, CA. </h3><h3>IG: danteelephante</h3><h3>Website: www.danteelephante.com</h3>

<h3><strong>Solange Aguilar </strong>is a queer, Indigenous (Mescalero Apache &amp; Yo'eme) &amp; Filipinx (Kalinga &amp; Kapampangan) artist, photographer, and poet currently living in Qenepstin, Chumash Territory (Santa Barbara, CA) Their work focuses on the revitalization/normalization of Indigenous cultures in mainstream society, uplifting and supporting communities of color, and bringing important issues to the forefront using a mix of mediums ranging from watercolor to digital collage to slam poetry. They are a 2021 recipient of the Artist2Artist fellowship by the Art Matters Foundation, a first place winner in the Santa Barbara Poetry Slam, and a frequent collaborator with organizations such as ImMEDIAte Justice, Survivor Love Letter, Punk Rock Marthas, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara.</h3><h3>IG: shesanargonaut</h3>

<h3><strong>Jen Benitez is the founder and director of PINAYSPHERE (pih-nai-sphere)</strong> which is a non-profit organization for Filipina/x American (Pinay) girls and young adults, that provides support in their artistic exploration by providing art programs to grades 9-12 in Ventura County, and mentorship for ages 18 - 24 across the U.S. Our mission at PINAYSPHERE is to provide classrooms and community centers with different art (medium) programs, 1:1 mentorship support, &amp; provide the building blocks to develop self-confidence through our annual awards ceremony / art exhibition.</h3><h3>IG: @pinaysphere</h3><h3>Website: pinaysphere.org</h3><h3><em>Updates to come regarding what PINAYSPHERE will be offering. </em></h3>

<h2>A big warm thank you to my sponsors, mentors, and advisors. </h2>

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AKO ITO

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AKO ITO

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