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The Gift of Presence is a virtual showcase featuring the work of six BIPOC artists through various mediums: dance, visual art, and poetry.The showcase will also feature works by The Hubbard Collective Company.
The purpose of this showcase was to uplift artists of color who are using their work as a way to promote change in their communities. |
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ARTIST GALLERY
FEATURING THE WORK OF JONA MINOR
THE ARTISTS
JERMEY J. EDMONSON
He | His | Him Jermey J. Edmonson started dancing in Seattle, WA with the company Kutt 'N' Up under the director Tyrone 'Koach T' Crosby. In 2018 he received his Masters of Arts in Teaching Dance from New Mexico State University. Jermey was the pioneer of Hip Hop dance at New Mexico State University and was able to create and be the director of the first hip hop company 'N' Concert. He was trained and mentored by Dr. Debra Knapp. He also taught Modern 1 - Grad and was the first Hip Hop teacher at The University of El Paso Texas. His performance credits include Summer Jam (2007-2009), Lil Wayne, American College Dance Association (ACDA) 2011- 2014 and many more. Jermey has also traveled and taught at multiple ACDA’s, Mexico, Texas, and Kansas. He is currently pursuing his Master of Science in Legal Studies.
JONA MINOR
He | She | TheyJona has personally experienced the transcendental magic of art. Art inspires them to view the world in a way that seeks to experiment unboundedly without fear. Their style has steadily evolved with the help of schooling, experience & love. Jona believes in the properties of artistic inquiry/expression to help heal internal and external traumas. Incorporating various passions for communication, fitness, education and ontology Jona too practices holistic approaches to their personal well-being, service and community involvement.
In addition to creative direction, Jona has been a service industry professional garnering multifaceted experience and acclaim throughout their career. They’ve both supported and led clients with “back of house” skills, internationally certified group fitness instruction, and counseling positions. With budding non profit grassroots involvement, specialized in outreach movements, Jona is broadening their knowledge to best serve our communities various social needs in & beyond conventionality. |
ALYSSA JUNIOUS
She | Hers | Her My name is Alyssa Junious and I am a San Diego based arts and wellness advocate. II grew up immersed in the arts and my work is influenced by my diverse training in dance, music and theatre. I received my B.F.A in Performance and Choreography from the University of California, Irvine and professionally I have worked in the concert dance, musical theatre and commercial industry. I am the founder of Continuum Arts Project and choreograph throughout Southern California. I am passionate about sharing my creative process because I believe that art is a learned skill. It is a way for us to explore, investigate, and heal collectively. As a social conscious artist, I am dedicated to creating work that serves to initiate conversation. I believe social change starts within. My work serves to protest injustice, proclaim life’s gifts and provide for my community.
SANTIAGO RIVERA
He | His | HimSantiago Rivera is a Los Angeles native who started dancing in eighth grade. When he moved to Texas he started his formal training and competed in high school and for his local dance studio. He graduated from the University of California, Irvine where he earned a Bachelors degree in Drama and Minor in Educational Studies. He choreographed and taught throughout his college career and was honored to choreograph for UCI's New York Satellite Program in 2016. He has taught for various dance programs, intensives, master classes and studios where he focuses his practice in the Gaga movement language. He returned to school in 2018 in pursuit of his Dance AA and certifications in Dance Instruction and Religious Studies. He currently studies at Orange Coast College and is also a part of the Jose Limon Technique Certification Program which he will complete both in 2021. His biggest goal is to teach and choreograph in higher education and teach the future generations of dancers the importance of diversity and equality in dance and our communities.
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RESHMA GREWAL
She | Hers | HerReshma Grewal is a Writing and Literature major in the College of Creative Studies, at the University of California Santa Barbara. She focuses on narrative prose and is passionate about realistic fiction and creative nonfiction of all lengths, and occasionally dabbles in lyricism. The majority of her writing explores dark or underrepresented themes, such as trauma, mental illness, and the experiences of minority groups. She is minoring in Sociocultural Linguistics, English with a specialization in Literature and the Mind, and getting a certificate in Resilience and Positive Psychology. Grewal is currently writing a memoir as one of two of her Senior Capstone Projects for University and has been elected to be a Board Member for Kindred World, an Alternative Media and Nonprofit Initiative.
ANGELICA ROWELL
She | Hers | Her Angelica Rowell is a singer, actress, writer, and plus size model based in Los Angeles, California. She graduated from the University of California, Irvine with degrees in both Classical Voice and Theatre. She is passionate about social activism through the arts and strives to create works that open doors for the marginalized. When Angelica isn’t creating, she is molding the young minds of America by teaching music in classrooms across LA County and helping to reify space for Black creatives with Black Light Arts Collective (BLAC). Her credits include: Sweet Land, Tucked Away (Chia), Lesbian Love Octagon, Honorable Mention, Comb Your Hair or You’ll Look Like a Slave, Shakespeare’s Coriolanus (Volscian Soldier), Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas (Sorceress), Pride and Prejudice (Elizabeth Bennet), Beauty and the Beast (Mrs. Potts).
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