Artists
These six commissioned artists were chosen by a foundation committee for their variety of chosen mediums and diversity of life experiences.
Jite Agbro
Jite Agbro is a collage artist and printmaker. Her work explores the notions of belonging and acceptance within continually shifting social and economic context. She finds her direct inspiration from; everyday objects, the exchange of shared cultural cues, and culturally significant symbols. Jite is based in Seattle and is represented by MUSEO Gallery in Langley WA.
Image: James Harnois
Romson Regarde Bustillo
Romson Regarde Bustillo is a Seattle based interdisciplinary artist. Born on the island of Mindanao, the Philippines, his family immigrated to the United States in 1978. He is a 2019 Artist Trust Fellow.
“The tools we use to process information and the context of that information propel and challenge the direction of my work. I explore how knowledge is transferred through visual cues and privileged information. By populating my art with coded and identifiable references I am trying to provoke dialogue.” - Romson Regarde Bustillo
Image: Romson Regarde Bustillo
Janet Fagan
Janet Fagan has a deep background as an exhibiting artist and art educator in Seattle. Informed by her love of the outdoors, Janet’s practice works to connect people to nature and support organizations advocating for the intrinsic worth of wild lands. Janet graduated from the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Art, received her BFA from the University of Pennsylvania, and her MFA from the Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University. She is represented by Confluence Gallery in Twisp WA.
Image: James Negris
Holly Ballard Martz
Holly Ballard Martz uses language and found objects to create iconic, mixed-media works about deeply felt social, political, and personal issues, including mental illness, gun violence, and reproductive rights. Her two-dimensional, sculptural, and installation-based practice includes casting, sewing, metalwork, and encaustic. Based in Seattle, Martz has exhibited nationally and her work is held in many private and public collections. She is represented by ZINC contemporary in Seattle WA.
Image: Delaney Martz
Maya Milton
Maya Milton is a Seattle Artist whose goal is to create art that reflects her focus on empowering Black women, women of color, and celebrating our differences. She uses acrylic, mixed media, and ink as her mediums. Maya's work has been exhibited in several local galleries including Gallery Onyx and the Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery. She is also one of the local “100 Changemakers” for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center.
Image: Luis Ortega
June Sekiguchi
June Sekiguchi creates sculptures, installations, and public art. The primary tool for her studio practice is the scroll saw where she cuts highly intricate patterns into flat sheets of wood. Being an Asian born in Arkansas focused her interest in cross-cultural explorations to inform her work. June is an arts advocate and curator with interests involving social justice issues, cultural exchange, mental health, and elder communities. Sekiguchi is based in the Pacific Northwest. She is represented by ArtXchange Gallery in Seattle WA.
Image: June Sekiguchi
