The greatest influences on my work are] queer Indigenous critiques on our modern society, the recovering of an Indian perspective on history, and the need to document some of our most marginalized community members fighting for what most of us take for granted. Read about Evan's incredible photographic and artistic endeavors, aimed at elevating those very communities.

While their mission began with music—Y.G.B has also curated for Portland’s My People’s Market—the group has grown into artist advocates and a uniting voice for the city’s marginalized communities. We spoke with Y.G.B. organizer RaShaunda Brooks about the group’s impact now, and how it might expand in the near future.

Allison is an investor in art, from dancing to film to installations. She believes in creating an aesthetic that breathes life into an environment through a balance of function and flair, where an experience is equally seen and felt. She shares more about how her passion leads her teaching philosophy.

Fran Bittakis is amplifying those that too often struggle to even get made. She’s the Founder & Creative Director of JOOP JOOP Creative, a studio that takes pride in being a platform for the voices it works with.

For three months, 24 Portland artists and 24 foster youth—most of whom are up for adoption—have been working together on a collaborative public art project to design and redesign art panels that will be displayed on an East Burnside building.

Salimatu Amabebe is a Nigerian-American chef and the creator of vegan-based food and event company Bliss House, which hosts cooking classes, food activism talks, and vegan Nigerian pop-up dinners. Through Bliss House, Salimatu founded Black Feast, a monthly vegan pop-up dinner that celebrates black artists and writers through food.

Two-time Eisner Award-nominated comics writer Kelly Sue DeConnick creates plights and quests for characters spanning universes—like Marvel and DC universes. She is known as an industry veteran and a master of dialogue.

Analise has never spent more than one night outdoors. But before this summer’s over, she’ll have not only spent 10 nights outdoors, but she’ll have also backpacked 325 miles from Bend to Roseburg. As winners of the Outdoor Adventure Film Grant, Analise will film the bold adventure across Oregon to creatively explore the barriers of accessing the wilderness when one isn’t raised with a close relationship to it.