Ethnic Arts is home to spectacular local and international performing, visual and fine artists. Specially selected, each is recognized for their committment to preserving the integrity of traditional and multicultural arts.

Lisa, Traditional Dance Specialist Lisa Saunders is artistic director of Ethnic Arts Institute and has enjoyed a career in the arts which spans more than 30 years. She is educated in Hawai'ian music and dance by renowned hula master "Uncle" George Naope, (University of Hawai'i, Hilo), Ghanaian music and dance by Professor C.K. Ladzekpo, (University of California, Berkeley) and holds an MA (h.c.)in Ethnic dance from the Jesus' Name University. Her performance career includes five years as an associate-principle artist and founding member of the "African Music and Dance Ensemble", and three years as co-founder/principle artist with"Batucaje!"AfroBrazilian dance company. Click For Video Of Solo Performance At Flytrap Studios

James Gayles, Fine Artist James Gayles attended Pratt Institute in New York where he studied under renowned painters Jacob Lawrence and Audrey Flack. He established himself as a Graphic Designer and Illustrator becoming Assistant Director of Graphics at NewsCenter 4, NBC-TV where he won a television Emmy Award for design and illustration. James' artwork has been represented by galleries throughout the U.S. Most recently, he has won a public art commission from the City of Oakland Craft and Cultural Arts Department, in which he transferred his figurative painting technique to ceramic tile murals. In 2003 he was honored at the Art of Living Black by receiving the Jan Hart-Shuyers Award. View The Art of James Gayles

vision + heritage = culture

Julio Barreto, Afro-Brazilian Percussionist Julio Barreto is a former percussionist and recording artist with Ile Aiye, one of Salvador, Bahia's most famous Bloco Afros or Afro-Brazilian Samba Schools. From age 16, Julio was nutured in the folk art and traditions of this music and culture and brings it all to listeners here in the U.S. with his band, "Bando Remelexo". This experience serves as his model for keeping culture alive!

Idrissa Gueye, West African Percussionist Idrissa Gueye comes from a long line of percussionists and represents his family's third generation of drum masters. He is a 40-year veteran of Senegal's national dance company and has choreographed and authored percussion for his own performance companies there in West Africa. Here in the U.S., Idrissa is best known for his mastery of West African Sabar rhythm and dance technique.

Ethnic Arts Institute * Richmond * Sausalito * Oakland * CA