A Little Bit of Background:

Ilan is an artist, educator, and curator. His goals are to promote and support artists, raise awareness about the arts, and help build creative communities. He loves to bring people together, provide resources, and share information that creatives and others are eager to learn and explore. Before moving to Denver in 2020, Ilan received an MFA in Printmedia from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), co-founded a gallery in Chicago for emerging artists, taught in the Fiber and Material Studies Department at SAIC, and worked as an International Admissions Counselor. He is an interdisciplinary artist, and extensive world traveler, and has used his experiences abroad to help shape his studio practice. Formalism, the ephemerality of light, place, and the wonder of looking are recurring themes in his work.

Favorite Mediums: Screen Printing, Fiber Arts

Two Truths and a Lie:

• Is deathly afraid of bananas.

• Has been to 6 out of the 7 continents.

• Can speak 3 languages.

A Little Bit of Background:

Alejandra began working with youth early in her career during a year long service with AmeriCorps. Upon completion, she returned to school to become a math and SpEd teacher and taught in various Title 1 schools across the Denver Metro Area. Her love for the arts took her back to school to study Fine Arts - this is how she stumbled upon PlatteForum, a place where her passions intersected: art, community and education.

Favorite Mediums:

A little bit of everything! Painting, sound and photography are her main mediums, but her curiosity expands her practice into diving into other materials.

Two Truths and a Lie:

• Is fully deaf from her right ear

• Has written the first five chapters of a book

• Fully converted a van to adventure across the US, but instead went back to school

A Little Bit of Background:

Kendall has a decade of non-profit experience, beginning her career while a student at Colorado College, then working for Concrete Couch under the mentorship of Steve Wood, before landing in Denver. She has organized, volunteered, and facilitated with a handful of organizations working in the realms of art, environment, housing justice, and at countless schools - teaching arts education programming to all ages. 

Kendall started at PlatteForum in 2019 as the ArtLab Facilitator, then the Creative Programming Manager, up until August 2023. Now, they have the privilege of leveraging critical resources to support our programs.

Favorite Mediums:

 Ceramic mosaic, DIY sculptures, collage

Two Truths and a Lie:

• Helped make a giant, mosaic tile pumpkin

• Played Division 1 college soccer at one point

• Has a world class art studio

A Little Bit of Background:

Lizeth Hernandez graduated from Community College of Denver in 2018 with an associate of Studio Art. She continued her education at the Metropolitan State University of Denver and in 2021, receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Photography and Jewelry Making + Metalsmithing. Over the years, Hernandez has created various artworks that focus on her personal experiences with culture, physical health, and feminism. Through her art, she aims to educate and inform people from all backgrounds, encouraging open dialogue and conversation: “Art is such a powerful medium for expression and I am grateful for the platform to share my voice and perspectives with the world.”

Favorite Mediums:

Textiles and metals

Two Truths and a Lie:

• She qualified for swimming at the Olympics but had to pull out due to an injury

• As a child, I took a nap underneath a circular clothing rack at Walmart and my mom thought I got kidnapped which ended in a lockdown

• I've had spinal reconstruction surgery

A Little Bit of Background:

Ericka Jackson is a proud graduated ArtLab intern and is currently enrolled at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design for Illustration with a concept art emphasis.

Favorite Mediums:

Her current favorite medium to work in is graphite, however switching over to digital is a big goal of hers.

Two Truths and a Lie:

• She’s been on a week long camping trip with horses

• Has a collection of over 60 various art books

• Has hiked Pikes Peak

A Little Bit of Background:

Embarking on his artistic journey through PlatteForum as an ArtLab intern in 2020, David has strived to pursue avenues of creative expression ever since. He participated locally in the arts through additional internships, showcases, and displays while also serving on our Board of Directors as a Youth Voice. Meanwhile, David created two murals at DSST: CVHS before graduating in 2023. Now, David attends the University of Denver. His mission is to delve into the art world and harness his potential for artistic expression as he establishes his art practice.

Favorite Mediums:

David adores all mediums including fiber arts, animation, digital art, and traditional ones such as graphite pencils and acrylic paints.

Two Truths and a Lie:

• He once owned 10 hamsters

• Aspires to be a comedian

• Has an absurdly long music playlist

A Little Bit of Background:

Axel has been with PlatteForum since their time as an ArtLab intern. After graduating the program, they served as the Administrative Assistant, mostly working under the Executive Director. They have recently transitioned into the Art Handler role and when they're not at PlatteForum, you can find them painting houses around Denver.

Favorite Mediums:

Paint! All kinds!

Two Truths and a Lie:

• Axel has broken 9 of their 10 toes.

• Axel's favorite rollercoaster is the Top Thrill Dragster.

• Axel grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.