Meet Our Team!

Administration & Operations
Leslie A. Ito (She/Her) Executive Director/President (626) 792-5101 x114 lito@armoryarts.org About Leslie Prior to my role at the Armory, I was President & CEO of the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center and also held the position of Program Director for Arts and Health at the California Community Foundation, and Director of Grant Programs at the LA County Arts Commission. Earlier in my career, I served as Executive Director of Visual Communications and as Program Associate in the Media, Arts Culture Division at the Ford Foundation in New York. I currently serve as a Community Trustee for the Durfee Foundation. A native of Pasadena and a Yonsei, fourth-generation Japanese American, I attended Stanford University Graduate School of Business’ Executive Program for Non-Profit Leaders. I received an M.A. in Asian American Studies from UCLA and a B.A. in American Studies from Mount Holyoke College. My partner, Steven Wong, and I have two teens and a timid Doberman. What is something you would love to learn? To speak and read enough Japanese to get around in the motherland. LinkedIn	Laura Hinojos (She/Her) Director of Facilities & Operations (626) 792-5101 x 127 lhinojos@armoryarts.org About Laura I have over 17 years of experience working in non-profit arts administration. Most of this time has been with the Armory, where I started in 2004 as a Gallery Attendant & Assistant, and then Accounting Services Coordinator. In March 2020, I began my current role as the Director of Facilities & Operations. I received a B.A. in psychology from San Francisco State and it was my college internship at Intersection for the Arts in San Francisco that introduced me to the important role of non-profit arts organizations. I find strength in the way art can provide a voice and create connections. Outside of work, I enjoy warm cups of coffee, loving my two kitties, and singing 80’s love songs. What is something you would love to learn? How to play the piano.	Connie Ho (She/Her) Executive & Finance Manager (626) 792-5101 x145 cho@armoryarts.org About Connie I have over 5 years of experience working in non-profits. Outside of work I enjoy experiencing the great outdoors. What do you value most? I value honesty and creativity.
Julia Valenzuela (She/Her) Custodian	Adolfo Garcia (He/Him) Custodian

Administration & Operations

Leslie A. Ito (She/Her)
Executive Director/President

About Leslie
Prior to my role at the Armory, I was President & CEO of the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center and also held the position of Program Director for Arts and Health at the California Community Foundation, and Director of Grant Programs at the LA County Arts Commission. Earlier in my career, I served as Executive Director of Visual Communications and as Program Associate in the Media, Arts Culture Division at the Ford Foundation in New York. I currently serve as a Community Trustee for the Durfee Foundation. A native of Pasadena and a Yonsei, fourth-generation Japanese American, I attended Stanford University Graduate School of Business’ Executive Program for Non-Profit Leaders. I received an M.A. in Asian American Studies from UCLA and a B.A. in American Studies from Mount Holyoke College. My partner, Steven Wong, and I have two teens and a timid Doberman.

What is something you would love to learn?
To speak and read enough Japanese to get around in the motherland.

Laura Hinojos (She/Her)
Director of Facilities & Operations

(626) 792-5101 x 127
lhinojos@armoryarts.org

About Laura
I have over 17 years of experience working in non-profit arts administration. Most of this time has been with the Armory, where I started in 2004 as a Gallery Attendant & Assistant, and then Accounting Services Coordinator. In March 2020, I began my current role as the Director of Facilities & Operations. I received a B.A. in psychology from San Francisco State and it was my college internship at Intersection for the Arts in San Francisco that introduced me to the important role of non-profit arts organizations. I find strength in the way art can provide a voice and create connections. Outside of work, I enjoy warm cups of coffee, loving my two kitties, and singing 80’s love songs.

What is something you would love to learn?
How to play the piano.

Connie Ho (She/Her)
Executive & Finance Manager

(626) 792-5101 x145
cho@armoryarts.org

About Connie
I have over 5 years of experience working in non-profits. Outside of work I enjoy experiencing the great outdoors.

What do you value most?
I value honesty and creativity.

Julia Valenzuela (She/Her)
Custodian

Adolfo Garcia (He/Him)
Custodian

External Relations
Andrew Gould (He/Him) Vice President, External Relations (626) 792-5101 x112 agould@armoryarts.org About Andrew Driven by a commitment to the healing power of art and enriching our communities, I have worked in the nonprofit sector across Los Angeles County for over fifteen years. Prior to my service at the Armory, I served in leadership positions at the ONE Archives Foundation, The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), and Southern California Public Radio/KPCC. Earlier in my career, I created unique events that helped define the experimental LGBTQ+ nightlife scene of Los Angeles in the early 2000s, including a prominent weekly salon with international genderqueer performance artist Vaginal Davis and an acclaimed spoken word series with artist and no-wave icon Lydia Lunch. Although I have lived in California for more than two decades, I grew up and studied in the United Kingdom and travel back often to see my family and explore the ancient landscapes and megalithic ruins of western England. What's the most inspiring part of your job? Getting to know people in our Armory community, what drives them, what inspires them, how I can learn from them, and how they can make me think differently about the world.	Jon Lapointe (He/Him) Director of Development & Marketing (626) 792-5101 x 143 jlapointe@armoryarts.org About Jon A native of rural Massachusetts, I have over 25 years of experience working in public practice, media design, and nonprofit arts administration in Los Angeles County. A graduate of CalArts' MFA program in Art, I first learned of community-based arts organizations while working closely with the Institute's award-winning Community Arts Partnership Program. After graduating, I worked for future MacArthur Fellow Mel Chin for two years as the project coordinator for the GALA Committee — a nationwide collective of artists who infiltrated the Fox TV show Melrose Place and created the first public art project in primetime television history. After a brief stint in the for-profit sector during the Dot Com boom, I served as Executive Director of Side Street Projects for nine years before joining the Armory in 2010, where I served as Communications Director prior to my current position. My wife, Emily Hopkins, and I both live in Pasadena and work in the city's vibrant nonprofit arts community. What is something you would love to learn? I am trying to learn soldering and de-soldering of electrical circuit boards to support my crippling vintage audio equipment addiction.	Milly J. Correa Hernandez (They/She) Senior Communications Manager (626) 792-5101 x130 mcorrea@armoryarts.org About Milly I'm a passionate Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Activist, lifelong learner, and instigator of random acts of kindness. As a Humboldt State alumna, I've pledged to be mindful of the social and environmental impact of my daily actions and do my best to improve these in every aspect of my life. Whether through my job, freelancing, or passion projects, I communicate messages that bring awareness to causes that strengthen the community and better the world. I've designed for multiple galleries, small eco-centric businesses, non-profit arts and performing arts organizations, and universities. I currently volunteer for Remainders Creative Reuse, Arlington Gardens, Pasadena Humane Society, Pasadena City College, and the Humane League. During my free time, I enjoy vegan food, book clubs, walks, yoga, meditation, picnics, various upcycling projects, attending plays, and relishing the mundane. What do you value most? Authenticity, being true to who you are including not saying you're okay when you're not okay. When you show up authentically, you create a space for others to do the same. Website \| Linkedin
Krystal M. Ramirez (She/Her) External Relations Assistant (626) 792-5101 x118 kramirez@armoryarts.org About Krystal I'm a Los Angeles-based arts administrator and independent organizer in the contemporary sphere. Prior to joining the Armory, I served within multiple non-profit art organizations, including the Vincent Price Art Museum, Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions, UCR Arts, California Museum of Photography, Craft in America, 18th Street Arts Center, and Arts for LA. I occasionally collaborate with local artists to organize community art shows and vending opportunities. I received my BA in Art History and Administrative Studies from UC, Riverside, and have plans to expand on my educational journey. While pursuing curatorial and administrative work, I also practice different mediums during my personal time, including photography, ceramics, and a variety of craftwork. What's the most inspiring part of your job? Witnessing a guest connect with one of our exhibitions or when a student expresses how much they benefit from one of our courses. LinkedIn

External Relations

Andrew Gould (He/Him)
Vice President, External Relations

(626) 792-5101 x112
agould@armoryarts.org

About Andrew
Driven by a commitment to the healing power of art and enriching our communities, I have worked in the nonprofit sector across Los Angeles County for over fifteen years. Prior to my service at the Armory, I served in leadership positions at the ONE Archives Foundation, The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), and Southern California Public Radio/KPCC. Earlier in my career, I created unique events that helped define the experimental LGBTQ+ nightlife scene of Los Angeles in the early 2000s, including a prominent weekly salon with international genderqueer performance artist Vaginal Davis and an acclaimed spoken word series with artist and no-wave icon Lydia Lunch. Although I have lived in California for more than two decades, I grew up and studied in the United Kingdom and travel back often to see my family and explore the ancient landscapes and megalithic ruins of western England.

What's the most inspiring part of your job?
Getting to know people in our Armory community, what drives them, what inspires them, how I can learn from them, and how they can make me think differently about the world.

Jon Lapointe (He/Him)
Director of Development & Marketing

(626) 792-5101 x 143
jlapointe@armoryarts.org

About Jon
A native of rural Massachusetts, I have over 25 years of experience working in public practice, media design, and nonprofit arts administration in Los Angeles County. A graduate of CalArts' MFA program in Art, I first learned of community-based arts organizations while working closely with the Institute's award-winning Community Arts Partnership Program. After graduating, I worked for future MacArthur Fellow Mel Chin for two years as the project coordinator for the GALA Committee — a nationwide collective of artists who infiltrated the Fox TV show Melrose Place and created the first public art project in primetime television history. After a brief stint in the for-profit sector during the Dot Com boom, I served as Executive Director of Side Street Projects for nine years before joining the Armory in 2010, where I served as Communications Director prior to my current position. My wife, Emily Hopkins, and I both live in Pasadena and work in the city's vibrant nonprofit arts community.

What is something you would love to learn?
I am trying to learn soldering and de-soldering of electrical circuit boards to support my crippling vintage audio equipment addiction.

Milly J. Correa Hernandez (They/She)
Senior Communications Manager

(626) 792-5101 x130
mcorrea@armoryarts.org

About Milly
I'm a passionate Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Activist, lifelong learner, and instigator of random acts of kindness. As a Humboldt State alumna, I've pledged to be mindful of the social and environmental impact of my daily actions and do my best to improve these in every aspect of my life. Whether through my job, freelancing, or passion projects, I communicate messages that bring awareness to causes that strengthen the community and better the world. I've designed for multiple galleries, small eco-centric businesses, non-profit arts and performing arts organizations, and universities. I currently volunteer for Remainders Creative Reuse, Arlington Gardens, Pasadena Humane Society, Pasadena City College, and the Humane League. During my free time, I enjoy vegan food, book clubs, walks, yoga, meditation, picnics, various upcycling projects, attending plays, and relishing the mundane.

What do you value most?
Authenticity, being true to who you are including not saying you're okay when you're not okay. When you show up authentically, you create a space for others to do the same.

Website | Linkedin

Krystal M. Ramirez (She/Her)
External Relations Assistant

(626) 792-5101 x118
kramirez@armoryarts.org

About Krystal
I'm a Los Angeles-based arts administrator and independent organizer in the contemporary sphere. Prior to joining the Armory, I served within multiple non-profit art organizations, including the Vincent Price Art Museum, Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions, UCR Arts, California Museum of Photography, Craft in America, 18th Street Arts Center, and Arts for LA. I occasionally collaborate with local artists to organize community art shows and vending opportunities. I received my BA in Art History and Administrative Studies from UC, Riverside, and have plans to expand on my educational journey. While pursuing curatorial and administrative work, I also practice different mediums during my personal time, including photography, ceramics, and a variety of craftwork.

What's the most inspiring part of your job?

Witnessing a guest connect with one of our exhibitions or when a student expresses how much they benefit from one of our courses.

Programs
Karen Satzman (She/Her) Vice President, Programs (626) 792-5101 x133 ksatzman@armoryarts.org About Karen At Armory Center for the Arts, I oversee all public-facing programming, from Schools and Studio to Off-Site Community and Exhibitions, and passionately believe in the power of art to transform lives. I joined the Armory in 2022, after over 20 years at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art where I grew my passion for making art accessible to all. I clearly remember my first museum field trip to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science as a 3rd grader and my wish is that everyone has the opportunity to make lasting personal connections to art. I studied Art History at UC Santa Cruz (go slugs!) and at the University of Madrid in Spain. I love slow stitching, making dioramas, family road trips, and pie. When you were growing up, what was your favorite creative activity? Making stuff. It is still my favorite thing to do. LinkedIn	Lilia Hernandez (She/Her) Director of Community Programs (626) 792-5101 x 111 lhernandez@armoryarts.org About Lilia I deeply believe that creative experiences are essential for all human beings. The sense of wonder they create heals, inspires, and contributes to individual well-being and collective quality of life. Overseeing off-site, out-of-school programming provides an opportunity to connect across communities. A background in political science and photograpy have been helpful in helping to navigate the complexities that surface when working in a multitude of settings. What do you value most? Kindness, genuine inclusiveness, head space, heart space, and creative flow.	Heber Rodriguez (He/Him) Director of Exhibitions (626) 792-5101 x 123 hrodriguez@armoryarts.org About Heber I’m a Los Angeles-based curator, cultural producer, and creative who builds community around cultural practices. I produce events, exhibitions, and performances that offer opportunities for unique and memorable social interaction. My practice is informed by my experience growing up undocumented in Northeast Los Angeles. What do you value most? I value self-determination through knowledge and skill-building the most.
Julienne Fusello (She/Her) Studio Director (626) 792-5101 x 131 jfusello@armoryarts.org About Julienne I grew up in San Francisco and moved to Los Angeles in 2012 to attend UCLA. I graduated in 2016 from the UCLA School of Arts & Architecture and began working at the Armory 1 week later. Outside of work, I am a painter and a ceramicist. What's the most inspiring part of your job? Being able to create impactful programming and experiences for students of all ages.	Joe Sanchez (He/Him) Community Programs Coordinator (626) 792-5101 x 120 jsanchez@armoryarts.org About Joe I have been a Teaching Artist in the Armory's studio and community-based arts education programs since 2012. Los Angeles-based artist, I earned my B.F.A. in California Institute of the Arts’ Photography and Media program; my current creative practice also includes photography, illustration, and graphic design.	Alheli Tostado (She/Her) Visitor and Volunteer Manager (626) 792-5101 x 121 atostado@armoryarts.org About Alheli I studied Anthropology and Art History at UCLA, worked at the Hammer Museum after graduation, and have now been at the Armory for 4 years. I enjoy reading, cooking, and gardening in my personal time. What do you value most? Time.
Janeth Aparicio Vazquez (She/Her) Project Coordinator / Curatorial Assistant japaricio@armoryarts.org About Janeth I am an artist and arts administrative worker from Los Angeles that has supported many art spaces in Los Angeles and Mexico, including Armory Center for the Arts, Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions, Lagos Galeria y Residencias, and 356 Mission. I received a BA in studio art from Occidental College. My work has been most recently exhibited at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. What do you value most? I value connectedness to and respect for the land! Website	Shoop Rozario (They/Them) Public Programs Associate (626) 792-5101 x 129 srozario@armoryarts.org About Shoop I am a recent graduate of Scripps College where I studied Social Movements. I’ve had the pleasure to be a part of and learn from a range of social justice centered organizations and collectives, including, Visual Communications, Farm2Power, United Cambodian Community of Long Beach, Materials & Applications, and Center for the Study of Political Graphics. I am now super grateful to be at the Armory as the Public Programs Associate! I am also an artist whose work is often in partnership with the community to center storytelling, build relationships, and share community + ancestral knowledge. In my free time I am a line cook, hiking to waterfalls, learning new crafts, foraging, playing video games, and parenting my puppy. What is something you would love to learn? I would love to deepen my knowledge of wildlife identification!	Aidan O’Connor (She/Her) Assistant to Programs aoconnor@armoryarts.org About Aidan I can often be found in the front office, supporting studio class check-ins, helping gallery visitors, and assisting with schools program. If you can't find me there, I might be deep in conversation about where to find the best vegan treats in LA. I'm a graduate of Columbia College Chicago where I majored in Comedy Writing and Performance. I now perform at various theaters throughout LA! I'm so grateful to be a part of the Armory team! When you were growing up, what was your favorite creative activity? Growing up my favorite activity was dancing. It fills my soul with so much joy and gets me out of my overthinking head. Website
Danielle Hill (She/Her) Exhibition Coordinator (626) 792-5101 x117 dhill@armoryarts.org About Danielle I am a Cleveland-born artist and arts manager based in Pasadena, CA. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Arts Management and Entrepreneurship from Baldwin Wallace University in 2019 and a Master of Arts in Arts Management from Sotheby’s Institute of Art at Claremont Graduate University in 2020. My background is in arts management, development, and collective, community-based arts engagement. I worked at Mayfield Senior School as the Development Coordinator and ZEAL Co-op as the Studio Incubator Program Manager. In my arts management practice, I collaborate with collectives and organizations that invest in the thriving of Black artists of the diaspora. Since moving to California, I developed a love of nature, especially mountains, and often paint and photograph candid moments of loved ones interacting with the world around them. In my free time, I can be found drawing or painting, reading a book, visiting art events, planning spontaneous road trips, or “mountain watching” with friends. What is something you would love to learn during your time at the Armory? I would love to learn how to develop film in the darkroom. Website \| Instagram	Layne Harris (He/Him) Lead Visitor Services Associate lharris@armoryarts.org About Layne Born and raised in Southern California, I am an ArtCenter College of Design Alumni (BFA 2022) and began working at the Armory as an intern in 2021. Since then I have found myself as a permanent member of the team and had the pleasure of working with a cast of amazing staff including administrators and teaching artists. Outside of work, I am an exhibiting studio artist with a focus on painting and drawing, and when I'm not working on art you'll find me practicing with my guitar or playing games with friends! What is something you would love to learn? I've just started learning the guitar, which is something I've wanted to do since I was a kid. I'm still super early in the process, so I would still consider it as something I'd love to learn! Website \| Instagram	Virginia Lopez-Anido (She/Her) Visitor Services Associate vlopez-anido@armoryarts.org About Virginia I'm a practicing artist with a deep interest in community-based art spaces and local museums. My work is drawn to cyclical acts of making that often celebrate material traces and hand-made forms. I studied art at Bard College and I've been awarded artist-in-residencies at La Térmica Centro Cultural (Málaga, ES) and Fundación Antonio Gala (Córdoba, ES). I've been involved in artist studios and art spaces for many years as an assistant and collaborator in New York and Los Angeles. I'm excited to join the Armory team as a new VSA! Interwoven with this all, I like to make with my sewing machine, see art, be by water, go camping, and ride my bike! When you were growing up, what was your favorite creative activity? As a kid, I loved making fairy houses in the woods. Website
Julia Aguila (She/Her) Visitor Services Associate jaguila@armoryarts.org About Julia Born and raised in the Philippines, I am a painter with a deep interest in exploring Filipino culture through family. My heritage, as well as the stories of my family and relatives who have passed, are frequent subjects in my paintings, prints and photographs. I am also an '23 Alumni of the Art Program at the California Institute of the Arts. I began working at the Armory Center for the Arts as a Getty Intern in the summer of 2023, and I have also worked previously as a Curatorial Intern at the Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater. Outside of my role as a VSA, I enjoy watching lots of tv, playing video games, drawing, eating, and also sleeping. What are your future aspirations? Become a successful painter, live overseas and travel, hopefully teach, and can support many pets. Linkedin \| Instagram

Programs

Karen Satzman (She/Her)
Vice President, Programs

(626) 792-5101 x133
ksatzman@armoryarts.org

About Karen
At Armory Center for the Arts, I oversee all public-facing programming, from Schools and Studio to Off-Site Community and Exhibitions, and passionately believe in the power of art to transform lives. I joined the Armory in 2022, after over 20 years at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art where I grew my passion for making art accessible to all. I clearly remember my first museum field trip to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science as a 3rd grader and my wish is that everyone has the opportunity to make lasting personal connections to art. I studied Art History at UC Santa Cruz (go slugs!) and at the University of Madrid in Spain. I love slow stitching, making dioramas, family road trips, and pie.

When you were growing up, what was your favorite creative activity?
Making stuff. It is still my favorite thing to do.

Lilia Hernandez (She/Her)
Director of Community Programs

(626) 792-5101 x 111
lhernandez@armoryarts.org

About Lilia
I deeply believe that creative experiences are essential for all human beings. The sense of wonder they create heals, inspires, and contributes to individual well-being and collective quality of life. Overseeing off-site, out-of-school programming provides an opportunity to connect across communities. A background in political science and photograpy have been helpful in helping to navigate the complexities that surface when working in a multitude of settings.

What do you value most?
Kindness, genuine inclusiveness, head space, heart space, and creative flow.

Heber Rodriguez (He/Him)
Director of Exhibitions

(626) 792-5101 x 123
hrodriguez@armoryarts.org

About Heber
I’m a Los Angeles-based curator, cultural producer, and creative who builds community around cultural practices. I produce events, exhibitions, and performances that offer opportunities for unique and memorable social interaction. My practice is informed by my experience growing up undocumented in Northeast Los Angeles.

What do you value most?

I value self-determination through knowledge and skill-building the most.

Julienne Fusello (She/Her)
Studio Director

(626) 792-5101 x 131
jfusello@armoryarts.org

About Julienne
I grew up in San Francisco and moved to Los Angeles in 2012 to attend UCLA. I graduated in 2016 from the UCLA School of Arts & Architecture and began working at the Armory 1 week later. Outside of work, I am a painter and a ceramicist.

What's the most inspiring part of your job?

Being able to create impactful programming and experiences for students of all ages.

Joe

Joe Sanchez (He/Him)
Community Programs Coordinator

(626) 792-5101 x 120
jsanchez@armoryarts.org

About Joe
I have been a Teaching Artist in the Armory's studio and community-based arts education programs since 2012. Los Angeles-based artist, I earned my B.F.A. in California Institute of the Arts’ Photography and Media program; my current creative practice also includes photography, illustration, and graphic design.

alheli se2

Alheli Tostado (She/Her)
Visitor and Volunteer Manager

(626) 792-5101 x 121
atostado@armoryarts.org

About Alheli
I studied Anthropology and Art History at UCLA, worked at the Hammer Museum after graduation, and have now been at the Armory for 4 years. I enjoy reading, cooking, and gardening in my personal time.

What do you value most?

Time.

janeth se2

Janeth Aparicio Vazquez (She/Her)
Project Coordinator / Curatorial Assistant

japaricio@armoryarts.org

About Janeth
I am an artist and arts administrative worker from Los Angeles that has supported many art spaces in Los Angeles and Mexico, including Armory Center for the Arts, Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions, Lagos Galeria y Residencias, and 356 Mission. I received a BA in studio art from Occidental College. My work has been most recently exhibited at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History.

What do you value most?

I value connectedness to and respect for the land!

Website

shoop

Shoop Rozario (They/Them)
Public Programs Associate

(626) 792-5101 x 129
srozario@armoryarts.org

About Shoop
I am a recent graduate of Scripps College where I studied Social Movements. I’ve had the pleasure to be a part of and learn from a range of social justice centered organizations and collectives, including, Visual Communications, Farm2Power, United Cambodian Community of Long Beach, Materials & Applications, and Center for the Study of Political Graphics. I am now super grateful to be at the Armory as the Public Programs Associate! I am also an artist whose work is often in partnership with the community to center storytelling, build relationships, and share community + ancestral knowledge. In my free time I am a line cook, hiking to waterfalls, learning new crafts, foraging, playing video games, and parenting my puppy.

What is something you would love to learn?
I would love to deepen my knowledge of wildlife identification!

aidan se2

Aidan O’Connor (She/Her)
Assistant to Programs

aoconnor@armoryarts.org

About Aidan
I can often be found in the front office, supporting studio class check-ins, helping gallery visitors, and assisting with schools program. If you can't find me there, I might be deep in conversation about where to find the best vegan treats in LA. I'm a graduate of Columbia College Chicago where I majored in Comedy Writing and Performance. I now perform at various theaters throughout LA! I'm so grateful to be a part of the Armory team!

When you were growing up, what was your favorite creative activity?

Growing up my favorite activity was dancing. It fills my soul with so much joy and gets me out of my overthinking head.

Website

Danielle Hill (She/Her)
Exhibition Coordinator

(626) 792-5101 x117
dhill@armoryarts.org

About Danielle
I am a Cleveland-born artist and arts manager based in Pasadena, CA. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Arts Management and Entrepreneurship from Baldwin Wallace University in 2019 and a Master of Arts in Arts Management from Sotheby’s Institute of Art at Claremont Graduate University in 2020. My background is in arts management, development, and collective, community-based arts engagement. I worked at Mayfield Senior School as the Development Coordinator and ZEAL Co-op as the Studio Incubator Program Manager. In my arts management practice, I collaborate with collectives and organizations that invest in the thriving of Black artists of the diaspora. Since moving to California, I developed a love of nature, especially mountains, and often paint and photograph candid moments of loved ones interacting with the world around them. In my free time, I can be found drawing or painting, reading a book, visiting art events, planning spontaneous road trips, or “mountain watching” with friends.

What is something you would love to learn during your time at the Armory?
I would love to learn how to develop film in the darkroom.

Website | Instagram

Layne Harris (He/Him)
Lead Visitor Services Associate

lharris@armoryarts.org

About Layne
Born and raised in Southern California, I am an ArtCenter College of Design Alumni (BFA 2022) and began working at the Armory as an intern in 2021. Since then I have found myself as a permanent member of the team and had the pleasure of working with a cast of amazing staff including administrators and teaching artists. Outside of work, I am an exhibiting studio artist with a focus on painting and drawing, and when I'm not working on art you'll find me practicing with my guitar or playing games with friends!

What is something you would love to learn?
I've just started learning the guitar, which is something I've wanted to do since I was a kid. I'm still super early in the process, so I would still consider it as something I'd love to learn!

Website | Instagram

Virginia Lopez-Anido (She/Her)
Visitor Services Associate

vlopez-anido@armoryarts.org

About Virginia
I'm a practicing artist with a deep interest in community-based art spaces and local museums. My work is drawn to cyclical acts of making that often celebrate material traces and hand-made forms. I studied art at Bard College and I've been awarded artist-in-residencies at La Térmica Centro Cultural (Málaga, ES) and Fundación Antonio Gala (Córdoba, ES). I've been involved in artist studios and art spaces for many years as an assistant and collaborator in New York and Los Angeles. I'm excited to join the Armory team as a new VSA! Interwoven with this all, I like to make with my sewing machine, see art, be by water, go camping, and ride my bike!

When you were growing up, what was your favorite creative activity?

As a kid, I loved making fairy houses in the woods.

Website

Julia Aguila (She/Her)
Visitor Services Associate

jaguila@armoryarts.org

About Julia
Born and raised in the Philippines, I am a painter with a deep interest in exploring Filipino culture through family. My heritage, as well as the stories of my family and relatives who have passed, are frequent subjects in my paintings, prints and photographs. I am also an '23 Alumni of the Art Program at the California Institute of the Arts. I began working at the Armory Center for the Arts as a Getty Intern in the summer of 2023, and I have also worked previously as a Curatorial Intern at the Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater. Outside of my role as a VSA, I enjoy watching lots of tv, playing video games, drawing, eating, and also sleeping.

What are your future aspirations?
Become a successful painter, live overseas and travel, hopefully teach, and can support many pets.

Linkedin | Instagram

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