FOUNDER

Emily McEwan-Upright tax whiz by day, arts champion by night. Founder of 1202 Contemporary and 6th Street Studios, Emily weaves creativity into Gilroy's fabric, fostering artistic growth and community engagement through vibrant exhibitions, workshops, and residencies. Passionate about making art accessible to all, she tirelessly advocates for funding and partnerships, leaving a lasting mark on Gilroy's cultural landscape.

DIRECTOR

Paula Giannoni is a first-generation college graduate. With a BA in Sociology with a concentration in Community Change, she brings 12+ years experience in community engagement and management. Growing up with limited resources and mentors, she has made it her mission to be part of an organization that provides youth empowerment and development opportunities. With art being universal, she strives to bring our art center to the youth who need it the most, and be witness of the spark art can bring to every youth.

STUDIO MANAGER

Johnathan Geronimo, a lifelong artist specializing in mixed media painting, has dedicated the past 6 years to education across diverse settings and age groups, including alternative, special, and general education. He is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Integrative Psychology at National University, with aspirations to integrate his studies into his future artistic pursuits. Passionate about fostering creativity and emotional growth in both his students and his artwork, Johnathan looks forward to bridging psychology and art to enrich his community.

Marketing | Graphic Design

Born in the South Bay, Cristy Aguilar is a multimedia artist and designer with experience as a graphic designer, illustrator, web designer, and more. She is the current Marketing + Graphic Designer at 1202 Contemporary, 6th Street Studios & Art Center, as well as The Clove Art Complex. A San José State University alumni with a BFA in Digital Media Art, Aguilar has been working with 6th Street Studios & Art Center since 2022.

Marketing | Graphic Design Intern

As a graphic designer, Simas aims to bring stylish art into a functional reality, blending creativity with purpose. Simas' journey in design has been shaped by a deep passion for visual storytelling and a dedication to transforming ideas into striking, usable designs. When not immersed in design projects, Simas can be found gaming, drawing, or experimenting with screenprinting, always seeking new ways to express artistic vision. Simas approaches each challenge with a focus on both aesthetics and practicality, striving to create designs that are both beautiful and meaningful.

Instructor

Born and raised in Gilroy, CA. Rhyan Maldonado is a photographer with experience in photographing portraits, concerts, and products. A San Jose State University alumni with a BFA in Photography, Rhyan founded her own music magazine in 2022, working with various artist, musicians, and more.

Volunteer & Instructor

Anika Mathewson is a trained accountant, working in a tax firm for 4+ years and offers her services to help with the Studios office and accounting needs. She is a fiber artist with over ten years of experience. She leads and assists in creative projects at the Studios.

Board Member

Federico Saldana, a Gilroy native, serves as the Ceramics teacher at Gilroy High School within Gilroy Unified School District. With a Bachelor of Arts in film from San Francisco State and teaching credentials from San Jose State, he has dedicated 19 years to education. Federico's passion for art began in his youth, inspired by clay and drawing, and grew through formal art classes at Gilroy High. Now teaching in the same classroom where his artistic journey started, he strives to enrich Gilroy with more art and community art experiences.

Event Coordinator/Instructor/Board Member

Hortencia, an artist and graphic designer for over 8 years, draws inspiration from her Latinx heritage, infusing cultural emotions into her designs. She graduated with honors in Graphic Design from the Art Institute of California (Sunnyvale) in 2015 and founded her business, Ka'laka Arts, in 2017, celebrating Día de Los Muertos through wearable art like stickers, shirts, and tote bags. You can discover her vibrant creations at pop-up events across the Bay Area and on social media.

Board Member

Jonathan Gonzalez is a dedicated Board Member at Youth Alliance and 6th Street Studios & Art Center, where he has focus on fundraising and event planning. With over 17 years of experience at Poco Solar Energy, Inc., he excels in marketing and more. His approach and commitment to community engagement are evident in their roles across both nonprofit and corporate sectors!

Board Member

Bonnie has been a Lead Speech Language Pathologist for 23 years, integrating creative curriculum and advocating for art as expressive language in therapy. Originally from the suburbs of Manhattan, she now resides in Gilroy with her husband and family, drawn to Northern California for its redwoods and outdoor adventures. They enjoy exploring nature, hiking, cozy mornings with coffee or hot cocoa, and trips to the beach together.

Volunteer Coordinator

Professional Multidisciplinary Artist with a BFA from SJSU and gallery manager at Gallery 1202, Abby has extensive experience as a preparator and installer for art exhibitions and assists with the Studios’ exhibitions. As a mentor, she volunteers at the SJSU Jewelry & Small Metal Department, helping students with their undergraduate projects. During her undergraduate study, she was President of the Jewelry & Small Metals Guild, a recognized campus organization.

Board Member

Board Member, Owner of Maria Cid Agency, Board Member of Hollister Youth Alliance, Poppy Jasper Festival, Laguna Seca Raceway, and San Benito Chamber Foundation, Gilroy Ostrich Farm, Hollister resident, San Benito County

Alberto, a contemporary printmaker and former nurse from Mexico, has lived in Hollister since 2009, following 20 years in Santa Cruz County. Despite his nursing career limiting his artistic pursuits, Alberto has rekindled his passion for printmaking post-retirement. Actively involved in the MPC Printmakers Club of Monterey, he is preparing to apply to the California Society of Printmakers while participating in group exhibitions. Alberto also volunteers at community-focused organizations, fostering a nurturing environment for personal and artistic growth.

Instructor

Julissa Pacheco is a dedicated individual born and raised in Gilroy, California. Passionate in working with adolescents, she is aspiring to pursue a degree in speech pathology. She is dedicated in maintaining a positive attitude and embarking on her journey by volunteering at the 6th Street Studios & Art Center.