All Around Us

"I am helping fight climate change by planting these plants." - Kathy Skyes

This portrait of Kathy Sykes captures the essence of a beloved and transformative figure in the Forest Hills, DC community. In 2016, after the election of former President Trump, Kathy made the bold decision to retire from her position at the EPA and redirect her energy toward a lifelong passion—gardening. This choice was more than a career shift; it was a return to her roots, a celebration of a deep, generational connection to nature passed down through her mother and grandfather. As a Master Gardener, Kathy has dedicated herself to cultivating native species, replacing invasive, "cookie-cutter" plants with those that nurture the local ecosystem and promote biodiversity.

The portrait is steeped in symbolism, each detail reflecting Kathy’s personal journey, values, and dedication to both the environment and her community. Sunflowers—her favorite bloom—tower gracefully throughout the composition, symbolizing Kathy’s boundless energy, resilience, and unwavering optimism. The roses, drawn from the cherished garden of her grandfather, are delicately woven into the scene, honoring her family’s legacy and the profound influence they’ve had on her life.

A pair of cardinals flit across the canvas, representing Kathy's connection to those she’s lost, yet continues to communicate with, a visual reminder of the enduring bonds that transcend time. Together, these elements create a vibrant, heartfelt tribute to Kathy’s mission: to cultivate not only a thriving ecosystem but also a strong, interconnected community spirit in Forest Hills. This portrait, rich in personal and environmental symbolism, celebrates a woman who has dedicated herself to healing both the land and the hearts of those around her.

30"x40"
Oil on Canvas

"If we (Duke Ellington School of the Arts) don't exist, that means our stories are not only not told in DC, it means nationally they wont be heard. I came from Artists who didn't have access to this type of education. Now I'm fighting for it."

This portrait honors Ms. Sandi Logan, principal of Duke Ellington School of the Arts. I chose to paint Ms. Logan not only because of who she is as a leader, but because of what she represents—resilience, legacy, and the fight for access to arts education for students of color.

Duke has been my home for four years. It’s where I found my voice. But none of that happens without the people behind the scenes who hold the structure up. Ms. Logan is one of those people. Her story is filled with sacrifice, vision, and strength, traits that have shaped the culture of Duke as a sanctuary for young artists.

This piece was created shortly after a moment of political uncertainty, and during our interview and photo shoot, Ms. Logan carried the weight of that uncertainty. Her expression in the painting is serious—grounded—because she was grieving, thinking deeply about the future of the school, its students, and the very mission she’s committed her life to. That emotional truth was important for me to capture.

The painting is full of symbolism. The backdrop is rich with Adinkra symbols and storytelling patterns, specifically the Sankofa bird, which means “To retrieve the past”: a powerful call to honor the past in order to build the future. Ms. Logan told me that when she thinks of Duke, she often thinks of her grandmother, a talented visual artist who won an art school contest in the 1950s but was never allowed to attend. This painting is also for her; For every dream deferred, and every student who now walks through our doors as a result of that legacy.

Above her head, you’ll see the Duke Ellington building, like a crown. Not for power, but for protection, purpose, and pride.There’s a snake in the lower left corner, a visual metaphor for the systems of oppression and racism that many of us face. But standing in defiance of that is Ms. Logan: grounded, unshaken, draped in a bold, radiant pattern that speaks to her heritage and strength. Behind her composure is centuries of resistance. This enduring fight that we continue to fight is embodied by the tiger in the lower left corner. It is a symbol of power, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of our communities. This painting is a tribute. Not only to celebrate Ms. Logan's story but a “Thank You” from me to Ellington. This is my goodbye to Duke Ellington School of the ArtsThis portrait honors Ms. Sandi Logan, principal of Duke Ellington School of the Arts. I chose to paint Ms. Logan not only because of who she is as a leader, but because of what she represents—resilience, legacy, and the fight for access to arts education for students of color.

Duke has been my home for four years. It’s where I found my voice. But none of that happens without the people behind the scenes who hold the structure up. Ms. Logan is one of those people. Her story is filled with sacrifice, vision, and strength, traits that have shaped the culture of Duke as a sanctuary for young artists.

This piece was created shortly after a moment of political uncertainty, and during our interview and photo shoot, Ms. Logan carried the weight of that uncertainty. Her expression in the painting is serious—grounded—because she was grieving, thinking deeply about the future of the school, its students, and the very mission she’s committed her life to. That emotional truth was important for me to capture.

The painting is full of symbolism. The backdrop is rich with Adinkra symbols and storytelling patterns, specifically the Sankofa bird, which means “To retrieve the past”: a powerful call to honor the past in order to build the future. Ms. Logan told me that when she thinks of Duke, she often thinks of her grandmother, a talented visual artist who won an art school contest in the 1950s but was never allowed to attend. This painting is also for her; For every dream deferred, and every student who now walks through our doors as a result of that legacy.

Above her head, you’ll see the Duke Ellington building, like a crown. Not for power, but for protection, purpose, and pride.There’s a snake in the lower left corner, a visual metaphor for the systems of oppression and racism that many of us face. But standing in defiance of that is Ms. Logan: grounded, unshaken, draped in a bold, radiant pattern that speaks to her heritage and strength. Behind her composure is centuries of resistance. This enduring fight that we continue to fight is embodied by the tiger in the lower left corner. It is a symbol of power, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of our communities. This painting is a tribute. Not only to celebrate Ms. Logan's story but a “Thank You” from me to Ellington. This is my goodbye to Duke Ellington School of the Arts.

36"x48"
Oil on Canvas

"Simply put, education is power; and those in power don't want all to be educated. Education allows for critical thinking, and it starts at birth. That's my activism, in early childhood education."

This painting is a portrait of my mom. She’s an early childhood educator, and someone I admire more than anyone. I wanted to honor her story—where she came from, what she’s had to fight for, and what she continues to stand for. She grew up in a poor family in Mexico, and through strength, resilience, and education, she built a life where she now gives so much of herself to others.

She’s wearing a traditional huipil and a white skirt to show her cultural roots—something she’s always been proud of and has taught me to be proud of. Behind her is a fabric with birds and tree branches, symbolizing growth, freedom, and the future—because that’s what she brings to children every day through her work. The birds also represent her students—each one taking flight because of her. Not only that but owls are seen through cultures to be the sign of education. If there’s one message my mom wants to get out it’s that Education is Power. From her own words “Simply put, education is power; and those in power don't want all to be educated. Education allows for critical thinking, and it starts at birth. That's my activism, in early childhood education “

To the left, I included a handwritten note that says “Pay Equity.” That’s important. It speaks to the fight she’s constantly in. Early childhood educators are some of the most important people in our society, yet they’re undervalued and underpaid. People think they’re just “babysitting,” but they are laying the foundation for everything that comes after in a child’s life. My mom knows that, and she advocates fiercely for that recognition.

This piece is personal, but it’s also political. It’s about honoring my mom, but also about telling a larger story—one about access, justice, and how education has the power to lift people up. My mom is living proof of that.

36"x48"
Oil on Canvas