El Tapia-Kwan
Meet El
El Tapia-Kwan (he/him/ or they/them) is an arts educator, social justice advocate, and multi-disciplinary artist living in Central Florida. He has worked with various ages and abilities in studios, community centers, detention centers, museums, and non-profits as an instructor and facilitator. While academically trained in ceramics through the Rhode Island School of Design, he is most enthusiastic about working with felt, embroidery, natural materials, metal, glass, resin, prints, and video.
As a former content creator, El is passionate about making information about mental and sexual health accessible through both language and dissemination. This passion for accessibility also plays a large role in their teaching style and ethics by considering each client’s needs and accommodations. Furthering their passion, El has worked in social service roles and taken several AATA-certified classes in Art Therapy.
As a Trans, Polyamorous, Xicanx Person of Color born and raised in a conservative, rural town in Florida, El knows first-hand the beauty and value in providing an affirming space for ostracized individuals. He strives to actively center marginalized perspectives and voices while acknowledging systems of oppression that directly affect the health of those same persons. By combining all of his personal and professional experiences, El finds fulfillment in guiding others through experiences of expression.