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The arts build health, wealth, and more livable and vibrant communities, and contributes to personal well-being.
“Equitable Creative Placemaking and Placekeeping can be a way for communities to leverage creative expression to reshape a community, reverse the systemic silencing of residents, and spur new investment.”
– Center for Community Progress, 2023
Tracey Reaves - Entrepreneur
Co-Founder, SEE CLEAR & Mon Valley Arts
With a deep love for people and community, she holds an eclectic array of professional skills in the for-profit and non-profit arenas of urban sustainability. Tracey has an uncommon perspective, and a personal responsibility to assist individuals, particularly those struggling in poverty. Her joy is found in helping people to overcome societal challenges, and to achieve their personal, creative, and business dreams.
To learn more, visit www.seeclear.org.
Curtis Reaves - Artist
Co-Founder, SEE CLEAR & Mon Valley Arts
As a believer in “All Things Creative,” Curtis is a PA Rostered Teaching Artist, and uses multi-media arts and technology, for artistic expression, social change, and empowerment with youth. His work embodies video documentaries, installations, Public Art, and the use of repurposed materials for sustainable Fine Art Photography. Curtis’ work has been exhibited at public places, museums, and galleries across the USA.
To learn more, visit www.curtisreaves.com.
Jaime Guerrero
Jaime Guerrero is a Mexican-American glass sculptor currently living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was born in Los Angeles, California in a predominantly Latino neighborhood, which helped to shape his views around race, identity, and social equity. Jaime attended California College of the Arts, in Northern California where he discovered the art of glass blowing and instantly became enamored with the process. During his glass blowing career he has been fortunate enough to work with Italian Masters such as Pino Signorretto and Checco Ongaro. These interactions helped solidify his passion for sculpting. Jaime now incorporates concepts from his upbringing into glass sculptural forms. He has received many awards and accolades. Most notable were two Saxe Fellowship Awards for outstanding artistic achievement, and most recently, his solo exhibition at the Pittsburgh Glass Center was voted top ten in Western Pennsylvania for 2019 by the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.
Website : www.Guerreroglass.com
IG: guerreroglass
Facebook: Guerreroglass
Jaime's Residencies:
STARworks, Star, North Carolina, Artist in Residence, September 2021
Popelka and Trenchard, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, Artist in Residence, May 2021
Pittsburgh Glass Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Artist in Residence, 2018-2019
Pittsburgh Glass Center, Pennsylvania, Artist in Residence, October 2018
Movimiento de Arte Y Cultural Latino Americana, San Jose, California, Artist in Residence, 2015
Bay Area Glass Institute, San Jose, California, Artist in Residence, 2009
San Jose State University, San Jose, California, Artist in Residence, 2001
Photographs by Charolette Baierl
Workshops in McKeesport since 2024
Abby Diamond
Abby Diamond is a Mon Valley resident, artist, and library worker. Holding a BFA in Studio Art from Edinboro University, Abby currently creates artwork using upcycled fabric, handmade paper collage, and relief printmaking. This artist is passionate about reuse and repair, and is always looking for better ways to create art with minimal impact on the environment. When not covered in paint or pushing a book cart, Abby can be found with hands in the dirt at the McKeesport Community Garden, or trying to befriend stray cats.
Shari Leidig Holland
Shari Leidig Holland is a local resident and art lover. In addition to her professional work in behavioral health, she has been involved in community engagement, peace and social justice work and looking for ways to grow community. She is currently on the faculty of a family medicine residency program where among other things she works to address social determinants. In her spare times she loves working at the McKeesport Community Garden and walking her dog, both which she never seems to have enough time for.
"Art When Words Are TOO Hard"
Patricia Wood – Take My Hand, Inc
CEO/Founder
I find it very uncomfortable to speak about myself and the things I have accomplished in academia and in my professional career, which spans over 30 years. I could share the challenges I've faced and horrify you with the trauma I've experienced throughout my life, but I won't do that.
What I will share is that I truly connect with every person I encounter. I can relate to the mother who feels lost when her son gets arrested and sentenced to seven years in federal prison. I empathize with the mom whose son struggles with mental health while she is trying to work through her own issues. I was that child who struggled with reading, writing, and focusing in the classroom while dealing with things no child should face, compounded by my own learning challenges. I understand their struggles deeply.
The gift I offer to those I encounter comes from a place of empathy and genuine understanding. I am an open book, eager to share my wisdom and creative energy to help anyone find even a small piece of happiness and freedom.
When I think about myself, I reflect on the words of the song TRU by Loyd.
He sings:
“This is me so please accept me for who I am. Please accept me for what I’ve done. Cause there no me without you and all I am trying to do is be TRU”.
- I am just me!
Marci Morales
Marci is a lifelong resident of the McKeesport area – born and raised here with her family’s history starting here in the early 1900’s . She is a mother and grandmother and is employed by UPMC . Marci has been involved with a number of groups in the area including the McKeesport Community Garden, the Lions Club, Tube City Renaissance, Tree Pgh tree plantings, the McKeesport Trail Commission, as well as Mon Valley Arts.
Marci cares deeply for this area and, having grown up here, remembers McKeesport when it was a hustling, bustling metropolis. She is a strong believer that the arts can truly help any area and will surely be a driver in bringing people and businesses back to this town.
Jonesse Davis
Jonesse is a creator in every sense of the word—an artist, innovator, and builder whose work spans disciplines, from theatrical special effects to dental prosthetics. Born and raised in a Caribbean household deeply rooted in the traditions of Dominica, she grew up in the quiet, historically Native American enclave of Large, PA—a patch in Jefferson Hills, though few maps capture its existence. Much like her birthplace, her artistry is expansive yet elusive, shaping spaces and experiences that often speak louder than her name. Throughout the Mon Valley and Greater Pittsburgh region, Jonesse facilitates art programs in schools, shelters, and community centers. She also supports local theater productions by developing a talent pipeline of young makeup artists bringing characters to life. Jonesse doesn’t just create—she engineers experiences, crafting everything from lifelike stage props to functional designs that redefine their purpose. Whether blending culture with creativity or promoting holistic well-being, her work leaves a lasting impact. In her spare time, you’ll find her practicing music on the guitar or savoring the calm of a loose-leaf tea ritual. Jonesse is on a mission to use the power of creativity to transform humanity.
Enrichment programs facilitated by Heartwork Wellness
www.HeartworkWellness.org
Instagram @jonesseart @Heartwork_Wellness Email: myheartworkwellness@gmail.com
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If you are interested in joining or learning more about Mon Valley Arts, please complete the survey in the link below. We look forward to connecting soon, thanks!
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