Ballet Folklorico Raices Mexicanas (Roots of Mexico) was founded in 2006 by Maria Valdovinos, who believed that Mexican traditional dance should continue throughout the San Joaquin County. Ballet Folklorico’s mission is to continue educating people about Mexican heritage through traditional dancing.
For more information about Ballet Folklorico Raices Mexicanas de MV, please visit www.bf-rm.org!
You may also contact Maria at Dance@bf-rm.org.
Discipline: Arts Education
Dina Thatcher
Dina Thatcher is a member of the Tracy Arts League and has been a local fused glass artist since, 2022. As a crafter, Dina wanted to explore new medias and came upon fused glass. She has a passion for learning about glass and will teach you all she knows about creating beautiful pieces using glass. In addition to fused glass, Dina love to crochet, travel, fish, and see all the latest movies.
Abraham Alvarez
Abraham Alvarez is a local artist with five years of experience in ceramics, having received his Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from UC Davis, he has a desire to teach and further his knowledge in ceramics. In his art practice he explores self-discovery and themes of the human condition through techniques that become a meditative process for him. Abraham believes that an important part of the creative process is allowing yourself to make mistakes and exploring where those mistakes can take you.
Richard Beebe
Richard has been involved with photography in excess of 40 years, including over 25 years of professional experience and skills in a variety of aspects, with 20+ years teaching, throughout in the 1980s in Livermore and at the Grand for 12+ years. Despite this strong background, he still believes he is a “work in progress.”
“I have no desire to simply sit down and rest on my laurels – I now expose more original images with both a digital camera and with smartphones consistently than I ever did with just film, continually exercising and stretching my visual experience. That’s where the fun of this image-making medium is.” – Richard
Photography remains a strong passion for Richard. He loves pushing his own visual creativity and expanding his own expressiveness further. Richard has been instructing others on the art and craft of the photographic medium since 2009 here at the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts.
* Formats – 35mm (30+ years), 6×6 square (25+ years), digital (20 years), 4×5 view camera (infrequent).
* Experience – photographer, assistant (lighting, sets, logistics, camera), instructor (classroom, field, workshops), writer/editor.
* Styles/Genres – portrait (incl fashion, figure, photojournalistic ‘environmental portraits’ – in studio & on location); landscapes, cityscapes; night imagery, b&w infrared; and abstract/expressive interpretations and photo-impressions.
* Please view examples of Richard’s photos here: Richard’s Facebook Profile.
You may contact Richard at rbphoto54@gmail.com for more information about his photography classes!
Maria Carrasco
We all have the ability to tap into our creative side. Maria’s personal belief is that it comes from the Creator. There is power and freedom in creating that brings self-awareness. Maria finds pottery as therapy aiding to mental health, healing, and creative expression that nurtures the spirit and soul.
Maria is a local artist and a member of the Tracy Art League. She is obsessed with clay; focusing on ceramic projects that blend hand-building techniques and wheel throwing to create designs that are functional and eye catching. Drawing inspiration from nature, or personal experiences that invite both contemplation and daily use. She believes each piece of pottery is telling a story, and each project is a step in writing it.
Michelle Christ
After studying Art at Weber State College in Utah, Michelle began teaching young children in all types of Art. She has taught Art at different public and private schools over the years. Each year she enters up to 150 pieces of artwork from her students into The Haggin Museum for Annual McKee Art Exhibit.
Teaching the youth has been rewarding for Michelle, and she believes her enthusiasm for creativity will allow her to continue teaching for a lifetime.
Michelle also teaches adults of every age. She has been teaching at different locations in Folsom, Sacramento, and San Joaquin County for the past 10 years. The Grand Theatre Center for the Arts is another piece of her heart as she has been part of the Art Education Programs since 2016.
Michelle lives on a river where she finds her piece of mind, inspiration, and relaxation. Fishing, swimming, hiking, kayaking, and painting by the water is a part of her daily routine.
Donna Guzman
Donna Guzman has many years of experience with ceramics with her primary interest in hand building functional and nonfunctional pieces. She believes everyone has a natural creative way to express themselves. Pottery is an art form which allows you to appreciate the beauty of nature and is very satisfying to use your own pieces in your everyday life.
You may contact Donna at dguzie209@gmail.com for information on hand building pottery classes.
Madiha Ahmed Khan
Madiha is a Textile Design graduate who merges tradition with innovation. Her work intertwines colors, textures, mediums, and storytelling to bridge art, craft, research, and design. She brings a rich spectrum of expertise spanning education, project management, research, artistry, textile design, and the preservation of crafts.
She has been curating and exhibiting her work internationally. Additionally, Madiha has taught at various Art and Design institutes and professionally worked for the Textile Industry for the last 20 years. She is an active member of the Tracy Art League. She is constantly striving to enhance her artistic and educational skills to make a positive impact.
You may learn more about Madiha and view her work on her website: https://madihaak82.wixsite.com/mahiha-khan
Senior Tuesdays at The Grand
Senior Tuesdays at The Grand
Join the Arts Education Program on Tuesdays for movement and art classes designed for active adults ages 50 and up! New and on-going activities are announced each month.
Classes take place at the Grand three (3) Tuesdays each month from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm.
- Only $6 per Tuesdays or $15 – $18 per month
- Light Hospitality
- Classes vary each month
For additional information including registration, participation, special needs and presenting senior activities at the Grand, please contact the Arts Education Program at 209-831-6276.
Senior Tuesdays is underwritten by the generous support of the Grand Foundation.
Ages: 50+
Daily Fee $6 Monthly Fee $15 – $18
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February 11, 18, 25
11:00 am – 1:30 pm
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March 11, 18, 25
11:00 am – 1:30 pm
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April 15, 22, 29
11:00 am – 1:30 pm
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May 13, 20, 27
11:00 am – 1:30 pm
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June 10, 17, 24
11:00 am – 1:30 pm
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July 8, 15, 22
11:00 am – 1:30 pm
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August 12, 19, 26
11:00 am – 1:30 pm
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September 9, 16, 23
11:00 am – 1:30 pm
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October 14, 21, 28
11:00 am – 1:30 pm
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November 18, 25 (no class 11/11)
11:00 am – 1:30 pm
Sydney Mariscal
Sydney Mariscal is a passionate ceramic artist, who been working with clay since 2014. She teaches others, including individuals with special needs and believes that everyone can find their own voices in art when speech fails. Through her work, Sydney combines creativity with compassion to create a welcoming space where everyone can explore the joy of working with clay.
Sydney is the Ceramic Technician at the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts as well as a member of the Tracy Art League. Sydney can be reached at (209) 831-6273 or sydney.mariscal@cityoftracy.org.