KOKOSART
//Artist//Designer//Educator//Community Activist
//Energy Healer//Lover of Life//
Art is an innate language that can be utilized to heal and uplift
/resume
ARIKA “KOKO” SANTOS
Los Angeles, CA
Website: www.kokosart.com
OBJECTIVE
To have a job that is fulfilling and meaningful, particularly with the arts/community with an emphasis on at risk youth and/or children with disabilities, yet not limited to any genre or audience. As an artist I wish to share my talents with the community in a healing and educational manner. Art is a language that can be utilized to heal and uplift people of all ages, genres, race, economic, or spiritual background. Art speaks and I hope to help people find their voice through art.
EDUCATION
2016-2019
State of Colorado
Colorado State Law & Colorado Board of Education
2017
Usui Reiki System
Reiki Master Certification
2013-2016
Red Rocks Community College Holisitic Health Program
Arvada/Lakewood, CO
Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Certified Reflexologist
Holistic Health- Nutrition, Crystals, Healing Touch, Yoga and more...
2009-2012
University of Hawai’I at Manoa
Honolulu, HI
B.A. Studio Art/Theatre (TYA) degree
Department of Art and Art History with a focus in Studio Art
Theatre with a focus on costume, puppetry, and youth theatre and theatre for social change
1999-2001
Santa Monica College
Santa Monica, CA
Studied Fine Art/Arts Education
*NOTE
CPR & FIRST AID Certified
WORK
2021-2023
Fortify Our Rebel Youth
(No Easy Props)
Program Director overseeing FOR Youth program in Denver, Los Angeles and Bay Area.
Financial Literacy, Arts Education, Project and Curriculum Development, Community Outreach working with at risk youth.
Job training and apprenticeship program for low income youth of color lead by facilitators that are inspiring and poc.
Grant writing, administrative organization, manage employees and schedules.
2017-2021
The Rock Center
Arts Education, Project and Curriculum Development, Community Outreach working with at risk youth.
Young Artist's Project
Peace Warriors
Board of Directors for 501c
2016-2020
Denver Public Schools
Guest Teacher & Independent Contractor
2019
The Storyteller's Project
Arts Education provided citywide, in Denver, CO. After-school programming teaching emotional intelligence and coping skills using art.
Collaborating with
Boys and Girls Club
Compass
Scholar's Unlimited
YMCA
2017
Springwood Retirement & Assisted Living Senior Community
Arts Education & Assistant Program Director
Provide arts & crafts, fine arts education, entertainment for elders.
2016
Art Garage
Denver, CO
Community Art Programs, Workshops, Culture, Classes, Parties, Art Therapy Non-Profit located in Denver, CO.
2013-2014
City and County, Denver Parks & Rec.
My Denver Youth Program
Denver, CO
Specialized Rec. Instructor working with youth citywide. My Denver, is a mayor endorsed citywide program for the youth of Denver. Duties included traveling to different sites citywide, curriculum development, promotion, teaching, hosting field trips, and community outreach with an emphasis on art, drama, dance, culture and community.
2011-2012
Kennedy Theatre -Costume Shop
University of Hawai’i at Manoa,
Honolulu, HI
Assemble costumes for shows. Hand sewing and machine.
Some experience with surger, cutting fabric, patterning, and draping.
2009-2012
Women’s Center
University of Hawai’I at Manoa,
Honolulu, HI
Various tasks
Working with programs such as SPAM (Student Parents at Manoa),
UH Manoa Children’s Center Preschool, and Bridge to Hope.
Duties included clerical, promotions, community outreach for
student parents, advocate for student advancement, and artistic consultant.
2016-1999
I.C.U (In Creative Unity)
Los Angeles, CA
Resident Artist/Youth Coordinator
Artist/Teacher/Organizer/P.A.
Managed Youth oriented projects
Murals, Art Shows, Classes, Community Outreach working directly under founder, Stash Maleski. In addition work also involved personal assistant and clerical work for founder/director. Also responsible for working and managing individual artists on various projects and campaigns with corporate sponsors and jobs.
1997-2020
K O K O S ART
Small business owner, Artist/Designer
Original art commissions, painting, drawing/illustration, sculpture, custom photography, murals, model, jewelry design, production, workshop faciliatator, prints, magnets and other gift items available.
CERTIFICATIONS
Holistic Health Practitioner Certified
Integrative Natural Healing
Reiki Master
Teach and facilitate
Light and energy healer
Reflexologist Certified and Licensed
Calm healing technique using acupressure points on hands, feet, ears.
Mindfulness
Naropa University Online Certification
AWARDS & HONORS
2015-2014
Colorado Merit Scholarship
2012-2009
Osher Scholarship recipient and interview for ad
2012
Verizon Scholarship recipient
