Designated Exceptional Services for Independence

❗️ Artist Announcement❗️
Rooted in nature and driven by creativity, her art reflects the beauty of animals and the world around her, and is expressed through her unique perspective. Drawing and storytelling are her main forms of expression, allowing her to bring imagination, characters, and new worlds to life, often inspired by her love of Pokémon and character-driven, cartoon-style work. Influenced by marine life and, more recently, astronomy, her work reflects a deep curiosity and appreciation for both the natural world and the universe beyond. She is currently developing her skills through a freehand drawing class at Rio Hondo, where she continues to grow in confidence and creativity as an artist.

❗️ Artist Announcment❗️
Raised and currently living in the Los Angeles County, Evasofia Hernandez’s creative process involves exploring various mediums, primarily oil paints on canvas. For a more in-depth exploration of her portfolio and artistic endeavors, you can connect with Evasofia on Instagram , where the ongoing evolution of her creative narrative is showcased.

❗️ Artist Announcement❗️
Meet Elise Duarte, owner of Unleashed by Elise!
Unleashed By Elise is the home of certified makeup and hair artist, Elise Duarte. Dedicated to bringing her passion for beauty to every project. A graduate of the Advanced Hair and Makeup program at Michael Vincent Academy, Elise has honed her skills through extensive training and practice. With 5 cosmetic certificates and a keen eye for detail, she specializes in creating customized looks for special occasions, everyday glamour, and everything in between. Based in Los Angeles, Elise travels to bring her expertise to you. Her services include bridal makeup, event makeup, editorial shoots, and personalized lessons, all delivered with meticulous attention to hygiene and a collaborative spirit.

"Let's work together to create a look that elevates and enhances your natural beauty!"

❗️Artist Announcement❗️
Karen Sachs began painting 30 years ago after moving into her first apartment. Unable to find what she thought would be the "perfect" painting, she took matters into her own hands. Soon paint exploded onto the canvas in a fantasy of color, forms, and textures. Electric in its vibrancy, no color left unexplored. She feels color can carry emotion and uses this as a foundation for her art. Her focus is with her portraits, capturing the essence of the human experience and exposing the parts of ourselves we keep hidden. While the animal pieces remind us how much we can learn from our furry friends. The abstract compositions are Karen's most robust presentation of openness and free-flowing creativity when she is a conceptual artist only complimented by her nature-themed canvases, which explore the beauty of life through color. She is always having fun playing and has opened herself up to new opportunities to express herself. Karen has added glass mosaic, oil pastels, and pottery to her repertoire. With a group of other talented and creative souls worldwide, Karen has also contributed images to the adult coloring book "Super Soul Flow," the Elephant Love postcard set, and has a chapter in "Recipes for Living: A coloring Journal for Healthy Living in Body, Mind & Spirit." Karen has an article featured in Voyage LA Online Magazine. She has won over ten awards over the years for her artwork. She is a member of the Burbank Art Association, The Fine Arts Federation, and The Holistic Chamber of Commerce. You can find her work hanging in private collections as well as television shows "Undeclared," "Kingpin" and the feature film "Guarding Eddy." Karen is passionate about being creative and has once said, "Imagine how your formerly "blank canvas" life can be if you splash it with your expression and play. Permit yourself to express - have fun - explore you - to share your essence with the world."

Artist Announcement❗️
Meet our next featured artist at the D.E.S.I Arts Showcase!

Roman Castro is a percussionist, educator, and community builder whose lifelong devotion to music has shaped not only his artistry but his calling to serve others through the power of rhythm. Born with an ear for the beat, Roman began playing drums at the age of 14, discovering early on that music was more than a skill — it was a language for connection.

Driven by that conviction, Roman pursued formal training at the Los Angeles College of Music, where he deepened his technical foundation and expanded his musical vocabulary. That education gave him the tools to grow as a performer, but it was his heart for people that defined the direction of his journey.

Over the years, Roman has channeled his passion into one-on-one drum instruction, working personally with students to build confidence, coordination, and a genuine love for music. His teaching style is rooted in patience and encouragement, meeting each student where they are and nurturing their individual growth. Whether working with a beginner picking up sticks for the first time or someone looking to sharpen their skills, Roman brings the same dedication and joy to every lesson.

Perhaps the most distinctive thread in Roman’s musical life is his work leading drum circles within the broader community. He has facilitated these gatherings for a wide range of participants, including disabled individuals and the elderly, using rhythm as a shared space where everyone is welcome, every beat counts, and no experience is required. For Roman, the drum circle is not a performance — it is a gathering place, a leveler, and a reminder that music belongs to everyone.

Today, Roman continues to serve as a drummer on the worship team at II Adam Ministries in La Puente, California, where his gifts are offered in the spirit of faith and fellowship. His presence at this art show represents a full expression of who he is — an artist, a teacher, and a man who believes deeply in the community that music can build.