Ocean and E. Cliff   

Description:  Inspired by Santa Cruz County resident Nana Montgomery’s AIDS quilt panel #0114, I wanted to highlight the efforts of artists to come together to heal after experiencing loss. Nana Montgomery stated, “An enormous amount of people are dying, and an enormous amount of people are caring.” Decades later, the lives lost to AIDS are still cherished and missed. I painted this to remind the community of the importance of standing and healing together during and after a pandemic rips through the community.

Artist Bio: I am currently attending the UCSC Masters in Teaching Credential Program. Most of my current time is spent doing student teaching. I am studying to become an English and Spanish teacher and hope to teach in the area. I currently teach at Soquel high school and love seeing the utility boxes that are painted close to campus. During my free time I like to paint and enjoy the nature Santa Cruz has to offer.    

I began my journey in Santa Cruz in 2018 when I moved here from Riverside County to study literature and education. I fell in love with the artist community and came back to continue my education. Attending UC Santa Cruz was a significant change because it was the first time I was away from home and could truly be myself. I lived on the queer floor of Porter College and met many chosen family members while there. Although I was out as bisexual before, coming to Santa Cruz allowed me to be out in a way I never imagined I could back home.

Historical Context: AIDS Quilt