Artfulchange is a collaboration of artists and environmentalists. We seek to construct thoughtful alliances in hopes of solving some of the world’s most pressing environmental problems. We utilize the arts as a catalyst for social change. Our aim is to provide opportunities to everyone to incorporate activism into their lives in the framework we have constructed.
Our main objectives
Our two main objectives are awareness and action. To achieve these goals, we will integrate these voices into a meaningful, engaging dialogue
Artists have the talent to convey in a manner that is unparalleled. Their ideas are both innovative, and compelling. It is undeniable that by utilizing the capacities of artists, we can establish a powerful invitation for environmental change.
Environmentalists provide the intelligence and expertise behind our goals. They are the roots of our foundation. We use their knowledge to infuse the arts with a greater purpose and propel ordinary people to a higher awareness.
The youth will not only inherit our future, they will be the leaders. We cannot fight for our earth without considering its future inhabitants. We want to make certain they are equipped for the future and instill them with hope, imagination, and optimism. We will provide them with the creative tools to tackle our environmental problems.
Everyone that has ever said to themselves, “What can I do to help?” They are the most vital part of this alliance. Our goal as an organization is to change the mindset of this very population. We want to inspire hope and initiative by deconstructing the wall that has always separated them becoming involved.
Get Involved: If Artfulchange speaks to you, we encourage you to contact us to learn more about our organization and how we can work together to promote positive social and environmental change.
The team
-
Jay Trainer
Founding DirectorA singer and songwriter with a deep respect for life and the planet we live on, Jay Trainer created Artfulchange to bring two of his passions together.
As the Founding Director for Artfulchange, Jay sets the mission and vision of the organization, raises funds, and coordinates events. He works diligently to find non-profit sponsors whose work Artfulchange can support. In addition, he is responsible for the design and up keep of the Artfulchange.org site.
Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Jay found his home - spiritually and musically - in San Francisco. Growing up immersed in the blues, soul and classic rock of the late 60's and 70's, he's translated that into a musical style all his own.
In addition to shows across the Bay Area, including many Artfulchange events, Jay's thick, prolific guitar riffs and stark lyricism can be heard on his new album, Of the Sun.
-
Hieu Ngo
Director,
Artist RelationsHieu is a social scientist and photographer with a deep interest in social justice issues and working toward environmental justice is one of her many passions.
As a social science researcher with a Masters in Public Health, Hieu has over 10 years of experience with conducting research through personal interviews, focus groups, and surveys with women and men in issues affecting them namely HIV, reproductive health, violence, health care access, discrimination, culture, and family relationships. These works gave her participants a voice by telling their personal stories and struggles.
As a photographer, Hieu is adding another dimension to her work - providing a visual story. As a Director of Artist Relations, Hieu is responsible for finding and recruiting to local artists and volunteers to join Artfulchange.
-
Jennifer Chen
Manager,
Environmental StrategyJennifer is an environmentalist and activist. Her experience and education in the environmental field has lead her to be a strong advocate for issues such as clean energy, green jobs, and eco-equity.
As an undergrad at Ithaca College, Jennifer worked as a Campus Organizer and Coordinator for Resource and Environmental Management Projects. Since then, she has worked for organizations such as the Energy Action Coalition and Greenpeace USA. She is now a Environmental Outreach Specialist for San Francisco Community Power, a local environmental non-profit based in San Francisco, California.
As the Manager of Environmental Strategy, she is responsible for lending her expertise on the environmental front of Artfuchange projects.
-
Jennifer Takahashi
Manager,
PR & Marketing StrategyAs marketing and PR expert, Jennifer brings great ideas and creativity to the group. Working with Artful Change, she intends to reach the people that are interested in making an impact.
Jennifer has been a part of the marketing teams for SPIN, Paramount Booking, and is a key contributor to several Bay Area social scenes.
Jennifer has a natural understanding of how social media functions. Responsible for all online marketing, developing and fostering many offline partnerships and promotional events, Jennifer also champions many of the causes that Artfulchange works to benefit.
-
Scott James
Marketing StrategyScott James is a green writer and social media strategist living in San Francisco. In his free time he enjoys good conversation, good coffee, and exploring the restaurants and neighborhoods of the city.
He worked for 7 years as an outdoor guide and teacher throughout the western hemisphere- his connection to and love for the environment were born here, as was his passion to do something about it.
You can find him online @ecoscott
-
Lisa Greyson
Online MarketingLisa is a singer/songwriter who has been involved with music since the age of four. She is very excited to be part of an organization that focus both on music and environmental change.
Lisa has been promoting bands around the bay area both by being part of street teams and handling online promotion for the past three years. In doing so she has been able to meet and work with many talented local artists.
While attending UC Berkeley Lisa helped raise money for, promote, and run events such as student film festivals and awareness nights for the Invisible Children organization.
-
Jenna Jayroe
Editorial DirectorAs a writer and editor, Jenna knows the power of the written word. Working with Artfuchange, she hopes to put that power to good use.
An experienced online editor, Jenna brings a practiced eye to the copy and content on artfulchange.org. Responsible for all online content, event copy and press releases, Jenna also helps coordinate and host events. She also makes cupcakes.
From an early fascination with fairies and elves and princesses, Jenna's writing has evolved into a much darker and more interesting place. She's published several short stories online, and she's currently hard at work on her first full-length novel, Shift, an urban fantasy set in San Francisco.