In recent years, The James Irvine Foundation has deepened its commitment to storytelling by commissioning a series of art-based projects that brought the work of our Leadership Award recipients to life in creative and impactful ways.
Each of the Leadership Award recipients collaborated with artists to create a project that helped them share their community’s stories, connect with people in new ways, and draw attention to the issues that matter most to them. These creative collaborations allow their messages to stand out in a crowded media landscape, using the power of art to spark conversation, inspire change, and expand the reach of their work.
Here’s a look at the projects we proudly helped bring to life:
If I Were A Teacher…
Leadership Award Recipients: Héctor Camacho Jr. and Elizabeth Baham
Participating Artist(s): Tre Borden / Co
Medium: Voice Box; Short Film
Video description: The video shows a variety of students answering the question “If you were a teacher, what would you change?”.
If I Were a Teacher is a storytelling project highlighting the voices of students, parents, and educators across California. Using the VoiceBox video booth, participants shared personal reflections on the future of education and the vital role teachers play in their communities. The project supported Reach University’s mission to expand access to teaching careers through apprenticeship-based programs, elevating stories from regions often left out of traditional pathways into education. The VoiceBox appeared at elementary, middle and high schools in San Mateo County, gathering stories from those directly impacted by California’s teacher shortage.
The resulting video is a love letter to all teachers. It affirms the dignity of the teaching profession, explores the motivations that bring people into the classroom, and reveals the quiet power of education to change lives. It reminds us that investing in teachers is investing in the future.
The GLEAM
Leadership Award Recipient(s): Brian Poth and Nick Vargas
Participating Engineer(s): Nu-Salt Laser
Medium: Laser Canon
Video description: The video shows the Visalia community gathering to see a multicolored laser beam, with commentary from various community members.
Unveiled during PRIDE Visalia 2024, The GLEAM is a laser light installation honoring the work of The Source LGBT+ Center. Inspired by the Sacramento Kings’ iconic “Victory Beam,” The Gleam reclaims this format as a powerful symbol of queer visibility, safety, and joy in California’s Central Valley, a region where LGBTQ+ representation remains deeply vital. The Gleam itself is shimmering rainbow projection in the night sky that can be seen for miles. Launched during a community reception on October 11, 2024 (National Coming Out Day), The Gleam served as the centerpiece for PRIDE weekend in Visalia, drawing community members from across the region. This project is meant to represent safety and belonging in a region where these are too often denied – The Gleam lights the way home!
Blessing of the Boats
Leadership Award Recipient(s): Blanca Meléndrez and Amina Sheik Mohamed
Participating Artist(s): Muna Malik
Medium: Metal Sculpture
Image description: The image shows a metal boat sculpture on the beach.
Produced as part of the Foundation’s recognition of 2024 Leadership Award recipients Blanca Meléndrez and Amina Sheik Mohamed, “Blessing of the Boats” was unveiled at the Refugee & Immigrant Health Summit. The UCSD Center for Community Health and community collaborators commissioned artist Muna Malik to create another iteration in her “Blessing of the Boats” series – a metal boat sculpture that travelled through San Diego, where viewers were able to write messages to the refugee and immigrant community and put them inside the boat, showing support and welcoming them. This work symbolizes the resilience of San Diego’s refugee communities, as well as a welcome celebration for them.
20th Anniversary Legacy Awards
Leadership Award Recipient(s): Michele Siqueiros
Participating Artist(s): Michiko Murakami
Medium: Awards Ceremony and Awards Sculpture
Video description: video shows highlights from the Campaign for College Opportunity, along with a description from Michiko Murakami on the creation of the Awards sculpture.
The Campaign for College Opportunity celebrated two decades of impact on California’s higher education system. To mark this milestone, the Campaign launched the 20th Anniversary Legacy Awards to honor individuals and organizations that have played a pivotal role in advancing college access across the state. Produced as part of the Foundation’s recognition of an inspiring educational leader and 2024 Leadership Award recipient Michele Siqueiros, the project showcased the Campaign’s most significant achievements while enhancing the accessibility of its policy work for the public and key stakeholders. Artist and educator Michiko Murakami collaborated with the Campaign to design a sculptural piece inspired by the oak tree—a symbol of growth, resilience, and enduring partnership. The oak motif underscores the Campaign’s deep roots and lasting commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable higher education system.
Your Vote. Your Power.
Leadership Award Recipient(s): Manju Kulkarni
Participating Artist(s): Natalie Bui
Medium: Billboard Campaign
Image descriptions: Image One: a protest for AAPI safety. Image Two: a community gathering to garden. Image Three: A woman is receiving healthcare. Image Four: A community grocery store showing several families.
AAPI Equity Alliance collaborated with artist Natalie Bui to design a campaign to celebrate AAPI resilience and civic strength. A series of images were commissioned, highlighting AAPI communities—from South Asian and Southeast Asian to Micronesian and East Asian neighborhoods—while emphasizing shared values like climate justice, economic stability, healthcare, and community safety. Through billboards, digital ads, and community materials, the campaign encourages AAPI voters to recognize their power and the impact their voices have on shaping policies.
“Your Vote. Your Power.” reminds us all of the importance of participation, representation, and standing together in the fight for justice.
Youth Art Fellowship
Leadership Award Recipient(s): Frankie Guzman
Participating Artist(s): Tre Borden / Co
Medium: Art Fellowship
Image description: The image shows The National Center for Youth Law logo.
The National Center for Youth Law (NCYL) chose to invest in a youth-led art fellowship. The Youth Art Fellowship supports formerly incarcerated youth in California through peer mentorship, creative expression, and financial support.
The pilot cohort included three youth fellows from across the state, each with lived experience in the juvenile justice system. Over a 10-month period, fellows received monthly stipends and ongoing mentorship from professional artists and mental health experts. The program featured biweekly virtual sessions, guest artist lectures, and dedicated time for reflection and creative development.
More than a traditional art project, this fellowship was designed to foster not just artistic growth, but healing, self-advocacy, and visibility—creating space for youth to lead, tell their stories, and shape the narrative around justice and transformation.