Who We Are
Teen Artists' creative Oasis was formed by young Artists who believed in creativity, community, and collective action. Since its inception, t.a.c.o. Has provided exhibition experiences and amplified the voice of youth to build successful collaborations with organizations throughout chicago. Our team is devoted to providing places where young Artists can develop their talents. Get to know the young Artists leading the Oasis.
Bella Masterson
Co-founder & co-director (she/her)
Chicago, IL
Bella is an artist educator and organizer from chicago and a university of pennsylvania alumnus. Through her work, she has assisted many art and film institutions in both chicago and Philadelphia to give teens and student leaders positions in their curatorial vision and programming models.
As a co-founder of t.a.c.o., bella created opportunities for young Artists to exhibit, collaborate, and create spaces that were under their control. As a co-founder of t.a.c.o., her belief in youth leadership still influences the current values and mission of t.a.c.o.
Bella Kiser
Co-Founder & Co-Director (she/her)
Boston, MA
Bella is a 23 year old arts advocate, organizer and artist. She is currently attending Tufts University and school of museum of fine arts for a five-year joint degree.
Through her work with t.a.c.o. Youth and adult Artists, and arts organizations, she wants to challenge the conventional art historical canon and make the art world a more inclusive, equal and diverse place with more represented voices.
Nathalie
Lead Organizer (2019 – present) youth media outreach (2018 – present) (she/her)
Chicago, IL
A chicago native, nathalie goes to Francis Parker School, and sees creativity as a means to break away from expectation. Being raised in a very restrictive environment gave her perspective as a garment and creative artist.
Since joining t.a.c.o. In 2018, nathalie has enjoyed organizing events for youth led organizations, Artists, and performers. The relationships she has made through networking and outreach have given her much self-confidence and turned her into the leader she is today.
Cali
Director of media (2019–present) (she/her)
Chicago, IL
Cali is a senior at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and firmly believes that art can hold institutions accountable. She expresses this idea through satire and journalism writing inside and out of school.
If Cali isn't traveling around the city, she will probably be playing bass, making movies, or testing digital and film photographs. She also enjoys Thai food, her two black cats, coming of age films from the 1980s, sketch comedy, reading...etc.
Mikael
Visual Arts Organizer (2019–present)
He/him • they/them
Born in chicago in 2003, mikael is a visual artist at the Chicago Academy for the arts. His medium encompasses painting, sculpture, digital media, drawing.
Symbolism for social interaction, structures of society, spiritual awakening, nature life design aesthetic design mysteries of universe... Influences of surrealism avant-garde movements psychedelic aesthetics.
Nairobi
Social Media Coordinator (2019–present)
She/her
Senior at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School. Loves showing her style through fashion & visual storytelling. Finds cool things at thrift stores & resale shops all over chicago. Took AP Art History. Increased her love for arts & analytical perspective.
Favorite creative mediums; jewelry design graphic design collage mood boards on Pinterest in free time creates communities where people can connect collaborate find belonging through art.
Together, We Create the Oasis.
T.A.C.O. is an ever-growing community of artists, musicians, organizers, and advocates who work together to create opportunities and provide a supportive environment for all young creatives to grow in their chosen creative endeavors.
We thank you for being a part of our journey and for imagining with us what is possible when young people are empowered to lead the way.
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