Guest Educators Bios
William Ruiz
An award winning multi-instrumental percussionist. Ruiz has educated and performed internationally, and has appeared on television and radio for performances on CNN, international news, Hot 97 and WBAI. He has recorded music with Jason Caplan, Jay Rodriguez-Sierra with Batidos, Alex Lodico, and Catalyst Cultural Labs. Throughout his career, Ruiz has acquired over 100 different types of drums, and utilizes them for each event, assembly, and workshop. He continues to bring his thirty-five years of cultural drumming experience to a variety of educational facilities, campuses and rehabilitation centers.
Ray Rosario
Transitioning from the corporate sector to the art world, Ray transformed his life based on experiences, values, and global perspectives learned along the way. The world has shaped his philosophy and passion towards humanity, which in turn impacted the way he approaches all forms of art. Rosario’s actions taken in life reflect the values and art education he brings to communities.
John Scott Richardson
John Scott-Richardson is a member of the Haliwa-Saponi tribe. Maternal lineage is Nansemond/Tutelo Saponi and parental lineage is Meherrin/Tuscarora. John Scott-Richardson is an accomplished Native traditional singer, dancer, educator, and emcee. He was taught eastern woodland traditions, songs, art and dances by his elders. As a traditional Native artist, John is a cultural advisor with the North Carolina Museum of History, as a producer of music, powwows and stage performances.
Pedro Jiménez Jr.
Pedro Jiménez Jr. is a painter with an interdisciplinary art background. He received an MA in Visual Art education from Hunter college, a BFA in Illustration from the Fashion Institute of Technology and graduated from the High School of Art & Design. He has served as a teaching artist for Seeds of the League / Arts Students League, Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education, YUCA Arts, Boriqua College, YMCA, LACMA / Los Angeles County Museum of Art, BAAD! / Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance, Boogie Down Grind Café, Harlem School of the Arts and the Entertainment Community Fund. Pedro keeps a studio art practice and a relationship with drawing and painting from nature.