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About Us

Artists Ink is a group of multi-dimensional artists that work in fields of Film, Photography, Creative Writing, Performing Arts, Music, Visual Arts, Web Design and more.\r\n\r\n

The goal is to create a network of artists with-in our community that share the same love, passion and appreciation for the arts and create works that are not only impactful but provide a voice to the artistic culture in our community of all kinds.

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    2012 - 2013

    Humble Beginnings

    In the fall of October 2012, a small idea was planted in our Founders mind. To create a project that inspired and uplifted the community. After much research and thinking, it was time to enlist the the help of former classmates and local artists. In January 2013 Artists Ink had it first official meeting.

  • group picture of students

    MAY 2013

    First Class

    Students from high schools through out Salinas joined us for our very first class for "A Tree in the Valley" and began the journey of developing their art and collaboratively creating a feature length film. Students attended workshops and meetings for an entire year to complete this project.

  • Fox theatre Salinas

    APRIL 2014

    ATV Premieres

    At last, all the hard work, love, and dedication paid off! "A Tree in the Valley" premieres to a sold out crowd at the Fox Theatre in old town Salinas CA.

  • Arms reaching high

    JUNE 2015

    Como La Tiera

    A special Collaboration between Counterpulse (a San Francisco based organization) and Artists Ink brought this project to the Salinas Valley. Encouraging understanding, empathy and a shift in value for women and mother Earth.

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Projects

Learn more about our recent projects.

A tree in the valley

A Tree in the Valley

como la tierra

Como La Tierra

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Our Amazing Team


Emily Morales

As a Performing Artist, Writer and Director raised in the Salinas Valley, Emily Morales has been active in the arts for the past 16 years. As the founder of "Artists Ink", Emily has directed and produced projects such as; the feature film "A Tree in the Valley", and more recently, a women's project "Como La Tierra". Throughout her career Emily has had the privilege of working with great local companies such as El Teatro Campesino, The Western Stage, Alisal Center for Fine Arts, The National Steinbeck Center, CHISPA, the Arts Council for Monterey County and more. Presently, her energy and passion for the arts has become focused on cultivating art that moves and developing young artists with the strong belief in the power of art and its ability to break down barriers and bring communities together.

Carlos Cortez "Qiensave"

Carlos Cortez is a local multi disciplinary that has worked with El Teatro Campesino for Three seasons. He started at El Teatro in La Virgen del Tepeyac as El Fraile las Casas, Lupe in 7,8ight,9, and Bartolo in La Pastorela He has also appeared in various Western Stage productions such as Zootsuit, Luna, Mexican Christmas carol, September Shoes, Sunsets and Margaritas, Skin of our teeth, and many more. Carlos is also a singer songwriter for the band Qiensave his music can be found on line.

Iris Rivas

Iris is an artist of many talents. Her passion in art has led her to dabble in several different medium such as, Photography and Graphic Design. She also has a unique interest and talent in Mexican Sugar Skull sculpting. After graduating from Alisal High School she attended Hartnell Community College where she obtained her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts: Arts and Design. While attending Hartnell Community College, Iris was gratefully awarded the opportunity to study art and art history abroad in Italy through Hartnell's "Boronda International Study Program". Upon graduating Hartnell she further continued her education at San Jose State University. She is currently studying for her Bachelors in Graphic Design and is also pursing a degree in Art Education. Iris is excited to be giving back to her community and teaching the wonderful world of Art to the talented young constituents of Salinas, California through her work with Artists Ink.

Dante Carballo

Dante is a multi-talented artist, who has a background of over 10 years in theatrical and musical experience. His work is largely in underscoring music and sound editing. Dante studied musical composition at Hartnell College. He has been studying piano since the age of 11 and the guitar since the age 14. Dante has worked in various productions, performing and composing with companies such as, El Teatro Campesino, collaborating in the musical compositions of shows such "The Fascinatrix". He was the Musical Director for Watsonville High School's production of "Blood Wedding" and has performed for the "Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara". He also studied in Spain as a chef and is now a "Foods and Beverages Professional Associate". Dante is excited to take the next step in his diverse career, working with "Artists Ink." and contributing to his community with a project just as multi-dimensional as he is.

Daniel Ibarra

Daniel Ibarra is a life long resident of Salinas California. For the past 5 year he has pursued his interest in Graphic Design and has created logos, T-shirt designs, informational brochures, flyers and websites for different non-profit organizations, churches, and politicians in his community. He is an experienced drummer and is excited to share his love of the arts with a younger generation. Currently he is a Computer Science student at California State University Monterey Bay and is a freelance Web Design and Graphic Design artist.

Emily Morales

Emily Morales

Performing Arts and Creative Writing

Carlos Cortez "Qiensave"

Carlos Cortez "Qiensave"

Performing Arts, Film and Music

Iris Rivas

Iris Rivas

Photography

Dante Carballo

Dante Carballo

Music & Audio Engineer

Daniel Ibarra

Daniel Ibarra

Web Design & Development

We are always searching for artists to collaborate with and help provide them with exposure, support, and the resources to share their art and inspires our community.

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